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I
think I need legal help.
Local members of the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division offer
free legal counseling to low-income individuals. You can get information
at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) that may be set up after the President
declares a major disaster. You can call 1-800-525-0321 for more information.
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Free
Legal Services If You Live In The Bronx
Bronx
Legal Services is a non-profit corporation that provides low-income residents
and the elderly with legal representation in civil matters at no charge.
There are several offices located throughout the Bronx. Types of services
include help with health laws and government benefit law. Contact Bronx
Legal Services, South Bronx Office (one of many), 579 Courtlandt Avenue,
Bronx, NY 10451; 718-993-6250; {www.bronxlegalservices.org}.
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Free
Legal Service for the Jewish Poor
Legal
Services for New York City delivers free legal service for the Jewish
poor in New York City. Participating lawyers speak Yiddish and Russian
and have helped holocaust survivors and those that have been disadvantaged
in health care and insurance fraud. Contact Legal Services for New York
City, 186 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201; {info@lsnybb.org};
{www.lsnybb.org}.
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Help
for Crime Victims
The
National Center for Victims of Crime is dedicated to helping victims of
crimes rebuild their lives. They offer toll-free help lines, a lawyer
referral service, support counselors and referrals to support services.
A unique service is they provide a section on their web site that gives
victims tips on interviewing with the media. Contact National Center for
Victims of Crime, 2000 M St. NW #480, Washington, DC 20036; 800-FYI-CALL;
Fax: 202-467-8701; {gethelp@ncvc.org};
{www.ncvc.org}.
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Pro Bono Attorneys
for Crime Victims
The Stephanie Roper Foundation, Inc. is a program that provides general
advice and legal representation to crime victims. They assist victims
by offering free information on and guidance through the criminal justice
system and can provide pro bono attorneys to represent victims' interests
in court. Contact Stephanie Roper Foundation Inc., 14750 B. Main Street,
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772; 301-952-0063; {www.stephroper-gpq.com}.
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Free
Legal Assistance for Americans of Arab Descent
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is a nonsectarian,
nonpartisan service organization committed to defending the rights and
promoting the heritage of Arab-Americans. ADC offers advocacy in cases
of defamation, legal action in cases of discrimination, and counseling
in matters of immigration. ADC has published a series of reports on anti-Arab
hate crimes. Through its Department of Legal Services, ADC offers counseling
in cases of discrimination and defamation and selected impact litigation
in the areas of immigration. Contact American-Arab Anti-Discrimination
Committee (ADC), 4201 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 500, Washington,
DC 20008; 202-244-2990; Fax: 202-244-3196; {http://www.adc.org}.
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Free
Legal Services for Disaster Victims and Their Families
Victims and families of those affected by the recent terrorist attacks
can receive free disaster legal services. Volunteer attorneys from the
American Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division can help answer questions
about tenant/landlord disputes, wills, insurance and taxes and other issues.
The line is staffed daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT. To apply for this
assistance in NY: 800-247-8035; 800-552-4007; {www.cvb.state.us.ny}.
Pentagon Victims should call: 804-378-3434; Victims of the PA Plane Crash
should call: 800-692-7292; 717-783-5135; {www.pccd.state.pa.us}.
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Free
Legal Help If Your Child Is Suspended or Expelled From School
"Zero Tolerance" and other school system disciplinary practices
can place your child's education in jeopardy if you are not aware of your
rights. Your first meeting with the principal on such matters can actually
serve as a trial for your child's future. The School House Legal Services
of Baltimore, Maryland provides free attorneys and paralegals to represent
Maryland families in these matters. Maryland has an income limit for representation
that is about $30,000 for a family of four, but information about the
process is free. If you don't live in Maryland, contact your local Legal
Services Office or your State Department of Education listed in the blue
pages of your phone book for more information and help. School House Legal
Services can be reached at Maryland Disability Law Center, 1800 N. Charles
St., Suite 202, Baltimore, MD 21201; 410-727-6352.
