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: 8
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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
Bell, Craig Virginia City of Virginia Beach 1987 1987 Murder Term of Years 20 years 0 24 White Male 1987 09-25-2018
Donaldson, Elwin Wisconsin Dane 1982 1982 Robbery Not Sentenced 0 27 Black Male 1982 11-02-2022
Harper, William Virginia Norfolk 1931 1931 Sexual Assault Death 0 22 Black Male 1931
Hemauer, Francis P. Wisconsin Milwaukee 1972 1981 Attempted Murder Term of Years 60 years 9 45 White Male 1981
Lyons, Ernest Virginia Nansemond County (now known as City of Suffolk) 1909 1912 Murder Term of Years 18 years 3 Black Male 1912
Phillips, Richard Virginia City of Hampton 1900 1930 Murder Death 31 Black Male 1930
Rogers, Silas Virginia City of Petersburg 1943 1952 Murder Death 9 21 Black Male 1952
Sledge, Norris Wisconsin Milwaukee 1922 1922 Sexual Assault Term of Years 15 years 0 Don't Know Male 1922