Few things are more devastating than being wrongfully convicted of a crime. Individuals in such a predicament have to endure far-reaching consequences they do not deserve. Aside from unreasonably losing their freedom, such individuals may also encounter significant financial hardship, emotional trauma and damage to their reputation.
Thankfully, wrongfully convicted individuals can be exonerated, in which case, they may be entitled to compensation for the harm they have suffered. The law acknowledges that exonerated individuals may need substantial financial support to reintegrate into society and resume their disrupted lives.
Damages recoverable in Michigan
The Great Lakes State enacted a wrongful conviction compensation law in 2016, outlining the damages an exoneree can recover. On the financial front, Michigan and 34 other states provide $50,000 for each year of wrongful imprisonment.
The law also stipulates that exonerees ought to be compensated for the economic damages they suffered when wrongful incarceration robbed them of their freedom. The compensation should also cover the costs exonerees incur in their attempts to rebuild their lives post-release. Exonerees can expect to be compensated for:
- The wages lost due to incarceration
- Legal fees they incurred during trial
- Medical expenses for medical conditions gotten in prison
- The cost of education or job training programs necessary to regain employment
The wrongful conviction law also has provisions for compensating exonerees for non-economic damages they may have incurred in prison, such as:
- Psychological trauma
- Emotional distress
- Loss of reputation
The law recognizes that most exonerees are grappling with profound non-financial consequences of wrongful incarceration. That’s why it also stipulates that exonerees should have access to rehabilitation services to help them reintegrate into society.
Challenges and criticisms
Even though the Great Lakes State has made efforts to ease exonerees’ reintegration into society, the compensation process is not without its challenges. Regrettably, many exonerees are overwhelmed by the bureaucratic hurdles and delays in receiving compensation.
Moreover, some argue that the financial reparations, although substantial, cannot fully make up for the lost years and the enduring trauma of wrongful imprisonment. That’s why several advocacy groups continue to push for more comprehensive support systems and reforms to streamline the compensation process.
Exonerees may wonder how to go about securing their compensation for wrongful convictions. Seeking appropriate legal guidance can help them overcome any bureaucratic hurdles and delays affecting the financial support they’re entitled to.