At 17, Leslie Vass was wrongfully sentenced to prison for armed robbery in 1975. From behind bars, he taught himself law to fight for his freedom. After 11 years of imprisonment, he applied for Post Conviction Relief and was finally granted his release. Upon his release, Leslie successfully sued the state for wrongful conviction, holding them somewhat accountable. Yet, three decades later, the wrongful conviction remains on his record, a constant reminder of his lost youth and ongoing struggles.

Leslie's case underscores the severe impact of law enforcement and prosecutorial misconduct and highlights the global issue of wrongful convictions. According to the National Registry of Exonerations, it takes an average of 14 years for a wrongfully convicted person’s name to be cleared. Leslie’s story emphasizes the urgent need for justice reform.

Despite his hardships, Leslie embodies hope and resilience, proving that challenging and correcting such injustices is possible. However, it should not be this difficult. In a time when civil and human rights are increasingly prioritized, no one should have to fight these battles alone. Let’s support Leslie and others like him who continue to face the consequences of wrongful convictions and just want a chance to move on.

Join in urging the state to finally clear Leslie’s record, as mandated by expungement orders issued in May 1986 and validated by two additional court orders in 1993 and 1995. These orders demand city and state agencies destroy the records, ultimately clearing his name and affirming his innocence.

This is not just about Leslie; it’s about justice, human rights, and standing against wrongful convictions that can haunt individuals for the rest of their lives.

Please sign this petition and support this fight for justice.

ARTICLES ABOUT MR. VASS STORY:

Leslie Vass - National Registry of Exonerations Pre 1989 (umich.edu)​

Cash can’t fix 10 years stolen from growing up – Baltimore Sun​

Obstacles to justice - Open Society Institute - Baltimore (osibaltimore.org)​

For Maryland exoneree, $550K in state compensation helps — but can’t restore all that he’s lost - The Baltimore Banner

Man bounces back after wrongful conviction | wusa9.com​

Living With Freedom | Maryland's first exoneree Leslie Vass talks about justice, PTSD, and starting over from scratch - MEAWW​

Maryland Takes On Compensation For The Wrongly Imprisoned - CBS Baltimore (cbsnews.com)

Please sign this petition and support this fight for justice.