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Get
Rid of Neighborhood Troublemakers Without the Police, For Free
Some states allow local community groups to get tenants or property owners
thrown out of the neighborhood - under civil laws, not criminal laws -
if they are involved with drugs or are a nuisance to the community. It's
easier to enforce a civil law than a criminal law. Which is probably why
O.J. Simpson lost his civil trial, but won his criminal trial. The Community
Law Center in Maryland provides free legal assistance to communities in
Maryland to enforce these laws. Their services are free to non-profit
community groups who seek to rid their neighborhood of troublemakers.
To find out if your community has similar services, contact your state
Attorney General's office listed in the blue pages of your phone book.
The Community Law Center can be reached at 2500 Maryland Avenue, Baltimore,
MD 21218; 410-366-0922; Fax: 410-366-7763; {clawc@aol.com}.
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10,000
Lawyers That Work For Free
If your income is less than $32,000 (for a family of 4), it's worth checking
out the pro bono legal services that are available in your state. And
even if your income is more, it's worth checking because some of these
services have flexible requirements depending upon your situation and
the problem involved. Every year tens of thousands of lawyers volunteer
their services to people who need help with almost any kind of problem.
For a listing of pro bono organizations in your state, contact your state
bar association listed in your state capitol. The state capitol operator
listed in the blue pages of your phone book can provide you with a number,
or you can contact: American Bar Association 750 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago,
IL 60611; 312-988-5522; {www.abanet.org/legalservices/probono}.
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Free
Legal Help With Family, Consumer, Housing, Income, Work, Children and
Senior Citizen Issues
Legal Services Corporation is a collection of over 269 government supported
local offices that provide free legal services in their area. Over 5000
attorneys and paralegals are available to individuals and families that
are under certain income limits. The maximum income can be up to $30,000
for a family of four, or even more depending on certain financial obligations.
To find an office near you, contact your state capitol operator listed
in the blue pages of your phone book and ask for the Legal Services Office
or contact: Legal Services Corporation, 750 First Street NE, 10th Floor,
Washington, DC 20002; 202-336-8800; {www.lsc.gov}.
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Help
For Families Fighting For Veterans Benefits
Through low cost publications, training courses and other services, for
25 years the National Veterans Legal Services Program has been helping
veterans get their due. Current publications include: VA Claims, Agent
Orange, and Veterans Family Benefits. Contact: National Veterans Legal
Services Program, 2001 "S" Street, NW, Suite 610, Washington,
DC 20009; Phone (202)265-8305, Extension 105; Fax (202)328-0063; {www.nvlsp.org}.
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Free
Lawyers Will Fight For Your Rights
We've all heard of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). They have
over 300 offices around the country and handle close to 6,000 cases a
year. The ACLU has more than 60 staff attorneys who collaborate with at
least 2,000 volunteer attorneys in handling cases. They have appeared
before the Supreme Court more than any other organization except the U.S.
Department of Justice. If you feel that your civil liberties have been
violated, they may take your case. The kinds of issues they are most currently
active in include: woman's rights, reproductive freedom, workplace rights,
AIDS, arts censorship, capital punishment, children's rights, education
reform, lesbian and gay rights, immigrants' rights, national security,
privacy and technology, prisoners' rights, and voting rights. Contact
the local ACLU office listed in your telephone directory or the main office
website can provide you with a local contact: ACLU - American Civil Liberties
Union, 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10004-2400; {www.aclu.org/action/chapters.html}.
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Your
Family's Rights Under the New Fair Housing Law: Protecting Families with
Children from Discrimination
This book is written by one of the country's leading advocates for children's
rights. It shows how to tell if families with children have been discriminated
against in housing and what to do about it! A great guide for parents,
as well as advocates who work with families.1990 (ISBN: 0-938008-74-9.
$4.75, plus $2.00 postage). Contact: Children's Defense Fund, CDF Publications,
25 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20001; 202-628-8787; Fax: 202-628-8333;
{www.childrensdefense.org}.
