State to increase wrongful conviction reimbursement

Amount would increase to $1 million, currently up to $25,000

Although there haven’t been many documented wrongful convictions in Wisconsin, they do happen.  

That is why a group of lawmakers are pushing for changes in the max amount, so those who are wrongfully convicted can be reimbursed by the state – up to a $1 million.  

It’s a change that most lawmakers will likely agree with thinks Dale Kooyenga, sponsor of the legislation.

“If you are falsely incarcerated and exonerated,” Kooyenga said, “we can’t make it right by giving you a little compensation, but we can make it better.”

The wrongful conviction reimbursement maximum in the state is currently $5,000 per year with a limit up to $25,000. The same level in place in the state since the 1970s.