Prevent the wrongful conviction, not just correct it.
WCI Defend brings forensic reliability analysis to active pretrial matters — supporting the defense before a verdict, not after.
The most effective time to challenge unreliable evidence is before it produces a conviction.
Post-conviction review undoes harm that has already happened. WCI Defend brings the same forensic reliability analysis to the moment it can prevent that harm — when charges are active, the record is still being built, and counsel still has room to move.
WCI Defend is not WCI Review.
WCI Review serves post-conviction cases — individuals already tried and sentenced. WCI Defend serves active pretrial matters. Different documents. Different posture. Different urgency.
Post-conviction analysis
- Subject has been convicted and sentenced
- Reviews trial transcripts, appeals, and habeas materials
- Surfaces forensic issues for post-conviction legal action
- Engaged after the record is closed
Pretrial defense analysis
- Subject is currently facing active charges
- Reviews police reports, indictments, and charging documents
- Surfaces defense opportunities before the record closes
- Sensitive to time-critical deadlines
Who can submit a WCI Defend case
Defendants & their families
When charges have been filed and the evidence behind them feels unreliable, incomplete, or improperly obtained, WCI Defend conducts an independent review of the charging materials.
Defense attorneys
Counsel handling active matters can submit prosecution materials for an independent layer of forensic reliability analysis — surfacing weaknesses, evidentiary gaps, and investigative leads before trial.
Public defenders & legal aid
WCI Defend is available at no cost to submitters. Public defenders and legal aid attorneys carrying heavy caseloads are especially encouraged to submit.
Three movements, one objective.
Defend operates as an independent forensic layer for the defense. Counsel keeps every privilege and judgment call; WCI contributes the analytical work.
Intake
Charging materials are submitted through the secure WCI Portal and routed for pretrial review.
Analysis
WCI's proprietary analysis examines evidence and methodology against current forensic standards.
Report
Findings are returned as a structured report counsel can interrogate, cite, and build on.
What WCI Defend examines
Defend reviews pretrial materials for the issues most likely to affect the integrity of the prosecution’s case:
- Police and incident reports
- Arrest affidavits and probable cause statements
- Indictments and charging documents
- Forensic evidence cited in charging materials
- Expert findings presented at the pretrial stage
- Eyewitness identification procedures
- Chain of custody documentation
- Constitutional posture (search, seizure, statements)
If your case has a hearing, arraignment, or trial date approaching, note the deadline clearly at submission. WCI Defend is sensitive to time-critical deadlines. Reach us directly at info@wciusa.org if your situation is time-sensitive.
Your WCI Defend report
Every Defend matter produces a structured report counsel can interrogate, cite, and act on:
- Reliability analysis of charging documents and cited evidence
- Assessment of forensic methods against current scientific standards
- Identification of investigative leads and records worth subpoenaing
- Pretrial motion opportunities flagged for counsel's consideration
- Referrals to defense attorneys and legal resources by state where the submitter is unrepresented
Defend reports are analytical tools — not legal advice. Decisions about strategy, motions, and representation remain with a licensed defense attorney.
Current platform totals.
Defend matters move into WCI Review without restarting.
When a Defend matter results in a conviction, the case file, analytical record, and prior findings carry forward into WCI Review. Post-conviction work begins from the existing record — not from scratch.
See the full WCI pipelineSubmit a WCI Defend case
Create an account at portal.wciusa.org
Select “Pretrial / WCI Defend” when asked about your case stage
Upload your charging documents and complete the intake form
WCI is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. WCI Defend reports are analytical tools designed to support licensed defense attorneys. Nothing in this service constitutes legal representation or creates an attorney-client relationship. Do not miss court deadlines while waiting for a Defend report — always consult a licensed attorney.