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Free
Legal Help With Sexual Harassment at Work Or School
Free assistance to women and girls who are facing sex, or race discrimination,
sexual harassment at work or at school, pregnancy, discrimination, or
problems with family medical leave and other employment issues related
specifically to women. The staff offers information and answers questions,
and occasionally can draft "demand" letters, demanding that
an employer or other person or organization stop doing something. In some
circumstances, they can help you pursue internal grievance or administrative
procedures, and in some precedent-setting cases, they will provide legal
representation. Contact: Equal Rights Advocates, 1663 Mission Street,
Suite 250, San Francisco, CA 94103; 415-621-0672; Fax: 415-621-6744; Advice
and Counseling Line: 800-839-4ERA; {www.equalrights.org}.
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Help
For You Or Your Child With A Learning Or Physical Disability
The disability laws not only cover people with disabilities that everyone
can see. It's also for children who aren't getting the education they
need from the local school, or for the cancer patient who feels discriminated
against at work. A free hotline will help you learn about your rights,
help you enforce them, and will even handle some high impact legal cases.
Contact: Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Inc., 2212 Sixth
Street, Berkeley, CA 94710; 510-644-2555 V/TTY; Fax: 510-841-8645; {dredf@dredf.org};
{www.dredf.org}.
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Free
Legal Help For Breast Cancer Patients
If you are a breast cancer patient living in California, you maybe eligible
to receive free legal assistance on issues such as:
* Debt collection problems with hospital and doctor bills.
* Barriers to access to diagnosis and treatment.
* Negotiations with insurance carriers for coverage and payment options.
* Housing discrimination.
* Employment discrimination.
* Temporary guardianships or modification of custody arrangements.
If you don't live in California, ask them if they are aware of similar
services in your area. Contact: Breast Cancer Legal Project, California
Women's Law Center, 3460 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1102, Los Angeles, CA 90010;
213-637-9900; Fax: 213-637-9909; {cwcl@cwcl.org};
{www.cwlc.org/}.
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Free
Legal Assistance For Domestic Violence Problems
Seven days a week, 24 hours a day, you can call the hotline and not only
get access to sources that will solve your immediate problem, but also
get information and sources in your area that can explain your legal options
and get you through the legal process. Contact: National Domestic Violence
Hotline, P.O. Box 161810, Austin, TX 78716; 800-799-SAFE; TTY: 800-787-3224;
{ndvh@ ndvh.org}; {www.ndvh.org}.
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Free
Women's Law Centers
Rich or poor, women in Maryland can get free telephone help in filling
out the forms to represent themselves in family court matters that are
simple and uncontested. The hotline number is 800-845-8550 and it operates
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Or women can call the hotline
for information on family law issues, such as, how to obtain a separation,
child custody, child support, and how to escape domestic violence. Contact:
The Women's Law Center of Maryland, Inc., 305 West Chesapeake Ave., Suite
201, Towson, MD 21204; 410-321-8761; {admin@wlcmd.org};
{www.wlcmd.org}. Women in the state
of Washington can call a free legal Information and Referral line that
is staffed with attorneys and paralegals to respond to questions about
family law or employment. They also can receive legal rights publications
including Sexual Harassment in Employment and Education; Family Law in
Washington State: Your Rights and Responsibilities; and Grandparents Raising
Grandchildren; A Legal Guide for Washington State. You can also attend
free legal workshops, or receive help in filling out legal forms, and
free legal consultations in domestic violence cases. Contact: Northwest
Women's Law Center, 119 South Main St., Suite 410, Seattle WA 98104-2515;
206 682 9552; Fax: 206 682 9556; Legal Information and Referral: 206-621-7691;
{NWWLC@nwwlc.org}; {www.nwwlc.org}.
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Free
Help With Welfare Rights
Over 157 local organizations around the country fight for the rights of
low-income people on welfare. These organizations can be a good place
to turn to insure that you are getting the proper benefits, and for knowing
your rights in dealing with the bureaucracy. You can contact your local
social services agency to locate an office near you or the website for
the Welfare Law Center that contains a directory of all the organizations.
