Ignoring Innocence
The Wrongfully Convicted Forced Into Plea Deals
Even after proving their innocence, defendants locked away for crimes they didn’t commit are sometimes told they have to plead guilty if they want to be released from prison. The coercive deal is known as an Alford plea, and it’s pushed by prosecutors who don’t want to admit mistakes.
A Las Vegas Judge Approves $1.4 Million Payment to Wrongfully Convicted Man Who Served More Than Two Decades
Fred Steese, who spent decades behind bars for murder — despite the fact that Nevada state prosecutors had documents showing he was in another state at the time of the crime — will receive cash, fees and a certificate of innocence.
Baltimore Judge Tosses Alford Plea, Rebuking Prosecutor
Demetrius Smith has long maintained he pleaded guilty to a shooting he did not commit. Now, over the prosecutor's objections, his conviction has been set aside.
Baltimore Prosecutor Admits He Was Wrong to Block Request to Alter Alford Plea
A ProPublica story last month pointed out that the prosecutor had given up his right to veto changes to the unusual plea deal. Demetrius Smith, who was wrongfully convicted of murder when he agreed to the deal, will get a new hearing.
Nevada Pardons Wrongfully Convicted Man Featured in Our Story
The pardon clears Fred Steese’s name after state prosecutors had pushed him into an arcane plea deal even though a judge had declared he was innocent. “I’m not a felon anymore,” Steese said.
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