A new investigation finds that the wrongful convictions of 85 people cost Illinois taxpayers $214 million since 1976.
CHICAGO (AP) — A new investigation finds that the wrongful convictions of 85 people cost Illinois taxpayers $214 million since 1976.
The investigation by the Chicago-based Better Government Association and the Center on Wrongful Convictions found the bulk of the cost — $156 million — was settlements and judgments paid to those exonerated.
The groups predict costs will continue to rise because 16 civil lawsuits filed by exonerated individuals still need to be settled or go to trial.
Their study included cases of murder, sexual assault, attempted murder and armed robbery where the person was exonerated after 1989 when DNA was used in Illinois. Exoneration included people acquitted after a retrial and those who had their charges dismissed or were given a gubernatorial pardon.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
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