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: 8
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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
Alvarez, Ramon California Orange 2012 2022 Murder Term of Years 25 to life 10 23 Hispanic Male 2018 2022 07-12-2022
Carmona, Arthur California Orange 1998 2000 Robbery Term of Years 12 years 2 16 Hispanic Male 1998 2000 08-29-2011
DePalma, William California Orange 1968 1974 Robbery Term of Years 15 Years 6 30 White Male 1974
Leone, George California Orange 1974 1975 Child Sex Abuse Probation 0 30 White Male 1975 08-28-2020
McKinney, DeWayne California Orange 1981 2000 Murder Life 19 19 Black Male 1999 2000 08-29-2011
Merrill, Thomas California Orange 1991 1995 Murder Life 4 24 White Male 1995 08-29-2011
Ochoa, James California Orange 2005 2006 Robbery Term of Years 2 years 1 19 Hispanic Male 2006 08-29-2011
Smith, Paul California Orange 2010 2022 Attempt, Violent Term of Years 4 years and 8 months 1 49 White Male 2011 09-13-2022