Contact: Welfare Law Center, 275 Seventh Ave., Suite 1205, New York, NY
10001; 212-633-6967; {Email: dirk@welfarelaw.org};
{www.lincproject.org/lid/lid.html}.
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Free
Legal Help To Fight Your Union At Work
If you feel your rights have been violated by compulsory unionism, or
you simply have a question about your Right to Work, legal experts are
available for free to help answer your questions. Contact: The National
Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, 8001 Braddock Rd., Springfield,
VA 22160; 800-336-3600; {www.nrtw.org}.
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Free
Legal Help To Fight For Your Home Schooling Rights
The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) provides legal help
for members on home schooling issues. Families receive legal consultation
by letter and phone, and representation for negotiations with local officials,
and court proceedings. HSLDA also takes the offensive, filing actions
to protect members against government intrusion and to establish legal
precedent. On occasion, HSLDA will handle precedent-setting cases for
non-members, as well. Contact: HSLDA, P.O. Box 3000, Purcellville, VA
20134; 540-338-5600; Fax: 540-338-2733; {www.hslda.org}.
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Free
Legal Rights For Women's Issues
The National Organization for Women Legal Defense and Education Fund (NOW
LDEF) has a hotline that provides free information and referrals on women's
issues including reproductive rights, violence against women, economic
justice, and gender equity in education. They also provide low-cost legal
guides, some of which are available free on the Internet, on the following
topics:
* A Guide to Court Watching in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Cases
* Divorce and Separation
* Domestic Violence and Child Custody
* Employment Sexual Harassment & Discrimination (Spanish)
* Incest and Child Sexual Abuse
* Pregnancy & Parental Leave
* Sexual Harassment in Housing
* Sexual Harassment in the Schools
* Sexual Harassment in the Schools: A Blueprint for Action (Spanish)
* Stalking
* Violence Against Women
* How to Find a Lawyer (free)
Contact: NOW LDEF, 395 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014; 212-925-6635
(9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. EST); Fax: 212-226-1066; email your question
to {Email: astrubel@ nowldef.org};
{www.nowldef.org}.
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Free
Legal Help For Pregnant Teens Discriminated In Honors Society
Feminists for Life of America, along with the ACLU, got the a federal
court to rule that two high school seniors, whose school denied them National
Honor Society membership because they became pregnant and chose to give
birth, must be admitted into the society. For free legal information on
these kinds of issues, contact Feminists for Life of America, 733 15th
St. NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005; 202-737-FFLA; {www.serve.com/fem4life/index.htm}.
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Free
Consulting Services In Sex Discrimination Law Suits
If, as a woman, you feel discriminated against in higher education, the
Legal Advocacy Fund (LAF) of the American Association of University Women
(AAUW) may be able to help by providing financial support for sex discrimination
lawsuits. LAF organizes a network of volunteer attorneys and social scientists
who consult with women on legal strategy, informational resources, and
the strength of current or potential lawsuits. To find out if you're eligible,
please contact: AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund, Dept. LAF.INT., American Association
of University of Women, 1111 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036; 800-326-AAUW;
Fax: 202-872-1425; TDD: 202-785-7777; {E-mail: info@aauw.org};
{www.aauw.org}.
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Legal
Assistance for Overseas Teachers
Free legal aid is available for teachers employed in U.S. Department of
Defense schools overseas and are members of the Federal Education Association
(FEA). The FEA legal staff conducts arbitration and other legal actions
to insure the rights and benefits of teachers. Contact: Federal Education
Association, 1201 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036; 202-822-7850; Fax:
202-822-7867; {Email: FEA_Legal/Pres@odedodea.edu}
(legal office, president); {www.feaonline.org}.
