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: 106
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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
Williams, Calvin Louisiana Orleans 1977 1996 Murder Life 15 Black Male 1992 08-29-2011
Williams, Dwayne Louisiana Orleans 1995 2022 Murder Life without parole 27 22 Black Male 2022 11-21-2023
Williams, Hayes Louisiana Orleans 1968 1997 Murder Life 29 19 Black Male 1997 08-29-2011
Williams, Michael Louisiana Jefferson 1997 2011 Murder Life 14 31 Black Male 2009 2011 06-18-2012
Williams, Michael Anthony Louisiana Jackson 1981 2005 Sexual Assault Life without parole 24 16 Black Male 2005 08-29-2011
Willis, Calvin Louisiana Caddo 1982 2003 Child Sex Abuse Life without parole 22 21 Black Male 2003 08-29-2011