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: 108
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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 Contributing Factors Display Case Characteristics Recantation OM Tags DNA
Wahlgren, Ryun Texas Dallas 2015 2017 Sex Offender Registration Term of Years 2 years 1 42 Asian Male 2016 09-25-2017 Inadequate Legal Defense CIU, NC, P No No
Wahlgren, Ryun Texas Harris 2015 2017 Sex Offender Registration Term of Years 2 years 2 42 Asian Male 2016 11-06-2017 Inadequate Legal Defense NC, P No No
Ward, Joseph Massachusetts Suffolk 1895 1896 Theft Term of Years 5 years 1 20 Don't Know Male 1896 Mistaken Witness ID No No
Wilbur, Raymond Rhode Island Providence 1969 1974 Other Nonviolent Felony Term of Years 15 years 4 28 Don't Know Male 1974 01-09-2023 Perjury or False Accusation No No
Wilks, Calvin Mississippi Hinds 1981 1984 Murder Life 4 21 Don't Know Male 1984 Mistaken Witness ID No No
Willis, James California Sacramento 1927 1927 Robbery Term of Years 5 years to life 0 27 Don't Know Male 1927 Mistaken Witness ID, False Confession No No
Wong, David New York Clinton 1987 2004 Murder Term of Years 25 to Life 17 23 Asian Male 2001 2004 08-29-2011 Mistaken Witness ID, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct, Inadequate Legal Defense H, JI Yes PR, WH No
Yang, Justin Wisconsin Milwaukee 2004 2006 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 7 years 2 34 Asian Male 2006 08-09-2021 Perjury or False Accusation CV, NC, SA No No