New Maryland law to require compensation for wrongful convictions

MARYLAND. – A wrongful conviction can lead to a lifetime behind bars for a crime you didn’t commit. But thanks to House Bill 1086, the Maryland justice system will have to make it up to that individual, monetarily.

The law, which goes into effect starting July 1, alters certain benefits that an individual who has been erroneously convicted of a crime is entitled to receive.

Wicomico County assistant state’s attorney, Patrick Gilbert, said this is a win for the state of Maryland, but nothing can nullify wrongful imprisonment.

“You’ll see these awards and the numbers might look on paper to be pretty big, but when you weigh them against what was taken, it’s woefully inadequate, and it’s inadequate in a way that we’re never going to be able to make up for,” Gilbert said.

Now, here on the shore, Gilbert said his team will use the law to work to bring wrongful convictions to the surface and get those individuals the justice they deserve.

“We’re trying to adapt that model to the needs of a smaller rural community, like Wicomico County, but I think the existence is the recognition of prosecutor’s obligation, is first and foremost, to do justice,” Gilbert said.