Governor Scott signs Representative Bobby DuBose’s Bill to help victims of wrongful incarceration

Governor Scott signs Representative Bobby DuBose’s Bill to help victims of wrongful incarceration

By Robert A. Bogle, IV

     TALLAHASSEE, FL – On Friday, June 16, 2017, Governor Rick Scott signed into law legislation known as the “Victims of Wrongful Incarceration Compensation Act.”

“It is disgraceful that Floridians wrongfully incarcerated weren’t able to obtain justice,” announced Democratic Leader Pro-Tempore Bobby DuBose. “This bill is for the people like William Dillon, who after 26 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, could not seek compensation because he had a past conviction for drug possession and Herman Lindsey, the 23rd person exonerated from death row in 2009 from a crime he did not commit. These non-violent offenders who have served time due to blunders by the state deserve retribution for the mistakes that have cost them so dearly.”

Previously under Florida law, inmates wrongfully incarcerated were unable to receive compensation if they had been convicted of any felony. This is known as the Clean Hands Provision. Of thirty states with similar laws regarding wrongful incarceration, Florida was the only one with such a provision, which produced vastly unintended consequences.

The Victims of Wrongful Incarceration Compensation Act amends the Clean Hands Provision, only prohibiting those wrongfully incarcerated from receiving compensation if he or she has been convicted of a violent felony or more than one non-violent felony.

“Allowing those who have been wronged by the state access to the compensation they deserve will provide them with an opportunity to reintegrate themselves into society and better themselves and their community,” declared Democratic Leader Pro-Tempore Bobby DuBose.  “I sincerely thank Governor Scott for signing this into law and helping to bring justice for families across Florida.”