The state assembly passed a bill Wednesday that aims to lower the barrier for people wrongfully convicted of crimes to make a case for their innocence.
The bill, titled the Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act, aims to change existing law that blocks people who have pleaded guilty from filing a claim of “innocence” except in cases where DNA evidence emerges.
The legislation would allow people who pleaded guilty to pursue innocence claims case “with or without” DNA evidence.
Currently, there are many avenues for people wrongfully convicted to have their cases overturned—no matter their initial plea or whether there is DNA evidence or not–and get out of prison.
This bill, however, provides those wrongfully convicted to be declared “innocent,” which would allow them to seek compensation, officially clear their name and reduce the chances of a retrial.
Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry, who represents Corona in Queens and sponsored the bill, said that many people plead guilty to crimes because they are either coerced or don’t think they will win at trial, or they might face harsh penalties if they go to trial.
