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 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
France, Geneva Fed-OH (Northern) 2006 2007 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 10 years 1 22 Black Female 2007 03-13-2022
Garland, William Fed-OH (Southern) 1991 1993 Fraud Term of Years 2 years 0 58 Black Male 1991 04-08-2021
Garner, David Fed-OH (Northern) 2005 2008 Robbery Term of Years 13 years 1 20 Black Male 2006 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