Legal Services

Results: 34

• Bankruptcy Assistance (1)
  DM-1800.1000

  Bankruptcy Assistance

  DM-1800.1000
  
  Programs that provide assistance for people who are unable to pay their creditors and need to declare bankruptcy. Included may be help in evaluating a personal or business bankruptcy as an option, assistance in completing and filing bankruptcy forms and/or representation in bankruptcy hearings.
• Child Support Assistance/Enforcement (1)
  FT-3000.1600

  Child Support Assistance/Enforcement

  FT-3000.1600
  
  Programs that provide assistance which helps to ensure that parents fulfill their mutual obligation to financially support and provide health care for their children. Included are services for people who want to locate an absent parent; establish paternity; establish a child support order; request that the non-custodial parent provide health insurance for a child in conjunction with a child support order; change the amount of a child support award; dispute a child support award; or enforce payment of child support monies in cases where the supporting parent is delinquent in paying or refuses to pay or make health insurance arrangements altogether. Child support is money paid by one parent to another for the maintenance, including the education, of their children following the dissolution of their marriage or other relationship. Non-custodial parents enrolled in an insurance plan at work may be required to include the child under this coverage while those not covered by any insurance plan may be required to obtain medical coverage, if available at a reasonable cost. Child support assistance/enforcement may be provided by private attorneys, legal clinics, family law facilitators' offices or child support enforcement programs which are available in all states, often as a component of the district attorney's office.
• Consumer Fraud Reporting (1)
  FN-1700.1470

  Consumer Fraud Reporting

  FN-1700.1470
  
  Programs that provide a hotline, website or other mechanisms that consumers can use to report the activities of telephone and Internet scammers and other con artists who attempt to persuade older adults, individuals who live alone, disaster victims and other vulnerable people to part with their savings. Common scams include fraudulent prize offers, "free" travel packages that have hidden costs or which never materialize, "get rich quick" investments that turn out to be worthless, tax debt/refund scams, phony charities with names that are similar to well-known organizations and schemes involving promises to recover an individual's money following their victimization by another scam. Reports may be filed by consumer fraud victims or by people who have information about individuals they know to be perpetrating these types of scams.
• Courts (1)
  FC

  Courts

  FC
  
  Federal and state judicial bodies whose function is to resolve disputes and dispense justice according to the principles of law and equity. Court processes involve interpreting the laws; presiding over encounters between the prosecution and defense in criminal matters and plaintiffs and defendants in civil matters; examining evidence and the credibility of witnesses; instructing juries; and determining liability and damages in civil matters and guilt or acquittal and sentencing in criminal matters. Courts also have the power to grant restraining orders, injunctions or other restrictions in appropriate circumstances.
• Crime Reporting (6)
  FN-1700

  Crime Reporting

  FN-1700
  
  Programs that encourage the public to provide information, often anonymously, which might lead to the arrest, prosecution and conviction of people who have committed crimes. Included are special "tip" lines and crime reporting hotlines that have been established by law enforcement organizations, employers or community resources, but not law enforcement offices which take crime reports as a part of their everyday activities unless they have a special number for a particular type of report.
• Crime Victim Support (1)
  FN-1900

  Crime Victim Support

  FN-1900
  
  Programs whose objective is to help victims of crimes and their families recover from the trauma of their experience, get medical assistance when required, make their way through the legal system, have an opportunity to provide input to parole or clemency hearings, take appropriate steps, where relevant, to avoid becoming re-victimized, access the benefits to which they are entitled and rebuild their lives.
• Criminal Justice and Legal Services (1)
  F

  Criminal Justice and Legal Services

  F
  
  Programs that promote and preserve the conditions that enable community residents to live in a safe and peaceful environment through the enforcement of laws that protect life and property and the administration of justice according to the principles of law and equity. Included are crime prevention programs as well as programs that investigate and make arrests for criminal behavior; provide support for witnesses to and victims of crimes; and provide for the arraignment, prosecution and defense, judgment, sentencing, confinement and eventual release and resettlement of offenders.
• Drug Courts (1)
  FC-8200.8100-170

  Drug Courts

  FC-8200.8100-170
  
  Special courts that have been given the responsibility to handle cases involving drug-addicted offenders through an extensive supervision and treatment program. Drug court participants undergo long-term treatment and counseling sanctions, incentives and frequent court appearances. Successful completion of the program results in dismissal of charges, reduced or set aside sentences, lesser penalties, or a combination of these.
• Elder Law (1)
  FT-2450

