Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia have laws that provide compensation for the wrongfully convicted. Here’s a look at what the laws allow:
— Alabama: $50,000 minimum per year of wrongful incarceration
— California: $100 maximum per day
— Connecticut: No prescribed amount or limit
— District of Columbia: No prescribed amount or limit
— Florida: $50,000 per year, up to $2 million
— Illinois: $85,350 for those who served up to 5 years, $170,000 for 5 to 14 years and $199,150 for more than 14 years
— Iowa: $50 per day, up to $25,000 a year
— Louisiana: $15,000 per year, with a $150,000 limit
— Maine: $300,000 limit
— Maryland: No prescribed amount or limit
— Massachusetts: $500,000 limit
— Missouri: $50 per day
— Montana: Money for education only
— New Hampshire: $20,000 limit
— New Jersey: Twice the annual income in year prior to incarceration or $20,000 per year, whichever is greater
— New York: No prescribed amount or limit
— North Carolina: $50,000 per year, with a $750,000 limit
— Ohio: $40,330, or other amount decided by state auditor, per year
— Oklahoma: $175,000 total
— Tennessee: $1 million total
— Texas: $50,000 per year; $100,000 per year if on death row
— Utah: State’s average annual wage per year, for up to 15 years of incarceration
— Vermont: $30,000 to $60,000 per year
— Virginia: 90 percent of state’s per capita personal income per year for up to 20 years
— West Virginia: No prescribed amount or limit
— Wisconsin: $25,000 limit
In addition to a financial payment, some state laws also provide compensation for lost wages and offer tuition waivers.
In some states, exonerated inmates must meet specific requirements, such as receiving a government pardon or not giving a false conviction, to be eligible for compensation.
Source: The Innocence Project, Florida Legislature, Utah Legislature
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