San Francisco DA's Office secures funding for post conviction unit's critical work

The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding the ongoing work of the District Attorney's Office, particularly its post-conviction unit. Arceli Ocado, the chief of this unit, addressed the board remotely, highlighting the importance of reviewing past convictions to ensure their validity and constitutional integrity. This work has been supported by a grant from the University of San Francisco, which has allowed the unit to exonerate individuals wrongfully convicted, including a man who spent 35 years in prison.

Ocado expressed gratitude for the leadership of outgoing District Attorney Chesa Boudin and emphasized the critical nature of the unit's work in maintaining public trust in the criminal justice system. However, concerns were raised about the potential impact of the recent appointment of a new district attorney on the continuity of this essential work. Questions were posed regarding whether the funding and support for the unit would remain intact under new leadership.

In response, Ocado reassured the board that the funding for the unit is secure and that the work will continue, urging the new district attorney to uphold the mission of the post-conviction unit. He underscored the necessity of this review process for the integrity of the justice system and the community's trust in it.

The meeting also touched on the retroactive nature of a resolution related to the unit's work, with Vice Chair Chen seeking clarification on its origins and implications. Overall, the discussions underscored the importance of the post-conviction unit's efforts and the need for ongoing support as leadership transitions occur within the District Attorney's Office.