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
Burnside, Thomas Fed-IL (Northern) 1991 1994 Drug Possession or Sale Not Sentenced 2 41 Black Male 1994 12-08-2014
Griffin, Codell Fed-IL (Northern) 1991 1994 Drug Possession or Sale Not Sentenced 3 41 Black Male 1994 12-08-2014
Jackson, John Washington Grant 1996 2001 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 6 years and 4 months 6 59 Black Male 2001 08-29-2011
Locke, Ruben Fed-IL (Northern) 1998 2000 Drug Possession or Sale Not Sentenced 0 35 Black Male 1998 08-29-2011
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
Simmons, James Washington King 2007 2010 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 1 year and 1 day 1 47 Black Male 2008 08-29-2011