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 four days a week at different locations in Minneapolis. If none of these times work for you, please call our office at 612-337-0030 and request an intake appointment.

Intake Schedule

Mondays

Centro, 2-4:00 pm
1915 Chicago Ave. S.
612-874-1412
En español

Tuesdays

Legal Rights Center, 10am-12pm
1611 Park Ave. S.
612-337-0030
Español disponible

Brian Coyle Community Center, 1-3:00pm
420 15th Ave. S.
612-338-5282
Af Soomaaliga way ku hadlaan
Español disponible
Call ahead for other East African languages

American Indian OIC, 2-3:00pm
1845 E. Franklin Ave.
612-341-3358

Wednesdays

American Indian Center, 10-11:00am
1530 E. Franklin Ave.
612-879-1700

Pillsbury House, 4-5:00pm
3501 Chicago Ave. S.
612-824-0708

Thursdays

CLUES, 2-4:00pm
720 E. Lake St.
612-337-0030
En español

Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 12:00 noon-1:00 p.m., every Thursday
1301 - 10th Avenue North
612-374-4342

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 200% 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

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 Online Legal Services page.