He Received Compensation for the Wrongful Conviction
In the wake of his release from prison, James Richardson embarked on a legal battle against DeSoto County, seeking redress for the immense pain and suffering inflicted upon him by his wrongful conviction. His lawsuit highlighted the toll that incarceration had taken on his health, including the development of a heart condition and other cardiac issues, which he attributed to inadequate medical care, relentless stress, and substandard prison food.
Richardson's robust lawsuit marked a significant milestone, setting a precedent that would benefit many wrongfully convicted individuals. Eventually, he was awarded compensation for the suffering he had endured. However, the amount he received fell far short of the expected $1.2 million. In the wake of his case, a new law, House Bill 227, was signed, designed to assist those wrongfully convicted.
