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: 20
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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
Biddings, Darrell Fed-IL 1975 1976 Kidnapping Not Sentenced 1 21 Black Male 1976
Bjerklie, Donna North Dakota Burleigh 2005 2006 Theft Probation 0 42 White Female 2005 02-16-2014
Bolden, Abraham Fed-IL (Northern) 1964 2022 Bribery Term of Years 6 years 3 29 Black Male 1965 1967 05-06-2022
Brett, Scott Fed-WA (Eastern) 2017 2018 Fraud Not Sentenced 0 55 White Male 2017 12-09-2018
Burnside, Thomas Fed-IL (Northern) 1991 1994 Drug Possession or Sale Not Sentenced 2 41 Black Male 1994 12-08-2014
Caballero, Juan North Dakota Cass 1997 2008 Sexual Assault Term of Years 4 years 4 31 Hispanic Male 2004 2001 11-07-2017
Catton, James Fed-IL (Central) 1994 2004 Fraud Term of Years 1 year and 9 months 0 43 White Male 1994 10-06-2014
Davis, Rennie Fed-IL (Northern) 1970 1973 Other Nonviolent Felony Term of Years 5 years and $5,000 fine 0 28 White Male 1970 02-11-2023
Dellinger, David Fed-IL (Northern) 1970 1973 Other Nonviolent Felony Term of Years 5 years and $5,000 fine 0 52 White Male 1970 02-11-2023
Elk, Cassandra Black North Dakota Burleigh 2022 2023 Child Abuse Term of Years 1 year and 6 months 1 26 Native American Female 2023 11-08-2023
Griffin, Codell Fed-IL (Northern) 1991 1994 Drug Possession or Sale Not Sentenced 3 41 Black Male 1994 12-08-2014
Hayden, Thomas Fed-IL (Northern) 1970 1973 Other Nonviolent Felony Term of Years 5 years and $5,000 fine 0 28 White Male 1970 02-11-2023
Hoffman, Abbie Fed-IL (Northern) 1970 1973 Other Nonviolent Felony Term of Years 5 years and $5,000 fine 0 29 White Male 1970 02-11-2023
James, Ernestine Fed-WA (Western) 1995 1999 Manslaughter Probation 0 42 Native American Female 1995 06-11-2014
Locke, Ruben Fed-IL (Northern) 1998 2000 Drug Possession or Sale Not Sentenced 0 35 Black Male 1998 08-29-2011
McIntyre, Richard North Dakota Burleigh 1991 1992 Assault Term of Years 60 days 0 31 White Male 1991 02-16-2014
Rubin, Jerry Fed-IL (Northern) 1970 1973 Other Nonviolent Felony Term of Years 5 years and $5,000 fine 0 30 White Male 1970 02-11-2023
Ruiz-Cortez, Refugio Fed-IL (Northern) 1999 2010 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 17 1/2 years 10 29 Hispanic Male 2010 11-06-2012
Vasquez, Reinaldo North Dakota Cass 1997 2005 Sexual Assault Term of Years 20 years 7 45 Hispanic Male 2004 2005 11-07-2017
West, Antonio Fed-IL (Northern) 2013 2016 Weapon Possession or Sale Term of Years 15 years 3 47 Black Male 2016 04-15-2016