On a recent Friday night, 65-year-old Lawrence Johnson was released from prison, marking the end of an 18-year ordeal that began with a wrongful conviction. His freedom was the result of a decade-long battle led by students and attorneys at the University of Miami School of Law's Innocence Clinic, who worked tirelessly to uncover the truth.
Johnson’s legal troubles started in 1997 when he was first charged. The case was initially dropped after DNA tests proved inconclusive and key witnesses could not be found. However, years later, he was re-indicted based on flawed DNA testing, leading to his conviction in 2010 and a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.
For more than a decade, the Innocence Clinic, under the guidance of clinic director Craig Trocino, championed his case. Students and staff examined complex details, eventually proving that the scientific method used to test the DNA evidence against him had been discredited and was fundamentally unreliable. A major breakthrough came in 2022 when retesting officially declared the original DNA evidence inconclusive, providing the foundation for a post-conviction motion to overturn his sentence.
The path to freedom was not straightforward. A trial court initially denied the motion for relief, but the clinic's legal team successfully appealed the decision. During the appeal, the Innocence Network and the Center for the Integrity of Forensic Sciences, represented by McDermott Will & Emery, filed an Amicus Curiae brief advocating for Mr. Johnson’s position. The appellate court reversed the lower court's ruling and ordered a new evidentiary hearing. As the hearing approached, the state presented an offer: vacate the original conviction if Johnson pleaded to a lesser charge. Facing the possibility of several more years in prison during a prolonged appeals process and with his father gravely ill, Johnson accepted the deal to secure his immediate freedom and return to his family.
“This victory is a team effort. For over a decade, 29 different students and I have contributed nearly 5,000 hours of time to free Mr. Johnson,” said Trocino. “This is what being a lawyer is all about, and I am grateful to be able to expose my students to such impactful work that changes the lives of others. Each one of the students had a role in freeing an innocent man, and that is a lesson that will not be forgotten.”
“As for Mr. Johnson,” Trocino added, “his perseverance and faith kept us all fighting to free him. It is such an honor to be able to work and teach in this field, and we are thrilled to welcome home the newest member of the Innocence Clinic family, Lawrence Johnson.”
For the law students involved, the case was more than an academic exercise; it was a profound lesson in justice and perseverance. Daniel Diez, a second-year law student and clinic intern, was present for Johnson's release.
“Seeing Mr. Johnson finally walk out of prison was the most powerful moment of my law school experience,” Diez said. “I was inspired by how positive, kind, and calm Mr. Johnson was as he walked out—no bitterness, just gratitude and grace. It reminded me why I came to law school in the first place: to help others who might otherwise be left without a voice.”
The work performed by students was critical to the outcome. Stephanie Alvarez, a third-year law student and clinic fellow, was directly involved in drafting a key legal brief.
“Watching Lawrence walk out of prison walls for the first time in nearly two decades was incredibly fulfilling,” Alvarez said. “It showed me how the countless hours of research and writing we poured into his case could truly change a life. This experience has been transformative, showing me the true power of advocacy to restore freedom and dignity.”
While the clinic had always aimed for a full exoneration, the students expressed gratitude for the outcome that allowed Johnson to finally go home. With his newfound freedom, Johnson said he wishes to serve others and help innocent prisoners. "My heart goes out to those inside needing help. I pray that more people believe just as all those who worked on my case believed," Johnson said.
“If these 29 students, Craig Trocino and any other individuals had not been so determined in seeing the truth prevail, I would not have been released. I take this time to say thanks for all the hard work and effort every person put in to see justice done,” he said.
Read more about Miami Law’s clinics.
