Delaware Wrongful Conviction Lawyer | Free Case Consultation

Being wrongfully convicted of a crime you did not commit is a devastating experience that can leave emotional, financial, and reputational scars long after your freedom is restored. While nothing can truly make up for the time and dignity stolen from you, the law allows you to pursue damages for the harm you’ve endured. Our Delaware wrongful conviction lawyers can help.

At Cooper Elliott, our focus is on helping individuals recover compensation after they’ve been exonerated or otherwise had a wrongful conviction reversed. We’ve recovered over $700 million for people who have been injured or wronged, and we want to help you, too.

If you or a loved one were wrongfully convicted in Ohio, our Delaware civil rights lawyers are here to help you seek justice by pursuing civil compensation for the significant losses you’ve suffered.

We Can Help You Rebuild Your Life After a Wrongful Conviction Is Overturned

It’s important to clarify that Cooper Elliott does not handle the process of overturning wrongful convictions. That legal work, such as filing appeals or seeking post-conviction relief, must be completed before we can help.

However, once your conviction has been vacated, reversed, or you’ve received a pardon or exoneration, we can fight on your behalf to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Our team is committed to representing people who have been harmed by the justice system. We focus on high-stakes civil litigation and personal injury, including claims against government entities, police departments, and other institutions whose actions contributed to your wrongful conviction.

For a free legal consultation with a wrongful convictions lawyer serving Delaware, call 614-481-6000

Why You Need a Wrongful Conviction Attorney in Delaware

After years in prison or under the cloud of a conviction, it’s only natural to want to move forward. When rebuilding your life, you shouldn’t have to bear the burden of that injustice alone. Filing a civil claim allows you to:

Recover financial compensation for lost income, emotional distress, legal fees, and more
Hold wrongdoers accountable, including law enforcement officials who engaged in misconduct
Obtain a measure of justice for the suffering you endured

In Ohio, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit under federal civil rights statutes (such as 42 U.S. Code § 1983) or through a state wrongful imprisonment claim. Our Delaware wrongful conviction attorneys can help determine the right path based on the specifics of your case.

Delaware Wrongful Convictions Lawyer Near Me 614-481-6000

Forms of Compensation Available

If you were wrongfully convicted, there are several types of damages you may be eligible to collect. The compensation you may be entitled to can include:

Lost wages and decreased earning potential due to time spent in prison or lost career opportunities
Medical expenses and treatment for physical or psychological harm suffered during incarceration
Pain and suffering, including mental anguish, trauma, and emotional distress
Loss of consortium or damage to personal relationships
Punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct by police, prosecutors, or other officials

In some cases, victims of wrongful convictions have recovered millions of dollars in damages. At Cooper Elliott, we ensure your story is heard and that you receive fair compensation for what you’ve endured.

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Common Causes of Wrongful Convictions

Many factors can contribute to a wrongful conviction. Identifying the errors that were made in your case that led to your being convicted of a crime you didn’t commit can be critical for overturning your conviction and regaining your freedom.

Ineffective Legal Representation

Unfortunately, many defendants do not get the legal representation necessary to avoid a conviction for a crime they didn’t commit. While public defenders are often skilled attorneys with good intentions, the fact is that most of these legal professionals are overworked.

With case loads that are too large to be properly handled, it is common for things to slip through the cracks, and one mistake can lead to a wrongful conviction.

Errors in Forensic Science

Forensic science can be very persuasive to a jury. Unfortunately, flawed or misrepresented evidence resulting from using outdated methods or a bias in presentation can persuade the jury to believe in a truth that does not align with reality.

Misidentification by Eyewitnesses

Eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable. Unfortunately, it can also be very persuasive. Along with a fading memory of events, brief exposure to the scene, poor lighting, and identification procedures that can be suggestive often result in mistaken identification.

Witness Perjury

As well as simple mistakes, witnesses sometimes also intentionally mislead juries and judges. Witnesses may commit perjury for revenge, to protect the guilty party, or because they are being coerced.

False Confession

A problem that is far more common than most people realize is false confession. People often confess to crimes they didn’t commit due to psychological pressure, intense interrogation techniques, and coercion. Minors, people with mental impairments, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups are particularly susceptible.

Police and Prosecutorial Misconduct

Unfortunately, police and prosecutors don’t always play by the rules. Motivations range from personal bias to a desire for a quick conviction. Misconduct can include presenting false evidence, witness tampering, withholding evidence, and more.

Systemic Bias

Unfortunately, systemic bias plays a large role in many wrongful convictions. The poor and people of color are particularly vulnerable and are wrongfully convicted at a far higher rate than other groups.

