“Community trust in the justice system is essential to achieving public safety. New Yorkers must know that law enforcement is acting with the utmost integrity in the pursuit of equal justice under the law. Without that belief, our criminal justice system will fail to deliver the real and lasting safety that every community deserves.” — D.A. Bragg.
Post-Conviction Justice Unit
One of the first things D.A. Bragg did upon taking office was to create a Post-Conviction Justice Unit (“PCJU”) to review wrongful convictions and address the root causes behind them. Aligned with national best practices, PCJU is an independent unit separate from trial and appellate prosecutors. All investigations are done in collaboration with impacted individuals and their attorneys, including reviewing and analyzing evidence. PCJU takes a holistic approach to post-conviction justice, including providing services and support to exonerees and survivors, and advising the Office in best practices through trainings and root cause analyses.
We created an open and transparent process to request a review. PCJU reviews submissions from people convicted of crimes, their attorneys, and, in some cases, community members, clergy or investigative journalists. To request a review, visit manhattanda.org/pcju.
In April 2026, our Office moved to vacate the unjust conviction of Harry Ruiz, who served 25 years in state prison for a 1993 homicide. “Our thorough reinvestigation included dozens of witness interviews and in-depth document review, which uncovered new evidence that significantly undermines the case presented at trial in 1994,” said D.A. Bragg.
In 2025, our Office moved to vacate the unjust convictions of Charles Collins and Brian Boles for the murder of 85-year-old James Reid in 1994. “Charles Collins and Brian Boles served significant time in prison and suffered the devastating consequences of their unjust convictions for decades. We cannot undo the harm to their lives, but it is never too late to do what is right,” said D.A. Bragg.
In 2024, we moved to vacate the unjust murder convictions of Eric Smokes and David Warren for a fatal robbery and assault that occurred on New Year’s Day 1987 near Times Square. “Eric Smokes and David Warren lost decades of their life to an unjust conviction. I am inspired by the unyielding advocacy of Mr. Smokes and Mr. Warren and hope that today’s decision can finally bring them a measure of comfort and justice,” said D.A. Bragg.
PCJU’s first exoneration was that of Steven Lopez, who was indicted in connection with the “Central Park Five” case – now known as the Exonerated Five. D.A. Bragg personally stood in court to vacate Mr. Lopez’s conviction, stating “Mr. Lopez was charged and pleaded guilty in the face of false statements, unreliable forensic analysis and immense external pressure.” The Court agreed with D.A. Bragg’s conclusion that “a conviction based on an unconstitutional plea cannot stand.”
