A Memphis man exonerated by DNA evidence after serving 22 years in prison for a rape and robbery could be awarded $1 million for his wrongful conviction under a new state law, says The Tennessean in Nashville. Clark McMillan, convicted in 1980, testified to the legislature this year to gain support for a better process of making claims against the state. Lawmakers passed a bill that provides up to $1 million in compensation. McMillan, 47, is likely to ask for more than $800,000. “One person who is actually innocent spent almost 23 years of his life behind bars. He has borne the brunt of the failures of the criminal justice system,” said the attorney, Rob Briley of Nashville. The $800,000 figure is based on $100 per day of wrongful imprisonment.
An award must await a decision by Gov. Phil Bredesen to exonerate McMillan and restore all his rights. If the governor exonerates McMillan, Briley will represent him before the state Board of Claims, which can award up to $1 million.
Link: http://www.tennessean.com/local/archives/04/08/55489152.shtml?Element_ID=55489152