25 states compensate the wrongfully convicted

Tue Nov 18, 2008 3:46 AM EST

Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia have laws that provide compensation for the wrongfully convicted:

— Alabama: $50,000 minimum per year of wrongful incarceration

— California: $100 maximum per day

— Connecticut: No prescribed amount or limit

— District of Columbia: No prescribed amount or limit

— Florida: $50,000 per year, up to $2 million

— Illinois: $85,350 for those who served up to 5 years, $170,000 for 5 to 14 years and $199,150 for more than 14 years

— Iowa: $50 per day, up to $25,000 a year

— Louisiana: $15,000 per year, with a $150,000 limit

— Maine: $300,000 limit

— Maryland: No prescribed amount or limit

— Massachusetts: $500,000 limit

— Missouri: $50 per day

— Montana: Money for education only

— New Hampshire: $20,000 limit

— New Jersey: Twice the annual income in year prior to incarceration or $20,000 per year, whichever is greater

— New York: No prescribed amount or limit

— North Carolina: $50,000 per year, with a $750,000 limit

— Ohio: $40,330, or other amount decided by state auditor, per year

— Oklahoma: $175,000 total

— Tennessee: $1 million total

— Texas: $50,000 per year; $100,000 per year if on death row

— Utah: State's average annual wage per year, for up to 15 years of incarceration

— Vermont: $30,000 to $60,000 per year

— Virginia: 90 percent of state's per capita personal income per year for up to 20 years

— West Virginia: No prescribed amount or limit

— Wisconsin: $25,000 limit

In some states, exonerated inmates must meet specific requirements, such as receiving a government pardon, to be eligible for compensation.

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Source: The Innocence Project, Florida Legislature, Utah Legislature

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