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 Using the Registry for Research, 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
Mellen, Susan California Los Angeles 1998 2014 Murder Life without parole 16 42 White Female 2014 10-10-2014
Pineda, Lisa California Los Angeles 2005 2009 Murder Term of Years 40 to life 4 26 Hispanic Female 2008 02-21-2015
Pleytez, Charlotte California Los Angeles 2009 2024 Murder Term of Years 50 to Life 15 20 Hispanic Female 2024 02-03-2025
Poulos, Michelle California Los Angeles 2001 2017 Threats Term of Years 2 years 2 33 White Female 2003 02-28-2017
Sahagun, B. California Los Angeles 1997 2000 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 1 year 1 28 Hispanic Female 1998 12-15-2021
Thomas, Cherice California Los Angeles 2009 2012 Murder Term of Years 25 to Life 3 18 Black Female 2012 11-05-2013