The Leave No One Behind Project United in Service Committed in Care Leaving No One Behind
Support The Unified Professional Military Veterans Organization's Mission
What is The Leave No One Left Behind Project
The Unified Professional Military Veterans Organization (UPMV) is proud to introduce its innovative initiative, "The Leave No One Behind Project," as part of our ongoing commitment to addressing systemic injustices. This program aims to fill significant gaps in support for veterans unjustly confined or facing lengthy, unconstitutional sentences in state and federal prisons across the United States. Our comprehensive approach is carefully crafted to go beyond the current justice system's limitations, particularly for veterans dealing with mental health challenges.
The Injustice in the Justice System
Did you know....
You can be charged, convicted and sent to prison based solely on an accusation?
Presumption of Guilt
Imagine a courtroom where the scales of justice are tipped before the trial even begins. This is the reality faced by many accused individuals due to recent court decisions that undermine the principle of "innocent until proven guilty." Take, for example, the case of Speller v. Commonwealth (69 Va. App. 378, 388 [2018]). In this case, the court allowed the assumption that the accused was lying simply because they were defending themselves. This unfair presumption was further reinforced by Kelley v. Commonwealth (69 Va. App. 617, 626 [2019]), where inconsistencies in the accuser’s story were brushed aside without question. Adding to the problem, Wilson v. Commonwealth (46 Va. App. 73, 87 [2005]) showed that a conviction could be based on nothing more than the accuser's word. Together, these decisions create a scenario where the accused is presumed guilty before their side of the story is even heard.
Risk of Wrongful Conviction
Now picture the daunting reality for someone fighting to prove their innocence in such a system. Despite the courts’ claims that “..It is not sufficient that the evidence creates “a suspicion or probability of guilt,” but must go further and exclude every reasonable hypothesis of guilt. Nor where a fact is equally susceptible to two interpretations, one of which is consistent with the interpretation of the accuser, may the judge [or judges] arbitrarily adopt that interpretation which incriminates the accused. Yet, the reality is that the accused faces an almost insurmountable burden of proving innocence when the system allows for the accuser's word alone to secure a conviction.
This challenge is compounded by the difficulty of overturning a conviction on appeal. In Johnson v. Commonwealth (58 Va. App. 303, 315 [2011]) and Lambert v. Commonwealth (70 Va. App. 740, 759 [2019]), it’s clear that overturning a conviction requires proving that the testimony was absolutely unbelievable, a bar set so high it is rarely met. This system not only distorts the basic principle of "innocent until proven guilty" but also paves the way for false accusations to cause real harm.
The implications of these legal precedents extend beyond individual cases. They challenge the very principles that underpin the criminal justice system and the protections it is supposed to offer to all citizens. If the system is perceived as fundamentally unfair, it risks losing public trust and undermining the rule of law. Those who disagree with these concerns may find themselves, or someone they care about, unjustly caught in a system that prioritizes conviction over fairness.
The concerns raised by these precedents are not merely theoretical. They reflect real risks and potential injustices that can affect anyone accused of a crime, particularly in cases where the evidence is limited, non-existent, or contradictory. The system’s bias against the accused, combined with the acceptance of uncorroborated testimony and the difficulty of challenging credibility on appeal, creates a dangerous environment where wrongful convictions can occur. These issues must be addressed to ensure that the criminal justice system remains fair, just, and true to its foundational principles.
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Transforming Lives with The Unified Professional Military Veterans Organization
We are a 501.c3 charitable organization dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. Our programs focus on providing support and resources to those affected by a failed justice system. By working together with our community partners, we aim to create a brighter future for those unjustly disenfranchised by our legal system. These programs require funding now, please contribute today.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Join our team of dedicated volunteers and make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Whether it's serving meals at a homeless shelter or volunteering at a fundraiser, there are many ways to get involved and give back.
The Unified Professional Military Veterans Organization in Action
Restoring Families and Communities with The Unified Professional Military Veterans Organization
Identifying and Rectifying Unjust Convictions
Subsection: Pardon Petition Services with Legal Expertise
As part of this initiative, UPMV offers essential non-attorney-based writing services, including Simple, Conditional, and Absolute Pardon petitions, to deserving veterans caught in the complexities of the justice system. Our goal is to rectify unfair convictions or inadequate legal representation for these veterans. These vital legal services are provided at a reasonable fee to ensure accessibility to justice.
Parole and Probation Advocacy
Subsection 1: Crafting Detailed Legal Documents to Support Widespread Advocacy
UPMV expands its services to parole and probation hearings, providing skilled personnel to advocate for eligible veterans demonstrating commendable progress during incarceration. We also address cases where appeal hearings have been unjustly denied. These tailored legal writing services are priced to accommodate veterans' economic circumstances, with ongoing efforts to secure external funding for those facing financial barriers.
Advocacy for Constitutional Rights
Subsection 2: Unwavering Advocacy for Veterans' Rights
UPMV assumes the mantle of advocacy for veterans subjected to mistreatment and the denial of fundamental constitutional rights while incarcerated. Expanding our services beyond legal assistance, UPMV recognizes the profound impact of incarceration on veterans and their families. Therefore, in addition to our dedication to pardon petition writing, we are committed to providing comprehensive counseling services tailored specifically to support veterans at every stage of the justice system.
From pre-incarceration to incarceration and post-incarceration, our counseling services aim to address the unique challenges and emotional tolls experienced by veterans. By offering a supportive and empathetic environment, we strive to help veterans navigate the complexities of the legal system with resilience and strength. Our goal is not only to advocate for justice but also to promote healing and rehabilitation, ensuring that veterans receive the holistic support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. With UPMV, veterans can rely on a trusted ally dedicated to their well-being and empowerment throughout their journey toward justice and beyond. We can help you navigate the prison world to keep you safe and make sure you make it back home to your families.
Appeal for Universal Change:
Veterans deserve greater consideration from our government than they have received thus far. UPMV advocates for systemic change, not to condone unlawful behavior, but to recognize veterans' sacrifices and their right to fair treatment. Acknowledging their service and respecting their rights is a fundamental duty owed to them by our nation.
** Those services listed in Sections 1 and 2 are extended to ineligible veterans and non-veterans whose circumstances meet our requirements. If interested, Email or mail your request for service. Members of UPMV are eligible for significant discounts toward many of the legal services offered. All proceeds go towards the UPMV Mission, including administrative cost to offer these services.
Mr. S. Hayes
Email: upmvbus@gmail.com
Mailing Address:
The Unified Professional Military Veterans Organization "UPMV"
P.O. Box 3088
Hampton Virginia 23663
