Innocence certificates sought for Chicago-area men

Attorneys for three Chicago-area men whose convictions for a 1991 rape and murder were vacated are seeking Certificates of Innocence.

The convictions of Robert Taylor, James Harden and Jonathan Barr were vacated in November after DNA evidence linked another man to the crime.

The men were teenagers when they were convicted in the rape and murder a 14-year-old girl from Dixmoor, a town about 20 miles from Chicago.

Attorneys say the men have been trying to rebuild their lives since their release.

The innocence certificates are required for the men to expunge their criminal records. The certificates will also allow them to receive compensation and re-entry assistance.

A judge will decide whether to issue the certificates.

The men are scheduled to appear in court on their motion on Wednesday.