National Digital Evidence Readiness Framework for Public Defense
From Identification to Action
A practitioner-developed approach to prevent and overturn wrongful convictions involving digital evidence.
Modern life creates extensive digital footprints. For someone who was not involved in an alleged crime, digital evidence capable of proving innocence is virtually guaranteed to exist.
The challenge is identifying and obtaining that evidence before it is lost.
The Framework gives the defense a practical starting point, a structured process, and working resources to make digital-evidence readiness part of everyday defense practice.
Developed through casework and direct work with public defenders, the practices behind the Framework have proven effective in preventing and overturning wrongful convictions and, when used early, have prevented arrests in most cases.
Read / Download the Foundational Paper
Access the Digital Evidence Toolbox
Fundamentals Before Forensics
Start early. Investigate independently. Use established best practices. Know when to involve a qualified expert.
Look Beyond What Was Produced
Digital-evidence readiness means asking not only what was collected, but what should reasonably exist and may be missing.
When expected evidence is absent, it may not support the prosecution, may never have been sought, or may have been unavailable.
The question should be asked early, while the evidence may still exist and can still be pursued.
Case-Level Resources
The Digital Evidence Toolbox is the Framework’s case-level working resource for attorneys and investigators.
It provides practical resources for case assessment, time-sensitive evidence, preservation and collection, technical guidance, standards and best practices, and post-conviction review.
Access the Digital Evidence Toolbox
Office-Level Implementation
The Digital Evidence Review Unit (DERU) is the office-level implementation pathway for public defender agencies.
DERU gives offices a practical way to make digital-evidence readiness part of everyday casework using existing attorneys, investigators, and resources.
Across the Life of a Case
Digital-evidence readiness applies from pre-arrest and active representation through trial, appeal, and post-conviction review.
Early in a case, the priority is identifying and preserving important evidence before it is lost.
After conviction, new technology, better technical knowledge, missing records, or previously inaccessible evidence can create new opportunities to reexamine older cases.
Explore Post-Conviction Digital-Evidence Review
Read the Foundational Paper
Advancing a National Digital Evidence Readiness Framework for Public Defense
A Practitioner-Developed Framework to Prevent and Overturn Wrongful Convictions Involving Digital Evidence
Mike Udvardy | Digital Innocence Initiative | August 2026
The paper explains the case experience, public-defense work, and practical lessons that led to the Framework—and how those practices expanded across public defender offices.