How would you begin to rebuild your life if you were in prison and exonerated after 16 years behind bars?

Regardless of his innocence the same problem exists for any inmate upon their release. Sadly that's what causes so many repeat offenders - no resources or options for them to start a new life. Practically speaking it would be necessary to enlist the help of organizations to get on your feet.

Religious organizations can be very helpful as well as any State or City offices that help the homeless. Getting on the news could help this specific person mentioned (Greg Taylor). Filing a lawsuit might even be in order.

If no relatives or organizations step up to help the likelihood of being caught or accused of committing a crime is very high. If it were me I'd leave town and move to an area that is more helpful to its homeless population. Getting access to education would be crucial since 16 years out of the loop can severely hamper a persons ability to earn a competent wage.

I'd recommend a computer course which companies like Manpower Temp Agency used to offer for free for those who sign up to work through them. I'd get a P.O. Box that uses a street address (most places won't deliver to POBox Numbers) and a pay-as-you-go cell phone. Although with only $45 I'd have to decide what is more important to get first.

I'd say a mailing address is the most important thing. A phone number where people can leave me a message (even without a cell phone) would really help. Then signing up for temp work and finding free clothes and a place to bathe and groom would be next.

Food and a place to sleep in most cities is easier than you might think. Here in Portland, Oregon, you can volunteer in a soup kitchen and earn your meals. There are similar setups for clothing, sleeping arrangements, free medical and prescriptions as well as mental health care.

A determined person with no drug/alcohol/smoking dependancies can make it. I know I'd be able to.

Well you would just have to start over from scratch. Most of these releases have you sign a paper that says you cannot sue the Courts or State and they won't fight your release. So your on your own.

You should have picked up a trade behind bars so you should be able to get a job. You have to learn what is now considered everyday technology and get a roof over your head and a job. Go to Government agencies for support aand Church groups and do whatever it takes to get on your feet.

I think the biggest problem someone would have would be getting that prison mentality out of your head. You are no longer in the kill because you don't like the way someone looks at you world. Being around all those thieves has probably changed your mindset and if you wish to remain free you need to re-socialize yourself back into society.

I would sue the state for few million dollars, and then build my life. Finding a job with criminal record will be extremely difficult in the current financial situation, even if you're proven innocent. Attract medias to your case.At least by suing for damage and involving the media, you can get attention for yourself.

If your lawsuit fail, you might sympathy from the media or you can write a memoir and sell it. I'm sure some lawyers will want to do it if you promise them percentage of your earnings if you win.

I would be working on two big goals right away: 1. Seeking an official pardon from the governor, to get my criminal record cleared. Being exonerated does not necessarily mean that you won't be flagged as a convicted felon when you apply for jobs.

I would want it clear that I have no criminal history. 2. Suing the state for a heck of a lot more than $45.

I realize the prison was just doing their job, and the prosecutor may have been acting in good faith, but if I could find a way to get compensated for that time, I would be working on it. In the meantime, my short-term goals would be: 1. Find a job.

Any job. I would do whatever I could to get back into the work force, refresh my job skills, and get stable. 2.

Seek counseling. It's very hard to come out of prison and be normal again (just handling money, driving a car, or being alone can feel intensely strange). 3.

Tell my story. I would want people to know what happened, and what could have been done to prevent it. I think it would also help me make peace with things.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.