On October 19, NCIP exoneree Maurice Caldwell’s fight for compensation continued at the California Victim Compensation Board’s (CalVCB) October board meeting.
Maurice with his three children: Maurice Jr., Iyana, Amaya.
Maurice was exonerated in 2011 for a murder he did not commit after spending more than 20 years in prison. Since winning his freedom 6 years ago, he has not received a cent of compensation from the State of California for his wrongful incarceration. During that time, he has given back to the community: testifying in the California state legislature, speaking with student and community groups, and being a loving father to his children.
Maurice has one of the strongest innocence cases our office has ever seen, but to receive the compensation he rightfully deserves, at least two of three politically appointed CalVCB members needed to vote in favor of compensating him. For more information about the compensation process, click here.
The CALVCB is comprised of: Board chairperson Marybel Batjer (California Secretary of Government Operations), Michael Ramos (San Bernadino County District Attorney), and Betty Yee (California State Controller). All members were present at the board meeting, except for Betty Yee, who sent her designee, Richard Chivaro (Chief Counsel, State Controller’s Office), in her place.
The board was expected to vote and finally determine whether Maurice would be compensated by the State of California for his lost years. But, despite testimonials from Senator Mark Leno and Judge Harlan Grossman (Ret.), who appeared in person to speak in support of Maurice’s innocence and his right to compensation, the board ultimately decided to wait and see what happens with Maurice’s other pending legal claims before voting on the matter.
In addition to Maurice’s compensation claim, his attorneys from Gross Belsky Alonso LLP, are representing Maurice in two other matters. The first is Maurice’s appeal of the Superior Court’s denial of his motion for a finding of factual innocence. Should his appeal be granted, the CALVCB would be required by law to recommend compensation for Maurice. This is the reason why the CalVCB opted to delay their vote until the appeals court makes a decision.
The second matter is a civil rights claim Maurice filed against the City and County of San Francisco, which was also denied and is now on appeal in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Oral argument in the matter was held on October 13, 2017. You can view it here.
We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more.
As Maurice awaits a decision in his pending cases, he remains hopeful. He recently started a new job with Corinthian Parking Services as a valet. The NCIP team is proud of all he has and will accomplish.
To read more about Maurice’s case, click here.
Maurice on his first day as a valet for Corinthian Parking Services.
