17-22-2. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the term: (1) “Alford plea” means a plea of guilty entered by a defendant while maintaining his or her innocence, as recognized by the United States Supreme Court in the case of North Carolina v. Alford, 400 U.S. 25 (1970). (2) “Claimant” means an individual seeking compensation under this chapter for his or her wrongful conviction and incarceration. (3) “Prosecuting district attorney” means the district attorney whose office prosecuted the claimant for the crime or crimes that resulted in the wrongful conviction and incarceration for which the claimant is seeking compensation under the provisions of this chapter. (4) “State governmental entity” means any office, authority, agency, department, unit, division, instrumentality, institution, commission, board, branch, or other entity of state government.