Wrongfully convicted individuals and their advocates from across the state attended a reception hosted by WMU-Cooley Law School's Innocence Project and the ceremonial signing of the Wrongful Incarceration Compensation Act by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder on Feb. 14. Michigan's exonerees, who now have an opportunity to receive financial compensation and services as a result of the legislation, were also recognized by the state's House of Representatives.
Exonerees in attendance included Julie Baumer, Macomb County; Nathaniel Hatchett, Macomb County; Tommy Highers, Wayne County; Kenneth Wyniemko, Macomb County; Davontae Sanford, Wayne County; Larry Souter, Newaygo County and Lorinda Swain, Calhoun County.
State Senator Steve Bieda and State Representative Stephanie Chang sponsored the new laws, Public Acts 343 and 344 of 2016, which take effect on March 29, 2017.
Public Act 343 provides $50,000 for each year of incarceration to individuals convicted and imprisoned for crimes they did not commit. Compensation will not be automatic. A claimant must file a petition for compensation in the Court of Claims. Under Public Act 344, exonerees will be eligible for the same reentry services that Michigan parolees receive and housing for up to one year following the date of discharge.
"When the state puts an innocent man or woman behind bars, it has the obligation to support that person's reintegration into society," said WMU-Cooley Innocence Project Director Marla Mitchell-Cichon. "Both the reentry services and the compensation award will help our clients get back on their feet. No amount of money can make them whole, but it's a start."
Mitchell-Cichon, who advocated for the new laws, attended the signing ceremony, with clients Wyniemko, exonerated in 2003; and Hatchett, exonerated in 2008.
Published: Tue, Feb 21, 2017
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