Need An Attorney?

Legal Rights Center lawyers defend adults and juveniles in criminal cases heard in any Hennepin County courtroom.   There is never a fee for our services. 

The Legal Rights Center requires an in-person client interview prior to agreeing to representation.  We have open (walk-in) intake hours from 10:00 to 12:00 every Tuesday morning at our building: 1611 Park Ave. S.  Minneapolis.  (Directions)

If this time does not work, please call our office at 612-337-0030 and request an intake appointment.

CASES WE MUST REFER
The Legal Rights Center does not represent clients in appeals, expungements, plea withdrawals, parole violations, jail conditions, or any other post-conviction matter.  For help finding representation for these kinds of cases please see the Free Post-Conviction help page.

For help finding no-fee civil legal help (including drivers license issues resulting from DWI infractions), or for criminal court help outside of Hennepin County, please see the Other Legal Organizations page.

Case Selection Guidelines

GENERAL:
The Legal Rights Center will not accept a case when it is clear that the client can afford a private attorney.

Otherwise, the Legal Rights Center reserves the right to accept or decline a case for any reason.  We have limited resources, and must allocate them efficiently for the greater good.

INCOME GUIDELINES
Our general standard is household income that is less than 187.5% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.  But we inquire about and consider additional factors that could make private attorney representation unaffordable to a particular client.

PREFERRED CASES

• Juvenile and first time adult offenders
• Cases which present issues affecting the quality of justice for people of color
• Cases in which the Legal Rights Center’s involvement is likely to positively impact the client’s future
• Cases impacting constitutional rights

CASES WE ARE UNLIKELY TO ACCEPT

• Cases likely to inflame ill will within or between communities
• Cases for which the client already has representation
• Requests made too close to a trial date for us to adequately prepare
• Cases in which the defendant’s criminal history suggests Legal Rights Center involvement is not likely to positively impact the client’s future