Georgia Legislature to award wrongfully convicted man $1.2 million
This week, a committee of the Georgia legislature approved an award of $1.2 million for a man who served almost 22 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. The Atlanta Journal Constitution has the full story.
$1.2 million works out to about $54,000 per year. It sounds good, but I would rather have the 22 years back. Think about what it would be like to lose some of the best years of your life locked up for something you didn't do. And it's not just the time and lost wages. Think of the family and friends who must have abandoned him. Think about the lost opportunities, and the normal everyday things we take for granted. Doing time is never easy. But I am sure it's almost intolerable when you know you are innocent.
Of course, there is no guarantee the Pete will see the money anytime soon. First, the bill has to get to the floor of the House, and then it must be approved by the Georgia Senate. Finally, the Governor must sign it. It may not happen this year, but I am sure Pete knows more about patience than most of us.
This is another win for the dedicated defense lawyers and support staff at the Georgia Innocence Project. They have done a tremendous job of uncovering wrongful convictions through the use of DNA evidence. I am proud to be one of the organization's Founding Members. I posted another one of their wins late last year. They have obviously been very busy.
Congratulations to the Innocence Project and Pete Williams.