  Elder Law

  FT-2450
  
  Programs that provide information and guidance for individuals who need assistance in the area of law which relates to the rights and needs of older adults, especially in the areas of age discrimination, consumer fraud, estate planning and management, living trusts, trust administration, probate, property law, retirement planning, pension benefits, Social Security benefits, Medicaid and Medicare, disability planning, long-term care alternatives, health care decisions, elder abuse, guardianships and conservatorships.
• Estate Planning Assistance (2)
  FT-2700

  Estate Planning Assistance

  FT-2700
  
  Programs that offer a review of options and assistance to people who want to provide for the administration and/or protection of their assets during their lifetime, develop a plan for managing their finances in the event of a disabling illness, prepare binding instructions for the health care they wish to receive or avoid should they become terminally ill, make arrangements for the disposition of their assets with a minimum amount of taxation upon their death and provide for the administration of their estate should their spouse or other beneficiaries be incapable of managing their affairs. Estate planning provides an opportunity for individuals to make their wishes known and to name the person(s) who will be responsible for carrying out those directives. Tools available during the estate planning process include a Last Will and Testament, durable power of attorney for health care, durable financial power of attorney and a directive to physicians such as a living will, natural death directive or other state-recognized document. A revocable living trust may also be appropriate in some circumstances.
• Forensic Science Technicians (1)
  YO-6500.2200

  Forensic Science Technicians

  YO-6500.2200
  
  Individuals who aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence, many specializing in either crime scene investigation or laboratory analysis. Crime scene investigators examine and identify physical evidence to reconstruct a crime scene and provide expert testimony in court regarding their methods and findings. Physical evidence can be a weapon, a piece of clothing, a bloodstain, drugs or a vapor in the air. Forensic science technicians (also known as criminalists) use physical evidence to provide a link between a suspect and the victim. Fingerprints, bullets and shoe impressions are other important links. Forensic science technicians who work primarily in laboratories match evidence to people or other known elements, such as vehicles or weapons; and most specialize in a specific type of evidence, such as DNA or ballistics. Some forensic science technicians, called forensic computer examiners or digital forensics analysts, specialize in computer-based crimes. They collect and analyze data to uncover and prosecute electronic fraud, scams and identity theft.
• General Legal Aid (9)
  FT-3200

  General Legal Aid

  FT-3200
  
  Programs that provide legal counseling and/or representation for low-income individuals who need assistance in routine legal matters, usually in the area of bankruptcy, housing, public benefits, family law, elder law or immigration/naturalization.
• General Victim Impact Programs (1)
  FF-0500.9100-250

  General Victim Impact Programs

  FF-0500.9100-250
  
  Programs that offer classes that are designed to help offenders accept responsibility for their criminal actions, understand the impact of crime on victims and the community, and refrain from future criminal behavior. General victim impact classes may address a range of criminal activity, typically offenses such as property crimes, assault, drunk driving, robbery, drug-related crimes, gang violence, hate crimes and homicide that do not involve personal relationships; and are intended for a mix of offenders. Many involve personal presentations by victims of crimes (not specific victims of offenders in attendance but victims in unrelated cases) who describe how their victimization has affected their lives. Victim impact classes have been adapted for both adult and juvenile offenders in diversion, probation, prison, pre-release, detention, and parole supervised settings.
• Guardianship Assistance (2)
  FT-6900.2500

  Guardianship Assistance

  FT-6900.2500
  
  Programs that provide assistance for people who are in favor of or want to oppose the appointment of a guardian to care for and/or manage the affairs of a child or adolescent during minority (generally younger than age 18). In some states, particularly those with no arrangements for conservatorships, whose conservatorships are voluntary covering property and powers designated by the conservatee or whose conservatorships address only the individual's estate, guardianships may also apply to adults who have been found by the courts to be incapable of managing their own affairs.
• Identity Theft Reporting/Recovery Programs (1)
  FN-1700.3200

  Identity Theft Reporting/Recovery Programs

  FN-1700.3200
  
  Programs that provide a hotline, website or other mechanisms that people can use to report instances in which someone fraudulently obtains private information about an individual, e.g., his or her Social Security number, uses it to apply for credit in that person's name, runs up large bills and then disappears without paying the bills leaving the victim with ruined credit. Identity thieves may also purchase expensive medical services in the victim's name, or give the victim's name and personal information to a law enforcement officer leaving the individual subject to arrest. Identity thieves may also steal the identities of individuals who are deceased. Also included are programs that help identity theft victims re-establish their identity and credit standing.
• Identity Theft Victims (1)
  YX-1500.3300

  Identity Theft Victims

  YX-1500.3300
  
  Individuals who have been victimized by someone who has fraudulently obtained private information about them, e.g., their Social Security number, and used it to apply for credit in their name, run up large bills and then disappear without paying the bills leaving the individuals with ruined credit. Identity thieves may also purchase expensive medical services in the victim's name or give the victim's name and personal information to a law enforcement officer during an investigation or upon arrest leaving the individual vulnerable to large medical bills or subject to arrest.
• Judicial Services (1)
  FJ

