If someone is wrongfully convicted, can they receive compensation?

In the United States, individuals who are wrongfully convicted and later exonerated may be eligible for financial compensation, though the process and amount vary by state. Most states have statutes specifying compensation for lost wages, legal fees, and other damages, but eligibility often requires proof of wrongful conviction,

such as a court-issued exoneration or DNA evidence. Federal law also allows claims in certain cases under the Innocence Protection Act. However, compensation is not automatic, and claimants typically must file a formal application or lawsuit to receive payment.