COMMUNITY DEFENSE PROGRAM
The Legal Rights Center’s staff of attorneys and Community Advocates provide quality legal representation for both juveniles and adults without charge. Our cases range from misdemeanor traffic infractions to first-degree murder. Our controlled caseloads allow our attorneys to dedicate their efforts to each client. We firmly believe that people who are poor and have been charged with a crime must receive the same representation that a person of wealth would receive.
We recognize and uphold the dignity and constitutional rights of all of our clients. Our attorneys always consider the consequences, possible alternatives, and social circumstances when representing clients. Community Advocates conduct culturally sensitive legal investigation on behalf of our clients. Community Advocates typically have strong relationships with their communities, the depth of which gives them insight to understand our clients and to identify all the factors contributing to a case. The Legal Rights Center attorneys and Community Advocates counsel, educate, and encourage clients to make key decisions, not only about their cases but the course of their lives..
SERVICES
To begin the intake process please see: Need An Attorney
PROGRAM VALUES
PRIORITIES
The Legal Rights Center’s staff of attorneys and Community Advocates provide quality legal representation for both juveniles and adults without charge. Our cases range from misdemeanor traffic infractions to first-degree murder. Our controlled caseloads allow our attorneys to dedicate their efforts to each client. We firmly believe that people who are poor and have been charged with a crime must receive the same representation that a person of wealth would receive.
We recognize and uphold the dignity and constitutional rights of all of our clients. Our attorneys always consider the consequences, possible alternatives, and social circumstances when representing clients. Community Advocates conduct culturally sensitive legal investigation on behalf of our clients. Community Advocates typically have strong relationships with their communities, the depth of which gives them insight to understand our clients and to identify all the factors contributing to a case. The Legal Rights Center attorneys and Community Advocates counsel, educate, and encourage clients to make key decisions, not only about their cases but the course of their lives..
SERVICES
- Attorney representation in criminal or juvenile court (Hennepin County only)
- Legal advice regarding potential criminal charges
- Information and legal advice regarding criminal records problems
- Information and referral for non-criminal legal problems
To begin the intake process please see: Need An Attorney
PROGRAM VALUES
- Everyone, regardless of income, should have equal opportunity to exercise their legal rights.
- Crime is reduced in our neighborhoods when those who have committed crimes are directed towards helpful and trusted services by members of our own communities.
PRIORITIES
- In order to positively affect people whose lives have reached a critical juncture, we prioritize representing youth and those with minimal case histories..
- We also seek cases which have particular significance to communities of color, for which constitutional issues or other matters of justice may be at stake, or for whom our representation might coincide with improved circumstances for clients and their communities.