What do falsely imprisoned people get?

Question

I was just reading about a man whose DNA evidence cleared his conviction after being in jail for 20 years. All they do is release him? Does he get any money or anything for being falsely imprisoned?

Answer 1

THEY GET F@#$%D! Every time the thought crosses their mind they know they have been F@#$%D! It doesn't stop just because they're not behind the door with no knob any more. It doesn't matter how much money they get when they're released, if any. How much would a year, a month, a day, hour, minute or second be worth if you knew it was your last? I dare say that it would be more any of the people who put them in jail could ever pay!

Answer 2

It would depend on, first whether or not he actually wants to go through a court case again. I'd bet that someone locked up for 20 years would die before they set foot in another courthouse.

I have heard of people getting pretty nice settlements for wrongful convictions, and they're pretty common and based on how long the person was incarcerated for -- I'm sure also giving additional awards if the conviction was particularly dirty or fraud or coersion was involved.

Even though it would be a lot of hard work, take it from me -- the hardest part is proving the innocence!

Answer 3

David Milgaard spent 20 -30 years in prison for a murder-rape he did not commit. He was cleared by way of DNA evidence and the Government of Canada awarded him 10$ CDN for it.

Steven Truscott, also from Canada was exonorated yesterday of a rape murder that occured in the 50's (although he only spent 20 years in prison and was paroled). The Canadian Government has requested a submission from a Supreme Court Justice to determine the compensation he should receive. He did not have to ask for the money.

I believe it goes on a case by case basis and is determined by Supreme court Justices keeping in form with prior case law (what previous people got for similar injustices).

But thats only in Canada. I've no idea of the States or otherwise..could just be a fumbling "sorry"

Answer 4

Many states have statutory schemes providing payment for those wrongly convicted, based upon the time incarcerated and any legal bills paid. If not, I'm guessing there's a negotiated settlement to avoid any civil lawsuits.
Finally, I don't think there's any constitutional right to payment for time incarcerated, so long as no government agent acted maliciously towards him (i.e. planted evidence, specifically targeted him for personal reasons, etc.)

Answer 5

I heard there is a state that will give you 50 bucks for each year in prison. Thats the best of I've ever heard. You dont even get a tax credit. Shame on America.

Answer 6

he gets a letter stating his innocence so he (hopefully) can find a decent job again.

he will get some sort of money as in a law suit (which he can file on his own) the jail give him a substantial amount to live on for his time in jail but sometimes it takes years to get or the person wants more.

it can run into the milliions if the guy is lucky

Answer 7

The man you refer to, I believe, is in North Carolina. He is eligible for $20,000 per year for his wrongful incarceration. The amount varies by state. See:

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/1749638/

Answer 8

if he doesn't push the matter they won't volunteer any monies...he can sue the state and win a rather large settlement..it has happened before..however the amount he wins won't be anything like he would have made working and being free for those 20 years

Answer 9

maybe a bus pass, a pat on the back, and enough money to get you away from the prison... see ya sorry we screwed ya.

Answer 10

no it gets swept under the rug. he got $5.37 and was let go. some justice system we have.