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Free
Legal Help On Civil Liberties and Rights
The Rutherford Institute defends people who have been denied civil and
human rights without charging them for such services. The issues they
cover include civil liberties, religious freedom, parental rights, and
sexual harassment. You may remember them from their involvement in the
Paula Jones case. If you need legal help, contact The Rutherford Institute,
Legal Department, P.O. Box 7482, Charlottesville, VA 22906; 804-978-3888;
{www.rutherford.org}.
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Free
Help Collecting Child Support
An association of concerned parents helps others learn about their rights
and the remedies available for collecting what is due to them. Some services
are free, others are for those who join for only $20. They can show you
that you don't need to use a professional collection agency, and they
will even contact officials on your behalf. Contact: Association for Children
for Enforcement and Support (ACES), 260 Upton Ave., Toledo, OH 43006;
800-537-7072; Fax: 419-472-5943; {www.childsupport-aces.org}.
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Free
Legal Help for Lesbians, Gay Men and People With HIV/AIDS
Lambda carries out carries out legal work on issues such as discrimination
in employment, housing, public accommodations, and the military; HIV/AIDS-related
discrimination and public policy issues; parenting and relationship issues;
equal marriage rights; equal employment and domestic partnership benefits;
"sodomy" law challenges; immigration issues; anti-gay initiatives;
and free speech and equal protection rights. If you are seeking assistance
with a legal matter, contact one of the offices listed below. They can
guide you to a solution or help you directly:
-National
Headquarters, Lambda, 120 Wall Street, Suite 1500, New York, NY 10005-3904,
212-809-8585, Fax: 212-809-0055
-Western Regional Office, 6030 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036-3617,
323-937-2728, Fax: 323-937-0601
-Midwest Regional Office, 11 East Adams, Suite 1008, Chicago, IL 60603-6303,
312-663-4413, Fax: 312-663-4307
-Southern Regional Office, 1447 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 1004, Atlanta,
GA 30309-3027,
404-897-1880, Fax: 404-897-1884
Lambda's website is {www.lambdalegal.org}.
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Free
Legal Latino Help
The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) is a
national nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect and promote
the civil rights of the more than 29 million Latinos living in the United
States in the areas of education, employment, political access, and more.
They take cases to court and provide other legal help for the Latino community.
Contact: MALDEF, 634 South Spring St., 11th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90014;
213-629-2512; Fax: 213-629-0266; {www.maldef.org}.
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Paralegals Offer Legal
Work at 75% Discount
The only things a paralegal can't do that a lawyer can, is give legal
advice and represent you in court. That means they can file uncontested
divorce papers, family court petitions, wills and probate, power of attorney,
bankruptcy, incorporation. etc. There are states where paralegals can
represent clients in cases like those involving evictions or government
agencies. And if you are seeking a legal opinion from an attorney, you
may want to get a paralegal to research the law for you, so that you can
make your own decisions. Remember 50% of all lawyers lose their cases
in court. So why pay $200 an hour for a lawyer, when you can get a lot
of the same services done for less than $50 and hour. Paralegals are in
the yellow pages and you can contact your state or local paralegal association
by contacting the national association that can give you a local contact.
For more information, contact National Federation of Paralegal Associations,
P.O. Box 33108, Kansas City, MO 64114; 816-941-4000; Fax: 816-941-2752;
{www.paralegals.org}.
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Discrimination
Because You're A Woman, Pregnant, Person of Color, etc.
There's no need to take harassment or bullying on the job. Here is your
chance to fight back. If you believe you have been discriminated against
by an employer, labor union, or employment agency when applying for a
job or while on the job because of race, color, sex, religion, national
origin, age, or disability, you may file a charge with the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission (EEOC). For more information, contact Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission, 1801 L St., NW, Washington, DC 20507; 800-669-4000;
{www.eeoc.gov}.
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Fight
Your Bank, Credit Card Company, Etc.
