Wrongful Imprisonment NON-compensation

[plthijinx]

this is ridiculous. Anthony Graves spent 18 years in prison for a crime that he did not commit, like me, albeit not as long.

whole story from The Houston Chronicle.

GALVESTON — The Texas Comptroller's Office has denied state compensation to Anthony Graves, who spent 18 years behind bars before a special prosecutor determined he was innocent and authorities dropped capital murder charges against him, Graves' attorney said today.

The state determined that Graves, 45, who would have received $1.4 million had he been deemed eligible, should receive nothing because the word "innocence" was not used in the document ordering his release, according to Graves' attorney, Nicole Casarez.

that is ridiculous! because they did not use the word ''innocence" they denied him? i'm outraged for the man! when and if i pursue exoneration for my case this makes me not want to go for wrongful imprisonment compensation. hell i bet if they refile and use the word "innocence" the jack ass state lawyers would find another word or way to not pay the man. the state was wrong. he was right. pay the man.

now here's a real catch-22:

Graves can't seek a pardon from Gov. Rick Perry, Casarez said, because he has nothing to be pardoned for and asking for a pardon would be tantamount to admitting guilt. She said a civil suit seeking compensation was one of several options that would be discussed with attorneys who specialize in that particular type of law.

ffs. please.

i really hope everything works out for Graves.

Casarez said other attorneys had assured her that the comptroller's office could approve the compensation because of the public statement's prosecutors had made about his innocence.
"Even though the order didn't contain those magical words ... I was certain the Comptroller's Office would take a very full look at it," she said.