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
Courteau, Paul Rhode Island Providence 1981 1999 Robbery Term of Years 15 years 13 21 White Male 1994 08-29-2011
Jernigan, Rachel Fed-AZ 2001 2008 Robbery Term of Years 14 years 7 30 Hispanic Female 2008 08-29-2011
Mendoza, Michael Rhode Island Providence 1994 2025 Murder Life Life 22 35 Black Male 2015 05-15-2025
Polanco, Dionisio Rhode Island Providence 2008 2011 Assault Term of Years 10 years 3 38 Hispanic Male 2011 02-21-2023
Span, Darlene Fed-AZ 1990 1996 Assault Probation 0 39 White Female 1990 08-30-2013
Span, Jerry Fed-AZ 1990 1996 Assault Probation 0 57 White Male 1990 08-30-2013