Finding the right bank, savings and loan, or credit union means figuring
out your own needs first. How much money can you keep on deposit and how
many checks will you write? Examine your future loans and savings needs,
as well as look at the convenience of the financial institution, its service
charges, fees, and deposit and loan interest rates. You can contact one
of the following offices to learn more. These offices will also help you
if you think the bank is messing with your money. National Banks- banks
that have the word "National" in their names or the intitals
"N.A." after their names
-Comptroller of the Currency, U. S. Department of the Treasury, Customer
Assistance Group, 1301 McKinner St., Suite 3710, Houston, TX 77010, 800-613-6743,
{www.occ.treas.gov}
-FDIS-Insured Banks, Office of Consumer Affairs, Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation,
550 17th St., NW, Room F-130, Washington, DC 20429, 202-898-3542, 800-934-3342,
{www.fdic.gov}
-Savings and Loans, Office of Thrift Supervision, U.S. Department of Treasury,
1700 G St., NW, Washington, DC 20552, 202-906-6000, 800-842-6929, {www.ots.treas.gov}
-State Banks: Contact your State Government Banking Commissioner located
in your state capital (look in the blue pages of your phone book or contact
your state capitol operator listed in the blue pages of your phone book).
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Housing
Discrimination
Buying your first home is a very exciting time. But for many, house shopping
is more than an eye opening experience. Some people are not shown houses
in particular neighborhoods or are denied a home because of their sex,
race, or living arrangement. If you feel you have been treated unfairly,
contact office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th St., SW, Washington, DC 20410;
202-708-4252; 800-669-9777; {www.hud.gov}.
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Retailers,
Mail Order Companies, Auto Dealers, Contractors, Etc.
You go to a store to get the best price on the gift for Uncle George,
only to learn that the store is out of stock despite the product being
advertised in the paper. Did the salesman try to get you to buy a higher
priced item? You could be the victim of the old bait and switch scam.
Is the paint peeling off of the new toy doll you bought your daughter?
Problems dealing with your car dealership or car repair shop? (This is
the number one complaint heard.) What about the contractor that has yet
to finish the job? There are ways to deal with all these problems and
get them resolved to your satisfaction. You just need to pull in the big
guns. The States' Attorney General's Offices (listed in the blue pages
of your phone book) have Consumer Protection Offices, and many also have
separate offices that handle only car complaints. They will take your
complaint and try to help you get the satisfaction you deserve. For other
problems contact:
* Defective Products - contact Consumer Product Safety Commission, 5401
Westbard Ave., Washington, DC 20207; 800-638-2772; {www.cpsc.gov}.
* Contractor or Licensed Professional Problems - contact the state Licensing
Board for the profession located in your state capitol. You can contact
the state operator listed in the blue pages of your phone book for assistance
in finding the office.
* Mail Order Problems - contact the U.S. Postal Service, Public Affairs
Branch, 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Room 3140, Washington, DC 202060; 202-268-5400;
{www.usps.gov}.
* Fraud Issues - contact Federal Trade Commission, Public Reference, CRC-2480,
Washington, DC 20580; 202-382-4357; {www.ftc.gov}.
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Lawyers,
Accountants, Pharmacists, Doctors, Real Estate Agents, and Other Professionals
Lawyer over-charging you? Do you feel you have been mistreated by your
doctor? These issues and more are handled by the agency or board that
licenses that particular profession. Whether it is your accountant, real
estate agent, doctor, dentist, or other professional, you can contact
the licensing board directly to file a grievance. These boards will then
help you to resolve the problem. To locate the correct board usually located
in your state capital, contact your state operator listed in the blue
pages of your phone book.
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Where
to Get Help to Stop Sexual Harassment
Call "9 to 5" if you experience any of the following at work:
* Suggestive comments about your appearance
* Unwanted touching or other physical contact
* Unwanted sexual jokes or comments
* Sexual advances
Sexual harassment is not only offensive, it's against the law. It is illegal
even if the harasser is not your boss, even if he is not threatening that
you will lose your job if you don't go along. 9to5's toll free job problem
hotline and trained job counselors give information and support to thousands
of working women. If you decide to pursue a legal remedy, contact your
state discrimination agency or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission (look in your phone book for the field office closest to you).
