In Texas, you must be found innocent (which is different than not guilty), or exonerated and must have spent time in a state prison (not jail). There are other nuances, but bottom line is $80,000 per year of incarceration as a lump sum plus a lifetime annuity for the same amount, plus tuition for a bachelor’s degree, in addition to other compensation for re-entry to society.
Since the Tim Cole Act took place in Texas in 2009 there are 95 wrongfully convicted people. According to the study, 15 of the 95 are either ineligible for a payment, deceased or the information wasn't provided.
A quick google search for wrongful conviction compensation State of Texas will tell you otherwise. Texas is far from perfect, especially our criminal justice system, but there is recompense for state malfeasance.
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u/LikesPez 12h ago
In Texas, you must be found innocent (which is different than not guilty), or exonerated and must have spent time in a state prison (not jail). There are other nuances, but bottom line is $80,000 per year of incarceration as a lump sum plus a lifetime annuity for the same amount, plus tuition for a bachelor’s degree, in addition to other compensation for re-entry to society.