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: 4
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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
Bunge, Charles New York Kings 2007 2010 Attempt, Violent Term of Years 6 years 3 38 White Male 2010 07-01-2013 Mistaken Witness ID, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct No OF, WH, NW, PJ No
Nolan, Ralph Fed-NY (Southern) 2015 2021 Attempt, Violent Term of Years 10 years 5 25 White Male 2020 05-27-2021 Mistaken Witness ID, Official Misconduct, Inadequate Legal Defense FED No OF, NW, WT No
Risha, Jesse Fed-PA (Western) 2004 2006 Attempt, Violent Not Sentenced 0 47 White Male 2004 08-29-2011 Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct A, CDC, FED No PR, WH, NW, KP No
Smith, Paul California Orange 2010 2022 Attempt, Violent Term of Years 4 years and 8 months 1 49 White Male 2011 09-13-2022 Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct JI, NC, P No PR, OF, NW, WT No