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What Sets Cooper Elliott Apart

When you work with us, you’re not just another case number. We treat every client with respect, empathy, and unwavering commitment to justice. Our team brings:

Decades of litigation experience in complex civil rights and personal injury cases
A proven track record of holding government entities and officials accountable
Personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique story and the impact of your wrongful conviction
An unrelenting pursuit of justice, even when facing powerful institutions and insurance defense teams

Contact Our Wrongful Conviction Lawyers Serving Delaware, OH, Today

If your conviction has been overturned and you are ready to pursue justice and compensation for what you’ve been through, Cooper Elliott is here to help. We’re not criminal defense attorneys. We’re personal injury and civil rights lawyers who fight for those who have been failed by the justice system.

Let us help you move forward with the support, dignity, and compensation you deserve. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced wrongful conviction compensation attorneys in Delaware, Ohio.

Call or text 614-481-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

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Recent Reviews

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Gabriel Gessler

21:15 24 Jul 25

I cannot recommend Cooper Elliot enough.

I was involved in a serious car accident after just having welcoming our new son into the world.

When you are at your lowest, you remember with great detail how people treat you. Sean and his team treated me and my family with nothing but compassion, grace and care.

The stress, anxiety, and fear were only mitigated by the EXTRAORDINARY passion, care, and speed this firm operates at.

A huge thank you to Sean Alto with his incredible professionalism. I never once felt that Sean and the team at Cooper Elliot had anything other than my best interest.

Thank you Cooper Elliot for being a light during a very challenging time.

Sharon Rehl

16:34 12 Jun 25

I just closed out a case with Bart Keyes, and it was a long, but very good experience. Kim Cecil was fantastic in getting me the things that I needed to do so we could present a strong case. This was my first time ever doing something like this, and Bart's guidance was flawless. He kept me calm during the mediation process and answered all of my questions. We were on the same page, and he represented everything I needed. I would HIGHLY recommend Bart and this firm to anyone who needs representation! Thank you Bart and Kim!

Theresa Taylor

17:55 11 Jun 25

I recently had the pleasure of speaking to (Sean Alto) the Cooper-Elliott law firm and although they could not take my case they directed me to other lawyers that would be more in the wheelhouse of our case. They called me back in a timely manner and were very nice to counsel me about the facts in our case and absolutely truthful, kind and caring with me. I would definitely recommend this law firm to others. Thankful, Terri Taylor

Jennifer Krauss

19:00 09 Jun 25

Cooper Elliott is a top notch law firm that settled my daughter’s accident. The first time we met in person, Sean Alto came to meet us in my daughter’s hospital room. He has a warm demeanor, and a nice conversational tone. Throughout our discussion and setting expectations, we knew we could trust him. His approach is kind and thoughtful and he has a lot of previous experience that aided to understanding the steps our case would take. It took approximately 6 months to settle our case. We worked closely with Michael Tonovitz for catch-ups and questions. He and Kimberly Burroughs helped a great deal with explanations, patience and humanity. I couldn’t recommend a better law firm for any case more than Cooper Elliott.

Heather Stone

12:01 10 May 25

I can’t thank this legal team enough for the way they handled my case. From start to finish, they were compassionate, understanding, and truly knowledgeable in navigating such a sensitive and difficult matter. Their guidance gave me strength, and their dedication ensured a just outcome. They helped me achieve exactly what I was hoping for—justice, closure, and a sense of resolution. I’m deeply grateful for their support and expertise.

Jenna Snodgrass

22:43 23 Apr 25

I was in an accident last June. I was overwhelmed with everything I had to deal with after my accident, along with recovering. I needed legal help, so I eventually was referred to Kaela King. Her compassion, knowledge, and professionalism is what makes her the best at what she does. While going through my case she helped me advocate not only for myself but my wellbeing, and my physical health. I can’t thank Kaela and Sophie enough for all that they did to help me through a very difficult time. If you’re wondering if you should use Cooper and Elliot, you absolutely should they are amazing at walking you through the steps and helping any way that they can!

A Mape

19:05 16 Mar 25

Rex Elliott at Cooper Elliott is truly exceptional. He was the perfect balance of empathy and toughness—understanding my issue deeply while giving me unwavering confidence throughout the entire process. One of the things I appreciated most was how easy he was to reach and communicate with, always making me feel heard and supported. Thanks to his expertise, we had a resolution within just three days and received everything we asked for. I couldn’t have asked for a better advocate. Rex is simply the best! Highly recommend!

official PRODICAL

18:35 19 Feb 25

I spoke on the phone with a young lady name Tammy, an absolute angel. She was there for me emotionally through the phone after my financial crisis and she allowed me to vent and she was very supportive and understanding to me. She led me in the direction on the right ladies for my current situation and I am very thankful to have crossed paths with her. She had a sense of humor that brought my mood from down to back up and trusting faith we will get thru this. Thank you again for the motivation Tammy.

