COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – More Ohioans who were wrongfully incarcerated may soon be able to apply for financial compensation under a recently introduced Statehouse bill.
Under current state law, individuals who are found guilty and later have their convictions overturned are eligible to seek restitution. However, Ohioans who were incarcerated as minors, residents who received a gubernatorial pardon, and those who entered an Alford plea — a guilty plea that maintains one’s innocence while acknowledging that the evidence would likely lead to a conviction — are barred from applying, Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Township) said.
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These exclusions are the reason Williams introduced House Bill 501 on Oct. 7, alongside Rep. Elgin Rogers Jr. (D-Toledo). The legislation would expand the opportunity for compensation to such groups.
“No one who has been wrongfully imprisoned should be denied the opportunity to seek justice and compensation simply because of a technicality in the law,” Williams said in a statement. “This legislation is about correcting past wrongs and bringing Ohio in line with best practices across the nation.”…