Wrong imprisonment takes place from time to time. This refers to the incarceration of innocent people. It is usually as a result of errors and misinterpretation during the quest for justice. Some of the common causes of wrongful imprisonment are mistaken identification, forensic science issues or mistakes, perjury, and official misconduct; that is, by the police and the prosecution. 

Also known as the miscarriage of justice, wrongful imprisonment has devastating effects. They include…

•  Loss of former identity

The moment one is incarcerated, the sense of self is impeded. An innocent individual ends up being called a felon or a convict. Also, they are likely to lose their family from the association with a crime, and the time spent behind bars.

•  Loss of income

This applies both to the family and personal level. Once a breadwinner is wrongfully imprisoned, the family income is affected. This can create a ripple effect, where the family may no longer be able to maintain their lifestyle, pay bills, and attain healthcare. Even if you are eventually released, getting a new job may prove to be challenging.

•  Anger and aggression

If wrongfully convicted, an individual may develop anger and aggression towards both the system and the society. With time, they might start exhibiting impulsive behavior. Being victims of injustice, they might, in the long run, decide to take matters in their own hands, believing that the judicial system is unable to give justice. 

Wrongful imprisonment can also affect an individual psychologically. They might even end up developing suicidal thoughts.

Compensation for wrongful imprisonment

Wrongful imprisonment can affect someone’s life. It might lead to the loss of family, income, and sense of self. There is also a psychological impact. Victims are usually compensated for justice miscarriage.

Here is how…

• Monetary damages

The court gets to decide the kind of damages you should be paid for once you file a claim. If you are entitled to monetary damages, you will get $60,000 for every year you spent in the prison. You will also get $25,000 for every year you have served on parole. 

• Tuition assistance

If the court awards you non-monetary damage, you will not receive the money. You can have your tuition fee catered for. The claimants receive a waiver for their tuition fees and the required fee for their institution. Note that it is typically an equivalent of 130 credit hours. The claimant is allowed to decide if he or she will be attending full-time and part-time.

• Healthcare benefits

In other cases, you might be awarded healthcare benefits. The claimant is allowed access to high-deductibles and premiums for the state’s healthcare program.

• Expungement orders

Once cleared, the state issues the claimant a certificate of innocence. Also, the court orders the expungement of arrest records, DNA samples, and materials that were used for the arrest.

On clearance, the state and the court assist the claimant to get back on their toes, by awarding the different compensations.