Christina Coppel

13:06 16 Oct 24

I worked with Rex and Adam along with multiple others. The team was extremely knowledgeable and transparent through my entire case to help me best understand my options. I felt supported during a very difficult time and was confident in the advice I received.

Sara Eldred

23:35 03 Aug 24

I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service provided by Sean Alto, Ben Cooper, Sommer Donnelly, and the entire team at Cooper Elliott during my personal injury case. Sean took on my case with urgency, compassion, and expertise that made a challenging time filled with uncertainty much more manageable.

Their thorough understanding of the legal process, combined with a compassionate approach, ensured that I felt supported and informed every step of the way. They fought tirelessly on my behalf, resulting in a settlement that exceeded my expectations.

I highly recommend Sean, Ben, or any of the phenomenal experts with Cooper Elliott to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney. Their commitment to their clients and their ability to achieve outstanding results truly sets them apart. Thank you, Sean and the Cooper Elliott team for your hard work and for helping me achieve justice. I couldn't imagine going through something like this with anyone else.

Michelle Clever

21:51 16 Jul 24

Attorney Kaela King is an exceptional legal professional who I wholeheartedly recommend for anyone seeking expert legal counsel. Attorney King demonstrated unparalleled dedication, expertise, and empathy.

Her deep knowledge of the law combined with her sharp analytical skills ensured that every aspect of my case was thoroughly examined and strategically handled. What truly sets Attorney King apart is her genuine care for her clients. She took the time to listen attentively to my concerns, explained complex legal jargon in a clear manner, and always kept me informed about the progress of my case.

Throughout the entire process, Attorney King exhibited a high level of professionalism and integrity. She approached each challenge with confidence and determination, consistently advocating for my best interests. Her proactive approach and meticulous attention to detail instilled a sense of confidence in me that I was in capable hands.

Thanks to Attorney King's hard work and dedication, I am immensely grateful for her support and guidance during a challenging time. If you are searching for a trustworthy and highly skilled attorney who genuinely cares about her clients, look no further than Attorney Kaela King. She is a true advocate for justice and a beacon of excellence in the legal profession.

Steven Ulry

13:47 10 Jul 24

For the most part when you need legal representation something has not gone well. You are concerned, anxiety is up, you feel low, even frightened, and there does not seem to be a light anywhere around. Thus, I am very happy that I called CooperElliott. Much of that despair began to lift, I knew I had someone behind me, in front of me, beside me, and that I was not alone. I was treated like I had been a client for forever by everyone I was in contact with and met with. A great firm that will fight for you, and that means a great deal when you need someone who will do that with you. Thank you CooperElliott.

Felix Santiago Miralles Hernandez

15:35 09 May 24

Ben good lawyer, he schedule a zoom to hear my case. Could not help me, but he answer every question i had. Help me what i need to do next, i was very helpfull. Recommended. Type of lawyer that is no looking fo the money, he really wanted to help.

Megan Frognowski

13:14 29 Apr 24

I highly recommend Kaela King. She provided efficient and effective legal consultation over the phone and via email. Her communications were clear, timely, and respectful.

Annie Lewis

18:41 23 Apr 24

I highly recommend Kaela King. She provided compassionate and supportive legal consultation over the phone that provided me with clear guidance and answers to my legal questions.

Federico Rubiano

19:47 05 Apr 24

Even though Mr. Cooper wasn’t able to take my case, he was kind enough to point me in the right direction and answer all my questions, regarding my matter. I appreciate your time!

Kim Hoover

14:54 03 Apr 24

Through the law firm Cooper Elliott, I dealt with attorney, Bart Keyes. Bart was very thorough and understood that I Had no clue of how this process would go. Bart took the time needed to help educate me on this process for a very positive outcome.
I can’t thank Bart and the staff at Cooper Elliott enough for all they have done for me. I am now able to move on with my life!

Anthony Johnson

16:51 29 Mar 24

My name is Anthony Johnson and I just spoke with Ben Cooper about a wrongful accusation case, unfortunately they don't take on cases such as these but Ben gave me some valuable information and I could tell he really was trying to help me. Very knowledgeable and a great listener. Give him all call for anything law related. Made me feel important.

