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: 6
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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
Engberg-Lehmer, Teresa Iowa Pottawattamie 1997 1998 Manslaughter Term of Years 15 years 1 24 White Female 1998 07-29-2012
Lester, C. Elizabeth New Jersey Somerset 1935 1951 Forgery Term of Years 0.75 years 1 46 White Female 1936
Michaels, Margaret Kelly New Jersey Essex 1988 1994 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 47 years 5 22 White Female 1993 02-21-2012
Ortiz, Sandra New Jersey Passaic 2001 2003 Murder Not Sentenced 0 30 Hispanic Female 2001 06-25-2013
Smith, Tammy Iowa Humboldt 2007 2011 Child Abuse Term of Years 10 years 4 32 White Female 2011 01-23-2014
Weaver, Mary Iowa Marshall 1994 1997 Murder Life without parole 2 41 White Female 1996 07-29-2012