Guy Donnell Miles exonerated after 19 years in prison

Guy Donnell Miles has been freed from his convictions in a Santa Ana state court after serving nearly 19 years in prison for an armed robbery he maintains he did not commit.

In 2017, after winning the right to a retrial, Miles accepted a special plea bargain to avoid further litigation. This plea allowed him to avoid admitting guilt while accepting the charges and punishment. Miles stated he chose the deal out of exhaustion and a desire to return to his family.

Following the dismissal of his convictions, Miles expressed relief that he will no longer need to explain his criminal record to prospective employers and noted that he is now eligible to vote. He credited his family and his legal team for their support, and thanked Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer for doing the right thing.