Reginald Cameron, a New Yorker who was wrongfully convicted of murder in 1996, was exonerated today in a Queens courtroom. Mr. Cameron’s case underscores the need for reforms to post-conviction challenges.

“Mr. Cameron, at the young age of 19, was coerced into providing a false confession, which he subsequently retracted. But, to avoid the ‘trial tax’, he subsequently pled guilty and lost nine years of his life to some of New York’s most notorious and brutal prisons,” explained Elizabeth Felber, Director of the Wrongful Conviction Unit at The Legal Aid Society. “This is an all-too-common reality for many of our clients who are innocent, but forced to accept a guilty plea over the alternative of a lengthy prison sentence.”

“This case underscores the urgent need for Governor Hochul to enact the Challenging Wrongful Conviction Act, which would ease the process for New Yorkers who pleaded guilty to bring post-conviction challenges. Current law prohibits such New Yorkers from bringing claims of actual innocence. This measure passed the full Legislature earlier this year.

The measure passed the full State Legislature earlier this year and is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature.