Instructions for Using the Registry

The table below shows all individual exonerations. By default, the table is set to show exonerations from 1989 through the present. Check "Pre-1989" in the Exoneration Era filter to view Pre-1989 exonerations. Use the filters on the left to search for exonerations with particular criteria. Hover over the symbols for explanations of filters or columns. Use the Keyword Search box to filter for cases that contain those keywords in the narrative summary.

If multiple keywords are entered, the search will show cases in which the narrative contains ANY of those words. Since the table is filtered to 1989 through the present by default, a search for the name of someone who was exonerated before 1989 will not produce results until the Date of Exoneration is adjusted, or the Pre-1989 filter is selected. Once filters have been set, select the column headings you wish to display, and sort the table by whatever column heading you choose by clicking on the column heading. For more detailed instructions, see Understanding the Registry, under "About" at the top right of the Home Page. Note: 1989 was the year of the first DNA exoneration and the dawn of a new era of wrongful convictions. The Registry used to separate the two - pre and post 1989 exonerations - into two separate and distinct databases. They are now synthesized to reflect the entire body of exoneration data. If you wish to view exonerations prior to 1989, check "Pre-1989" in the Exoneration Era filter. Read Less
Total records: 407
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Name State County Convicted Exonerated Crime Sentence Term of Years Years lost Age Race Sex Year of recantation Date of Release Posting Date
Woodard, James Lee Texas Dallas 1981 2008 Murder Life 27 26 Black Male DK 2008 08-29-2011
Woods, William California Los Angeles 2021 2024 Fraud Term of Years 2 years 0 51 White Male 2023 2021 04-21-2024
Woolson, Skippy New York Oswego 2013 2016 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 13 years 4 34 White Male 2015 2016 03-18-2017
Word, Lathan Georgia Muscogee 2000 2011 Robbery Term of Years 15 years 11 18 Black Male 2011 2011 03-12-2013
Wright, Cleveland District of Columbia 1979 2014 Murder Term of Years 20 to Life 27 20 Black Male 2007 02-03-2014
Wright, William Jr. North Carolina New Hanover 1972 2012 Assault Term of Years 29 years 8 18 Black Male 1975 1980 11-17-2016
Young, Bernard Michigan Wayne 1989 2017 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 60 to 100 years 27 29 Black Male 2013 2017 12-19-2017