  Judicial Services

  FJ
  
  Programs within the court system or which operate in cooperation with the courts that carry out the administrative functions required for handling the disposition of people who have been accused of a crime prior to trial; and the indictment, arraignment, trial and sentencing of people who have been arrested and charged with a crime.
• Juvenile Courts (1)
  FC-8200.3500

  Juvenile Courts

  FC-8200.3500
  
  State courts that have jurisdiction over minors who have been charged with an offense that would be considered criminal if committed by an adult, who have committed status offenses or traffic violations, or who have been neglected or physically or sexually abused.
• Lawyer Referral Services (1)
  FT-4800

  Lawyer Referral Services

  FT-4800
  
  Programs that maintain lists of private attorneys and link people who need legal assistance with lawyers who specialize in the required area of law.
• Legal Counseling (2)
  FP-4000

  Legal Counseling

  FP-4000
  
  Programs that are staffed by lawyers who offer information and guidance regarding legal matters, proposed lines of conduct, claims or contentions including opinions on the party's rights, responsibilities and liabilities; and who offer suggestions for an appropriate course of action, but do not represent clients in court.
• Legal Education/Information (1)
  FR

  Legal Education/Information

  FR
  
  Programs whose primary purpose is to inform the public of the rights and responsibilities of individuals under the law, the need for crime prevention, protection and swift and effective administration of justice, the availability of resources to meet these needs and the issues and problems that relate to the provision of services in the criminal justice and legal area.
• Legal Issues Education/Information (1)
  FR-4700

  Legal Issues Education/Information

  FR-4700
  
  Legal aid programs, bar associations and other organizations that provide basic information about family law, landlord/tenant law, immigration law, consumer law, elder law, patient rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, the criminal justice system, the civil court system and other legal topics via workshops, classes, speaking engagements, printed materials, websites and other similar educational avenues.
• Legal Services (1)
  FT

  Legal Services

  FT
  
  Programs that provide assistance in the form of advocacy, arbitration, class action litigation, legal counseling, legal representation, mediation, paralegal counseling, self-representation assistance and/or court watching which focus on a particular area of law.
• Mediation (1)
  FP-0700.5000

  Mediation

  FP-0700.5000
  
  Programs that provide a neutral third person who is acceptable to all parties to a dispute who facilitates discussion between the parties and aids them in making their own settlement decisions.
• Medicaid Fraud Reporting (2)
  FN-1700.9500-500

  Medicaid Fraud Reporting

  FN-1700.9500-500
  
  Programs that provide a hotline, website or other mechanisms that Medicaid recipients and the public at large can use to report recipients or health care providers that make false statements or representations which result in an unauthorized payment by the Medicaid program to themselves or another. Examples of fraud include incorrect reporting of diagnoses or procedures to maximize payments; billing for services, medical supplies or equipment not furnished; misrepresentation of the dates and descriptions of services furnished, the identity of the recipient or the individual furnishing services; and billing for noncovered or nonchargeable services as covered items.
• Medicare Fraud Reporting (1)
  FN-1700.3350-550

  Medicare Fraud Reporting

  FN-1700.3350-550
  
  Programs that provide a hotline, website or other mechanisms that persons with Medicare and the public at large can use to report health care providers or beneficiaries who make false statements or representations which result in an unauthorized payment by the Medicare program to themselves or another. Also included are organizations that accept and investigate reports about fraudulent entities that misrepresent themselves as approved Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans; approved plans that use aggressive marketing tactics, discriminate against a beneficiary (e.g., prevent them from signing up for a plan based on their age, health status, race or income), entice beneficiaries to enroll in a more costly plan than they require, or erroneously charge beneficiaries for medication provided under the plan they have selected; or pharmacies that provide a different drug than the one prescribed by the physician. Examples of Medicare fraud include incorrect reporting of diagnoses or procedures to maximize payments; billing for services, medical supplies, equipment or medications not provided; misrepresentation of the dates and descriptions of services or medications provided, the identity of the recipient or the individual furnishing services; and billing for noncovered or nonchargeable services as covered items. Also included are programs that provide consumer education, counseling and assistance with the objective of helping people identify instances of fraud.
• Native American/Tribal Law (1)
  FT-5950

