Exoneree Compensation in D.C.

Any person who has been pardoned or had a conviction overturned on the grounds of innocence after 1979 can be eligible for compensation if the person has provided clear and convincing proof of innocence and did not plead guilty. Within two years of receiving a certificate of innocence, the wrongfully convicted person is entitled to $200,000 per year of incarceration and $40,000 per year on parole, probation, supervised release, or as a registered sex offender. The wrongfully convicted person is also entitled to: $10,000 for assistance with immediate services, reimbursement of child support payments, lifetime physical and mental health care through D.C. HealthCare Alliance, and reimbursement for tuition/fees to the University of the District of Columbia or the District of Columbia Community College or for a vocational or employment skills development program. Effective: 1981; Amended most recently: 2017.

Read the statute.