Brian Hewitt

03:46 23 Mar 24

I worked with Adam Richards and his team. They were empathetic to my situation and extremely professional. I don't know what I would have done without their expert guidance and counsel. Adam really knows his stuff, and it was clear he had an excellent rapport with all who assisted in the case. Adam's communication abilities were next level. I never had to worry about getting ahold of him when needed. I know he and his team will continue to knock it out of the park for all future clients like they did for me.

Chris Sullivan

14:10 02 Mar 24

My husband, Bob and I were injured in an automobile accident in December, 2022 when someone came through a Stop sign. We contacted Cooper Elliott, and were fortunate to work with Sean Alto and Kaela King. They came to our home several times to meet us and discuss the case, and got to know us personally as well as professionally. They really care about their clients! In addition, Michael Tonovitz stayed in contact with us to keep us informed on the progress of the case, which was resolved to our satisfaction.
We highly recommend this law firm for personal injury!

Dads Specialty

14:06 15 Feb 24

Highly Recommend Jon with Cooper & Elliott firm. He was very responsive and went above and beyond to help with our situation. Can't thank him enough for everything he has done for us. He will be our "Guy" moving forward for any legal help!!

Ayesha Ansari

23:14 25 Jan 24

Excellent firm i am so glad I found cooper Elliot. My attorneys Jon and Adam helped me through the entire process

Katie Farina

15:39 21 Dec 23

I am so glad I found cooper Elliot. My attorneys Jon and Adam helped me through the entire process. After a traumatic experience in my life I was confused and in pain. They worked tirelessly to become familiar with all the details of my story and represented me in a way that made me more able to process and understand the trauma myself. This was huge for me, while there’s still healing to do, I can do that work now instead of staying in a purgatory of cognitive dissonance. They didn’t just win justice for me, they are a significant part of my healing journey. They were validating, non judgmental, honest, and knowledgeable.

Cindi Rourk

17:29 15 Dec 23

Excellent firm. The firm was referred to us for a commercial dispute. Bart Keyes is a master negotiator and kept us informed at all times. Highly recommend.

A D

16:10 08 Dec 23

Jonathan Bond handled a personal injury claim for me quickly with maximum results. He’s pleasant and enjoyable to work with, as well as compassionate. The firm handled all the legwork of getting medical records and copies of paperwork, which not all firms do. I would recommend Jonathan to anyone and would definitely go back to him if the need were to arise again.

Joe Miller

12:19 02 Sep 23

Very satisfied! We dealt with Bart Keyes who showed genuine interest in our situation. Bart was always very quick to respond when we had questions and kept us informed throughout the case. If you need legal representation for a commercial real estate dispute we highly recommend Bart and the Cooper Elliot firm!

Melanie Zook

08:42 23 Jul 23

I honestly struggle to find the words to describe how incredible this firm is, especially Jeffrey Kenny and Sean Alto. 7 years ago, my family started a journey through a nightmare. When the criminal justice system fell woefully short, Jeff agreed to take on our incredibly challenging and lengthy case, with no other reason than that it was the right thing to do, and he believed we deserved justice. There were so many times when I would have understood if they walked away, but they refused and vowed to get us the justice we deserved, and almost 7 years later, they have given my family just that. I will never, ever, forget what they have done for us. We were never just another case. They made us feel like we were their ONLY case! Thank you will never come close to the gratitude and respect I have for Jeff and Sean, as well as for Cooper Elliott. They will be superheroes in our home, forever!

CM Buzzard

15:30 21 Jul 23

Everyone from top to bottom in this company is always polite and ready to help. and no matter what is thrown their way, it's handled quickly and skillfully. Whoever represents you will show themselves to be a master in their craft. You can feel safe working with Cooper Elliott.

Matt Boaz

11:20 16 Jun 23

I would highly recommend Cooper Elliott to any of my friends and family! Chip Cooper was extremely helpful guiding me through a difficult process. Chip was patient with me and provided feedback during the process that kept me informed until the desired outcome was achieved. There were interactions with other staff of the firm (whose names I do not know) that were helpful as well, I was impressed with the entire team!

Jason Hick

06:30 17 May 23

Adam Richards is the best attorney I have ever met. He is responsive and very patient (I had a lot of questions) and he truly cares. He fought hard for me and he stands up to the bully. he is not afraid to take on anyone. Anytime I hear someone who has a legal issue I go out of my way to recommend Adam. He is unlike any attorney I have ever met. He is compassionate and he always answers his phone. There is no way I would have got the results I received with any other attorney. He was a bulldog in my case and really went to bat for me. Words cant express how grateful I am to him. His actions personally affected my life in a very positive way. He protected me in so many ways I couldn't begin to name them. It is a great feeling when you know your attorney outmatches the other party's attorney and it is obvious.

Wrongful Conviction Lawyer in Delaware