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
Dixon, James Illinois Cook 1976 1976 Assault Term of Years 1 year 0 22 Black Male 1976 05-29-2020
Fears, Jerome Illinois Cook 2009 2022 Assault Term of Years 2 years 0 22 Black Male 2009 04-27-2022
O'Neal, Harry Illinois Will 2015 2019 Assault Term of Years 6 years 4 42 Black Male 2018 01-09-2020
Vera, Francisco Illinois Cook 1992 1998 Assault Term of Years 17 years 3 29 Hispanic Male 1996 10-14-2012
Ware, Robert Illinois Woodford 2017 2022 Assault Term of Years 4 years 3 40 Black Male 2021 05-31-2023
Williams, Robert Illinois Kankakee 2017 2021 Assault Term of Years 9 years 3 28 Black Male 2020 12-10-2021