If you’ve been accused of a crime, your worst fear is probably being wrongfully imprisoned for something you didn’t do. Unfortunately, the Michigan legal system is imperfect. This frightening situation can happen. Often, people feel free to speak to law enforcement because they have nothing to hide. Instead, aggressive tactics by authorities can lead to a series of events that trigger a wrongful conviction.
You may wonder if wrongfully convicted individuals have legal rights or whether there is anything that can be done to resolve your legal situation. The answer may be in Michigan’s Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act.
What Is the Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act in Michigan?
A criminal conviction comes with more than a significant prison sentence. It also comes with numerous other consequences, such as challenges in securing housing and pursuing a career. Upon release from prison, securing financial and educational opportunities is more difficult, and your personal and professional reputation will suffer harm. These consequences are amplified when you know you are wrongfully convicted of a crime. Building a new life with a criminal conviction on your shoulders is challenging and can lead to issues with financial stability and security.
In 2016, then-Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed the Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act into law. The measure is supposed to compensate wrongfully convicted people who spent time in prison. The legislation seeks to help the wrongfully convicted rebuild their lives after finding themselves on the wrong side of the law.
Under Michigan’s Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act, those wrongfully convicted of a criminal offense may be entitled to compensation of up to $50,000 for every year of their imprisonment. People may also seek compensation for restitution for expenses such as legal fees.
Do You Need an Attorney to Seek Compensation Under Michigan’s Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act?
It is vital to seek help from an experienced attorney who understands how the Michigan legal system works and who will fight for the compensation you deserve under the Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act. There is still lingering confusion over the eligibility of wrongfully imprisoned individuals and the narrow criteria for compensation entitlement. Securing aggressive legal representation is the best way to fight for the money you’re owed and recover compensation under this Michigan law.
At Mueller Law Firm, our legal team has a long track record of helping wrongfully imprisoned individuals fight for the money and justice they deserve. We will carefully review your situation, help you seek payment under the Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act, and advise you of other forms of compensation that may be available depending on the specifics of your case.
Let Mueller Law Firm Be Your Voice
People who were wrongfully convicted of a crime often feel like they have no voice and no one will listen to them or take them seriously. At Mueller Law Firm, we want to ensure that your voice is heard and you get the chance to seek the compensation you deserve to help you rebuild your life. Wolfgang Mueller and his team tirelessly fight for the legal rights of those they represent.
If you were wrongfully convicted and deserve compensation under Michigan’s Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act, contact our office today and arrange a confidential legal consultation.
