Exoneree Compensation in Montana
State statute provides exonerees with $60,000/yr of wrongful imprisonment, and $25,000/yr for additional years served on parole and/or registered as a sex offender stemming from the wrongful conviction, whichever amount of time is greater. An exoneree may also apply for a $5,000 grant to help with filing for compensation and may be awarded up to $25,000 in attorney or other fees incurred in bringing forward their compensation claim. Exonerees are also eligible to receive non-monetary services including two years of tuition assistance for a state university or college, one year of state-funded medical insurance, and housing assistance while the case is pending. The court is required to provide exonerees with a certificate of innocence and expunge all records related to the wrongful conviction. Effective: 2003; Amended most recently: 2021.