Wrongfully Convicted, Rightfully Exonerated: Jeffrey Deskovic’s Journey to Advocacy

In 1990, Jeffrey Deskovic was just 17 years old when his life was forever changed. Convicted of a crime he didn’t commit, Jeffrey spent 16 years behind bars despite DNA evidence proving his innocence. His wrongful conviction was the result of a coerced, false confession, prosecutorial misconduct, fraudulent testimony from a medical examiner, and an ineffective public defender. Only through the power of DNA and the dedication of advocates was he finally exonerated.

Fast forward to today: Jeffrey Deskovic, Esq., M.A., is an internationally recognized expert on wrongful convictions and a tireless advocate for justice. As the founder of The Jeffrey Deskovic Foundation for Justice, he has helped free 15 wrongfully convicted individuals and pass nine transformative laws to prevent future injustices. Under Jeffrey’s leadership, the foundation is currently working to free 13 additional innocent people while pursuing policy changes in New York, Pennsylvania, and California.


Jeffrey’s work and resilience have inspired countless people, and his story has been featured in the documentary short Conviction, available on Amazon Prime. Now, you have the opportunity to hear his story firsthand at ISHI 36 in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

A Plenary You Can’t Miss

During his plenary presentation, Jeffrey will:

  • Share his harrowing personal journey from wrongful imprisonment to exoneration.
  • Discuss how DNA technology plays a critical role in preventing and correcting wrongful convictions.
  • Highlight how analysts, organizations, and everyday individuals can contribute to the fight for justice.

This session is more than a story of survival—it’s a call to action for those working in forensic science and criminal justice to ensure that no innocent person suffers as Jeffrey did.

Join Us at ISHI 36

As a forensic analyst or supervisor, your work plays a pivotal role in the pursuit of justice. Jeffrey’s presentation will illuminate the importance of your contributions, not just in solving crimes but in safeguarding the integrity of the criminal justice system. This is your chance to gain unique insights into how DNA evidence can change lives and to be inspired by the transformative power of science in action.

Don’t miss this powerful and motivating plenary session at ISHI 36. Alongside other thought-provoking presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities, Jeffrey’s story will leave you inspired and energized to make a difference.

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