The federal agency covers workplaces of 15 or more. State law covers workplaces
with fewer employees. Contact: 9to5, National Association of Working Women,
1430 West Peachtree St., Suite 610, Atlanta, GA 30309; 800-522-0925.
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How
An Abuser Can Discover Your Internet Activities (And what you can do about
it)
The American Bar Association's (ABA) Commission on Domestic Violence has
issued a warning concerning possible threats to you if an abuser has access
to your e-mail account and thus may be able to read your incoming and
outgoing mail. If you believe your account is secure, make sure you choose
a password he or she will not be able to guess. If an abuser sends you
threatening or harassing e-mail messages, they may be printed and saved
as evidence of this abuse. Additionally, the messages may constitute a
federal offense. For more information on this issue, contact your local
United States Attorney's Office. For more information about what you can
do, and the efforts of the ABA's Commission on Domestic Violence, please
contact American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence, 740
15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005-1022; 202-662-1737/1744; Fax: 202-662-1594,
{E-mail: service@abanet.org};
{www.abanet.org}.
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Emergency
Shelter, Housing & Counseling For Violence Victims
If violence is ripping your life apart, you have nowhere to go, and you
do not know how to reclaim your life, the YWCA, the nation's leading provider
of shelter and services to women and their families can help you! In the
United States, more than 650,000 people come to the YWCA each year for
services and support overcome violence. For more information about the
services offered in your state, contact your local YWCA. The YWCA takes
a holistic approach to helping women escape, recover from and prevent
violence in their lives and the lives of their families. Many local YWCAs
offer programs and services including emergency shelter for women and
children, transitional housing, support to victims of rape and sexual
assault, individual and group counseling, peer support, self-defense training,
programs for batterers and legal advocacy. Contact: YWCA of the U.S.A.,
Empire State Building, Suite 301, 350 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10118;
212-273-7800; Fax: 212- 465-2281; {www.ywca.org}.
National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE; hearing impaired 800-787-3224.
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Lawyer's
Referral Service
The American Bar Association's lawyer referral service is designed to
assist you in finding the appropriate service-provider to help you solve
your legal problem. There are two steps to this process: first, helping
you determine whether you need to see a lawyer, and second, referring
you to a lawyer who handles your type of case or to an appropriate community
or governmental agency if that will be of more help to you. Lawyer referral
can also provide you with information on procedures in the courts and
legal system in your community. When you contact lawyer referral, be prepared
to briefly describe your situation so that the consultant can determine
what kind of help you need. Lawyer Referral does not offer legal advice
or free legal services. If you are referred to an attorney, you are entitled
to a half-hour initial consultation at no charge, or for a nominal fee
that goes to fund the lawyer referral service's operation. If additional
legal services are required, you may choose to hire the lawyer. It is
important to discuss legal fees and costs with the lawyer. We strongly
recommend that you and the lawyer sign a written fee agreement, so that
there is no question about what services the lawyer will perform, and
what those services will cost you. Contact your state Bar Association
listed in your state capitol or The American Bar Association, 541 N. Fairbanks
Ct., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-988-5522; {E-mail: service@abanet.org};
{www.abanet.org}.
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When
All Else Fails
People forget that they can turn to their representative or senators for
help resolving a complaint. You vote these people into office, and most
of them want to stay there. They know that if they can help you, then
you and your family will vote for them in each and every election. Their
offices have case managers whose job is to cut the red-tape and push your
case through quickly. Look in your phone book for their local office or
you can call U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515; 202-224-3121;
{www.house.gov}; or U.S. Senate, Washington,
DC 20510; 202-224-3121; {www.senate.gov}.
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Free
Legal Assistance and Referral
The New York Bar Association has established a toll free number 1-877-HELP-321
for victims of the terrorist attacks to call for free assistance with
law related questions. The NYSBA staff will refer callers who are in need
of emergency legal service to a joint task force of the Association of
the Bar of the City of New York and the New York County Lawyers Association.
This program provides direct pro bono legal assistance and lawyer referrals.
