Innocent but proven guilty.?

Question

I'm watching an episode of law & order and there is a character who they find out just served 18 years of prison for a crime he didn't commit. In real life what happens to people who end up like this? Can they press charges or are they compensated in any way? Or does the state just say woops sorry tough luck enjoy your remaining years.

Answer 1

As a general rule if you are wrongly convicted, then compensation is offered to some degree.

Of course depends where you are and nature of sentence etc.

Answer 2

Mixed bag. Sometimes they get compensated for their years in jail and sometimes they don't. If you do some research you will find both situations and no real reason why some wrongly convicted are compensated while others are not.

I guess it just feels good to get out of jail.

Answer 3

generally states do compensate them. there are many cases you could google for details.  

Answer 4

It happens.  No law requires compensation but when it happens the state legislatures often pass a special law allowing for compensation.  It is turns out that the mistake was the product of criminal wrongdoing, such as perjury, the decision to prosecute is reserved to the DA, but the prisoner can sue for damages.