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If you are thinking of applying for compensation for wrongful conviction, imprisonment or detention, it can help to get legal advice from a lawyer. You may also be able to get legal aid (a loan for legal support). Find our information about getting legal support.
Your application should include:
Post the application and documents to:
Minister of Justice
Parliament Buildings
Wellington 6160
If your application is about a military conviction, send it to: Ministry of Defence, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160.
The Ministry of Justice (or the Ministry of Defence, for a military conviction) will consider your application, and report back to the Minister of Justice (or the Minister of Defence).
When deciding if you will receive compensation, they will consider whether:
People who have successfully applied for compensation in the past have usually had the help of an investigator or investigative journalist, a lawyer, and others. How long it takes to get compensation for wrongful conviction will depend on the case.