This morning in Tallahassee, FL William Dillon’s attorneys will present a case for compensation for his wrongful conviction and incarceration, and will demonstrate the improprieties by the state in the investigation and prosecution of Dillon’s case. Dillon was wrongfully convicted of a 1981 murder and served 27 years behind bars before DNA evidence demonstrated his innocence. The Innocence Project of Florida worked to obtain the DNA testing that proved Dillon’s innocence and and led to his release in November 2008.

The recently passed Victims of Wrongful Incarceration Act has a “clean hands” provision preventing anyone with a prior felony from being awarded compensation. Dillon had a minor, non-violent offense prior to his wrongful conviction and was, therefore, excluded from being compensated through this new process for his 27 years of wrongful imprisonment.

Instead, Dillon was required to proceed through the political claims bill process. Dillon is fortunate to have Senator Mike Haridopolos (R-26 – Brevard) and Rep. John Legg (R-46 – Pasco) as the principle sponsors of the claims bill. Additionally, the entire Brevard County delegations from both legislative houses have agreed to co-sponsor the bill.

The hearing on the claims bill will be held at 9:00 AM this morning. Good luck to Mr. Dillon!

Related posts:

1. Tallahassee Democrat asks for compensation for Dillon Not sure how I missed this article this morning. The Democrat ran an editorial decrying the Victims of Wrongful Incarceration...
2. Dillon won’t be paid for time spent in prison That is the title of this article from Florida Today that was just published. The gist of the article is this: because...
3. Bill Dillon Roundup There has been a flurry of activity recently surrounding the case of William Dillon. Dillon was exonerated by DNA testing...
4. Florida’s Compensation Bill Doesn’t Work Last week, an administrative judge denied exoneree James Richardson compensation after she somehow determined that Mr. Richardson had not proved...
5. A visit from Bill Dillon We had quite a treat a few days ago when Bill Dillon, a man we fought to exonerate, swung by the...
6. Bill Dillon on the Radio Bill Dillon appeared on Deminski and Doyle on 94.7 WCSX, Detroit’s Rock Station to talk about his case.  The segment...