- welcome to the Clinton Young Foundation
You've Heard the Stories. Now Help Write Better Endings.
Every podcast, documentary, and series you’ve watched about wrongful convictions? Those are real people still fighting for freedom. The Clinton Young Foundation provides the investigations, DNA testing, and legal appeals that turn these stories from tragedy into justice.
Education
We educate the public about the broken American criminal justice system by giving lectures, conducting research, and publishing our legal research and even books.
Advocacy
The Foundation advocates for people wrongfully convicted or unfair sentenced in Texas by raising social awareness and promoting criminal justice reform in the United States.
Legal Services
We offer legal services to those wrongfully convicted or disproportionately sentenced by offering independent investigation, legal representation, and mitigation services.
Rehabilitation
When released from prison, we help our clients rebuild their lives and become a succesful member of society. We provide whatever is needed for a successful life outside prison.
11 years of fighting injustice
- About us
Fighting Wrongful Convictions & Excessive Sentences in Texas
We provide pro bono legal advocacy, investigation, and reentry support for Texans with credible innocence claims or severely disproportionate sentences. Together with volunteers and partners, we turn truth into freedom.
Case Investigation
Record pulls, timeline building, witness outreach, and expert review of forensics and medical evidence to surface the truth.
Post-Conviction Support
Drafting and supporting writs, motions, and appeals; identifying innocence and sentencing issues.
Parole & Reentry
Comprehensive parole packets, employer/housing links, and family planning so clients return home with stability.
Education
Plain-language updates, articles and books, and tools that inform communities and promote fair, intent-based charging and sentencing.
- OUR CORE BUSINESS
Everyone Deserves a Fair Shot at Justice
We stand with Texans who have credible innocence claims or severely disproportionate sentences. Our team blends investigation, legal advocacy, and reentry support—so relief is real, and people can rebuild their lives.
Small Team. Big Results.
Merel Pontier — Legal Director & Founder
- cases
view our active cases
We pair legal strategy with parole and reentry support so relief, when won, is sustainable.
“The system can’t change itself, we have to change the system.”
Legal Director & founder: Merel Pontier
- NEWS & ARTICLES
Latest News
Today our legal director Merel Pontier has been admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States! A meaningful milestone…
Our team member Danique Verdellen is taking on the Austin Half Marathon on February 15 with one mission: to raise…
As this year comes to a close, we want to pause and say thank you. To everyone who supported us…