So many convictions have been overturned when DNA evidence later exonerated defendants one district attorney says prosecutors who intentionally withhold evidence from the defense should face criminal charges or other sanctions. District Attorney Craig Watkins' office leads the nation in wrongful convictions overturned by DNA testing.

However, Watkins told The Dallas Morning News that he is considering pushing legislation making disbarment mandatory for any prosecutor who fails to reveal evidence that could benefit a defendant. "The worst offenders might deserve prison time," Watkins said.

"Something should be done," Watkins said. "If the harm is a great harm, yes, it should be criminalized."

DNA tests have exonerated 31 convicts in Texas since 2001. Of those, 17 were cases in Dallas. Texas has paid compensation to 45 people who were wrongfully convicted and almost half of those cases involved prosecutors withholding evidence from the defense.

Observers believe any legislation criminalizing actions of prosecutors has a slim chance of being passed by the Texas legislature.

See Also:
Sanctions Urged Against Lying Prosecutors

More Information:
The Innocence Project

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