  Native American/Tribal Law

  FT-5950
  
  Programs that provide assistance for Native Americans who need legal advice or representation regarding federal recognition, treaty rights, fishing and hunting rights, environmental protection, reservation boundaries, land acquisition, land and water rights, Indian gaming, housing, health, taxation or jurisdictional questions. Attorneys who practice in this area are concerned with the treaties, statutes, executive orders, court decisions and administrative actions that define the relationship among the United States, Indian tribes and individuals, and the states. Native American law attorneys are found in federal government bodies such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs and The Indian Claims Commission, which hears and determines claims against the United States on behalf of any Indian tribe. Private law firms also have lawyers who specialize in matters relating to Indian lands and reservations, tribal rights and other legal issues affecting Native Americans. Specific Indian tribes, which are recognized as sovereign entities with the power to regulate their internal and social organization, have lawyers who may be members of the tribe themselves, and/or lawyers who are hired as "general counsel" to handle the legal affairs of their tribe. Public service agencies also serve the Native American community with lawyers who specialize in the Indian Child Welfare Act, and others who serve children, people who are elderly, or indigent members of the Native American community.
• Pro Bono Legal Aid Volunteer Opportunities (1)
  PX-1850.4000-650

  Pro Bono Legal Aid Volunteer Opportunities

  PX-1850.4000-650
  
  Organizations that are actively seeking licensed attorneys who are qualified in a particular area of law (e.g., family law, bankruptcy law, consumer law, landlord/tenant law, intellectual property law) to provide pro bono legal services to low income clients or nonprofit organizations referred for this purpose. Volunteer attorneys may be asked to provide legal information, advocacy or referrals; prepare wills, guardianship/conservatorship papers, advance medical directives and durable powers of attorney; or represent clients in court.
• Public Defender (1)
  FJ-6700.6500

  Public Defender

  FJ-6700.6500
  
  An elected or appointed public official (usually of a county), who is an attorney regularly assigned by the courts to defend people accused of crimes who cannot afford a private attorney. Counties may also have alternate public defenders, attorneys who represent persons charged with a crime who cannot afford to hire a private attorney in situations where the public defender has a conflict of interest. In each Federal Judicial District there is also a federal public defender, an attorney who is appointed by the court to represent individuals charged with federal offenses who cannot afford to retain their own attorney. Some states have a state public defender to supervise the provision of attorneys to convicted indigent individuals for appeals.
• Sheriff (1)
  FL-8200

  Sheriff

  FL-8200
  
  The county agency that is responsible for enforcing all laws and regulations, preventing crime, investigating criminal activity, apprehending, arresting and detaining suspects, preventing and suppressing delinquency and engaging in other activities that protect lives and property and preserve peace in the community.
• State Attorneys General (1)
  FJ-6700.8000

  State Attorneys General

  FJ-6700.8000
  
  The chief law officer for the state who supervises the legal affairs of the state, provides legal counsel to the administrators of state government and to county legal officers, supervises the activities of law enforcement agencies, has supervisory authority over county district attorneys and serves as the chief legal counsel in all litigation involving the state. While varying from one jurisdiction to the next due to statutory and constitutional mandates, typical powers of the Attorneys General include the authority to issue formal opinions to state agencies; act as public advocates in areas such as child enforcement, consumer protections, antitrust and utility regulation; propose legislation; enforce federal and state environmental laws; represent the state and state agencies before the state and federal courts; handle criminal appeals and serious statewide criminal prosecutions; institute civil suits on behalf of the state; represent the public's interests in charitable trust and solicitations; and operate victim compensation programs.
• TANF Fraud Reporting (1)
  FN-1700.9500-850

  TANF Fraud Reporting

  FN-1700.9500-850
  
  Programs that provide a hotline, website or other mechanisms that the public can use to anonymously report cases in which an individual is suspected of fraudulently receiving cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program.
• Victim Impact Programs (4)
  FF-0500.9100

  Victim Impact Programs

  FF-0500.9100
  
  Programs that offer classes which are designed to help offenders accept responsibility for their criminal actions, understand the impact of crime on victims and the community, and refrain from future criminal behavior. Individual classes may focus on specific types of crimes (generally those involving a personal relationship such as domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse or bullying) or may be intended for a broader range of offenders (e.g., those involved in property crimes, drunk driving, drug-related crimes, robbery, gang violence, sexual assault, homicide). The classes may involve personal presentations by victims of crimes (not specific victims of offenders in attendance but victims in unrelated cases) who describe how their victimization has affected their lives. Parents of incarcerated youth and people who provide services for victims may also participate. Offenders are encouraged to enter into a dialogue with the guest speakers. Victim impact classes have been adapted for both adult and juvenile offenders (the majority being for juveniles) in diversion, probation, prison, pre-release, detention, and parole supervised settings.
• Welfare Fraud Reporting (1)
  FN-1700.9500

  Welfare Fraud Reporting

  FN-1700.9500
  
  Programs that provide a hotline, website or other mechanisms that the public can use to anonymously report suspected cases of fraud involving TANF, Food Stamps, General Relief or other public assistance programs.