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: 9
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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
Berry, Wilder Illinois Cook 1992 2000 Sexual Assault Term of Years 35 years 7 20 Black Male 1999 08-29-2011
Bray, George Illinois Cook 1942 1958 Sexual Assault Term of Years 99 years 16 28 White Male 1958 06-07-2021
Britton, Robert Illinois Cook 1996 2014 Sexual Assault Term of Years 50 years 19 38 Black Male 2014 11-12-2014
Chatman, Carl Illinois Cook 2004 2013 Sexual Assault Term of Years 30 years 10 47 Black Male 2013 09-10-2013
Dotson, Gary Illinois Cook 1979 1989 Sexual Assault Term of Years 25 to 50 years 6 20 White Male 1985 1985 08-29-2011
Montgomery, James Illinois Lake 1924 1949 Sexual Assault Life 26 30 Black Male 1949
Starks, Bennie Illinois Lake 1986 2013 Sexual Assault Term of Years 60 years 20 26 Black Male 2006 01-07-2013
Thompson, Patrick Illinois Champaign 2006 2008 Sexual Assault Not Sentenced 0 35 Black Male 2006 07-29-2012
Wrice, Stanley Illinois Cook 1983 2013 Sexual Assault Life 31 28 Black Male 2011 2013 12-12-2013