Settlements in Imprisonment & Wrongful Conviction Cases

Settlements in wrongful conviction and imprisonment cases vary. To maximize the compensation in your case, partner with a lawyer. You and your attorney can build a compelling argument to support your lawsuit, request a wrongful imprisonment lawsuit loan that covers you financially until your case is settled, and much more.

Silver Dollar Financial offers legal loans contingent on settlements awarded in wrongful death and imprisonment cases. Let us review your case and explain what legal loan options we can offer to you. Contact us today to get started.

Examples of Settlements for Wrongful Conviction and Imprisonment Cases

Unfortunately, prosecutors, law enforcement, and others make mistakes that result in wrongful convictions and imprisonment. You cannot change the fact that you were wrongfully convicted or imprisoned, but you may be eligible to seek damages from any liable parties. To understand what compensation you may get, consider these cases:

Wrongful Conviction in a Fatal Shooting Case

According to The Detroit News, the Detroit City Council approved an $8.5 million settlement for Larry Smith, who was wrongfully convicted of a fatal shooting in 1994. Smith, 48 as of July 2024, was initially sentenced to life in prison without parole. A prosecutor said some of the information originally used against Smith was “unreliable.”

Wrongful Conviction in a Murder Case

Tampa, Florida officials agreed to pay a settlement of $14 million to Robert DuBoise after he was wrongfully convicted of a murder and spent 37 years in prison, the Tampa Bay Times reported. DuBoise was released from prison after DNA testing revealed he had no connection to the crime. Following his release, DuBoise filed a lawsuit against the city.

“Marquette Park Four” Wrongful Conviction Case

Chicago lawmakers approved a $50 million settlement for the “Marquette Park Four,” ABC Chicago noted. The settlement came after four teenagers were convicted of a double murder in 1995. In 2017, the four individuals who were convicted were exonerated.

Wrongful Conviction in a Drive-By Shooting Case

San José, California officials said they would pay $12 million in a settlement to Lionel Rubalcava, who was wrongfully convicted of a drive-by shooting in 2002, KQED reported. Rubalcava was exonerated in 2019 after the Santa Clara County Superior Court declared him “factually innocent.” One year later, Rubalcava sued the city.

Wrongful Incarceration Case

Ronnie Wallace Long was awarded a settlement of $25 million based on a wrongful conviction and imprisonment, NPR stated. Long was convicted of rape and burglary in 1976 and received two life sentences. In August 2020, a federal appeals court vacated Long’s conviction, and he was released from prison.

As these show, it is possible to get significant wrongful conviction and imprisonment case settlements. At Silver Dollar Financial, we offer many types of funding to those involved in lawsuits, including wrongful conviction and imprisonment cases. Reach out to us for more information about our pre-settlement funding options.

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How to Get a Settlement for a Wrongful Conviction or Imprisonment

If you are interested in pursuing a wrongful conviction or imprisonment settlement, do not wait to submit your claim. The sooner you seek damages, the sooner you can begin settlement negotiations. Here are tips to help you file your request and achieve the best possible results:

Get Legal Help

Ask for help from a lawyer who will review your case and help you determine if you have a legitimate claim for damages. Your attorney can submit your claim and build an argument designed to compel the court to rule in your favor. Also, they can explain lawsuit loans in detail and help you apply for funding you can use while you pursue damages.

Collect Evidence

Gather photos, videos, DNA evidence, and other proof to support your argument. Just saying you are the victim of a wrongful conviction or imprisonment is not enough to get damages. Alternatively, if you have an abundance of evidence, the court may be inclined to award you maximum compensation.

Calculate Your Losses

Work with your attorney to determine just how much harm you have incurred as a result of someone else’s negligence. Your lawyer may encourage you to ask for economic and non-economic damages. That way, you may get compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other quantifiable and subjective losses.

In addition to these things, if you want to get money now, you can apply for a pre-settlement loan. With this funding, you receive compensation based on your projected case settlement amount. Plus, the funding is yours to keep, regardless of whether you receive damages from any liable parties.

Negotiating a Settlement in a Wrongful Conviction or Imprisonment Case

Rather than bring your case to court, you may have the opportunity to negotiate a settlement. Your lawyer will update you regarding settlement negotiations and let you know if the defendant in your case submits a proposal. If so, you have the option to review the offer with your attorney, and they can help you weigh its pros and cons.

Getting a settlement offer may be a big step forward in receiving compensation, but you do not have to accept the proposal if it falls short of your expectations. Generally, your lawyer will advise you on what to do with a settlement. Yet, you make the final decision about an offer and should only approve it if it gives you adequate compensation.

Only if you receive a lawsuit loan and accept a settlement will you have to pay back your pre-settlement funding. On the other hand, you can present your case in court, which may or may not lead to you getting compensation. If the court decides not to provide you with damages and you previously got legal funding, you are not required to pay back your loan.