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: 9
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Name State County Convicted Exonerated Crime Sentence Years lost Age Race Sex Year of recantation Date of Release Posting Date
Barnes, Joel New Jersey Camden 2009 2010 Drug Possession or Sale Unknown 1 26 Black Male 2010 07-25-2022
Clark, Derek Nevada Clark 2012 2017 Drug Possession or Sale Community Service 0 18 Black Male 2012 06-30-2020
Johnson, Michael Nevada Clark 2011 2017 Drug Possession or Sale Community Service 0 55 White Male 2011 06-30-2020
McLean, Melvin New Jersey Camden 2007 2010 Drug Possession or Sale Unknown 3 42 Black Male 2010 08-29-2022
O'Dell, Karen Florida Manatee 1998 2000 Drug Possession or Sale Community Service 0 37 White Female 2000 1998 07-15-2012
Pitts, Kenneth New Jersey Camden 2009 2010 Drug Possession or Sale Unknown 1 33 Black Male 2010 08-29-2022
Rolax, Antwyne New Jersey Camden 2008 2009 Drug Possession or Sale Unknown 1 23 Black Male 2009 08-29-2022
Washington, Phillip Michigan Berrien 2007 2009 Drug Possession or Sale Unknown 2 24 Black Male 2009 01-09-2023
Wright, Summer Texas Harris 2013 2015 Drug Possession or Sale Community Service 0 20 Black Female 2013 11-02-2015