The NYSBA will also waive it consultation fee to victims and their families
who seek legal advice regarding insurance and estate planning. The may
also visit their web site at www.nysba.org/wtc for "Mass Disasters:
Answers to Frequently Asked Legal Questions." An example of a question
and answer posted here is, "How do I secure a death certificate when
my wife's body hasn't been found?" The NYSBA is also offering services
for displaced lawyers including office space assistance and job connections.
Contact The New York State Bar Association, One Elk Street, Albany, NY
12207; 212-626-7373 (in NYC); 518-463-3200; {www.nysba.org}.
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Free
Legal Assistance in New Jersey
The New Jersey State Bar Association and Bar Foundation have established
a Mass Disaster Response Program hotline number, 1-888-541-1900, for victims
and families of the World Trade Center disaster. The program provides
relevant information to disaster victims about how to find available assistance
and resources, how the legal system works with respect to individual needs,
and how to find a lawyer and address legal issues in probate, workers
compensation, insurance, personal injury, bankruptcy and other areas.
Contact New Jersey State Bar Association, One Constitution Square, New
Brunswick, NJ 08901; 732-249-5000; Fax: 732-249-2815; {www.njsba.com}.
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Free
Legal and Financial Help for Widows
Widows Harvest Ministries is a Christian based non-profit service organization
that assists widows in a number of areas. The widows they most typically
help are at least 60 years old, live in an urban/high crime area, own
their own home and lived on a fixed income. Widows Harvest help with providing
friendship; legal, financial and personal counseling; assistance with
utility and medical bills; transportation for groceries and doctors' appointments;
and home maintenance and repairs. Widows Harvest Ministries, P.O. Box
2307, Chattanooga, TN 37409; 423-266-8060; Fax: 423-266-0260; {E-Mail:
info@widows.org}; {www.widows.org}.
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Free
Legal Counsel for Crime Victims
The National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) maintains a referral database
of over 10,000 organizations that provide crisis intervention, information,
criminal justice assistance, counseling, support groups and legal counsel.
An affiliate of the Center is the National Crime Victim Bar Association.
The Association has attorneys and expert witnesses in almost every state
for victims involved in civil actions. The Center also provides victims
with direct assistance and information on public policy. The Website has
extensive information on a wide variety of topics and includes a free
online library of related reading. Contact National Center for Victims
of Crime, 2000 M Street NW, Suite 480, Washington, DC 20036; 202-467-8700;
800-FYI-CALL; 800-211-7996 (tty/tdd); Fax: 202-467-8701; {www.ncvc.org};
{Email: ddeskins@ncvc.org}.
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Free
Assistance in Finding Public Records
The New Jersey Professional Process Servers Association has offered free
assistance to any victim, or family member of a victim, of the World Trade
Center Disaster with retrieval of any publicly available vital record
or document, anywhere in the United States. This service will be provided
to legal professionals and disaster relief service agencies that represent
disaster victims and their families. Professional process servers are
familiar with the procedures in obtaining these documents and can do so
expeditiously. Contact New Jersey Professional Process Servers Association,
P.O. Box 39, Trenton, NJ 08601; 800-862-5565; Fax: 800-742-2997.
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Thanks
to: Mary
Ann Martello, Editor; Dixie St. John, Director of Research; Jo Ann
Burton, Research; Anna Christenbury, Research; Christyna Copeland,
Research; Angela Davidson, Research; Nancy Gibson, Research; Susan
Harris, Research; Sandy Hendricks, Research; Frances Kingery, Research;
Alex Klapat, Research; Corlyn Krinsky, Research; Elizabeth Leikes,
Research; Elizabeth Lukes, Research; Cindy Price, Research; Connie
Prior, Research; Amanda St. John, Research; Liz Sweeney, Research;
Michelle Thomas, Research; Ed Fioti and Jack Lyons, Web Support;
Karen
Strong, Technical Support; Kim
Mattison, Web Construction
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Matthew Lesko/Information USA
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