Korey Wise Innocence Project

Legislation Inside is transforming how policy is made in Colorado. Led by the Korey Wise Innocence Project, the program brings incarcerated Coloradans into the legislative process, elevating perspectives that have historically been excluded.

Each week, KWIP staff member David Carrillo facilitates conversations with participants across 13 correctional facilities. Together, they analyze bills, explore criminal justice issues, and develop policy ideas. Their work helped pass legislation in 2023 to make the program permanent.

KWIP is proud to support this first‑of‑its‑kind model for meaningful, inside‑out policy change.

Legislation Inside at CU Boulder Legislation Inside gives incarcerated individuals the opportunity to advocate for causes important to them.

“I’m still figuring out what happiness looks like now...You don’t just walk out and feel free — you walk out and start over.”

The The New York Times highlights KWIP client, Stephen Martinez’s journey from wrongful conviction to hard‑won freedom. His resilience is a testament to the strength of people who survive injustice, and a reminder of why innocence work matters. KWIP continues to walk alongside Stephen as he rebuilds his life.

What the Pursuit of Happiness Looks Like, 250 Years In We asked dozens of people how they pursue happiness, one of three inalienable rights laid out in the Declaration of Independence. A single theme stood out: To strive is to be American.

This week, seven local law firms came together for a collaborative pro bono project for all of our summer associates. The morning started with a presentation on pro bono opportunities for law students from Colorado Lawyers Committee, Korey Wise Innocence Project, Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network - RMIAN and Colorado Access to Justice Commission. The summer associates then worked in teams to prepare research guides that will be used to help thousands of Coloradans on the Law Help Colorado website launching later this summer.

This project showcased the power of collaboration across the legal community and the commitment of the next generation of attorneys to expanding access to justice. We are grateful to the participating firms, panelists and summer associates whose contributions will have a lasting impact on individuals and families seeking reliable legal information and resources.