For Immediate Release: Feb. 20, 2023

Contact: Robert Arbuthnot, 573-751-4106

 Senator Brian Williams Presents a Bill Enabling the Wrongfully Convicted to File for Damages

JEFFERSON CITY – On Feb. 20, Sen. Brian Williams, D-University City, presented legislation to the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee to enable a claimant who was wrongfully convicted of a crime to file a civil action for damages. If a person can prove their innocence by a preponderance of evidence, Senate Bill 253 permits them to bring a claim for damages within two years after the charges are dismissed, a pardon was granted or a retrial proved their innocence.

“People like Kevin Strickland and Lamar Johnson, who served prison time for crimes they did not commit, deserve more than freedom, they deserve restitution,” said Sen. Williams. “We cannot compensate the innocent for their lost time, but we can ensure they have the means to start a new life and live it comfortably.”

Under SB 253, an exonerated person may be awarded $179 for each day served in prison, with a maximum of $65,000 per year, and have their charges automatically expunged.

For more information about Sen. Williams and his legislation, please visit his Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Williams.