5 civil rights lawsuits against city name disgraced former Chicago Police Sgt. Reynaldo Guevara

CHICAGO (WLS) -- On Friday, five men hope to truly get beyond their past.

Decades served in prison for wrongful convictions have derailed chances of careers, despite receiving certificates of innocence.

"About 40+ individuals struggling to survive, struggling to keep afloat to keep families together while they delay the process," said exoneree Nelson Gonzalez.

Read more of Leah Hope's reporting for ABC7.