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Courts & Legal Assistance

    Results: 24

  • Alternative Sentencing/Supervision (3)
    FF-0500

    Alternative Sentencing/Supervision

    FF-0500

    Programs that provide formal supervision of offenders released conditionally on probation or parole or confined to their homes or other venues in the community; that offer alternatives to involvement in the juvenile justice system for youth involved in minor misdemeanors; or that provide the option of participating in counseling, educational or work programs as an alternative to incarceration in a correctional facility, payment of a fine or other sanctions. Defendants convicted of less serious crimes may be sentenced to simple probation, i.e., supervision in the community under the direction of a probation officer. For other crimes, a judge may choose from three intermediate sanctions: community confinement, intermittent confinement, and home detention. For more serious crimes, judges may impose a split sentence, in which the defendant spends a short time in prison and the remainder of the sentence in one of the intermediate sanctions. Community confinement means residence in a treatment center outside the prison walls, such as a halfway house or drug rehabilitation center. Community confinement may be imposed instead of prison time, or as a means of easing transition back into the community after time spent in prison. Intermittent confinement means the defendant is free to go to work or live at home for part of the week, but must spend time in jail on weekends. Home confinement is a judicially managed system of punishment and control for offenders deemed safe enough to live in their own homes, but requiring a higher degree of supervision.
  • CIS Application Support Centers (1)
    FT-3500.1500-150

    CIS Application Support Centers

    FT-3500.1500-150

    Centers established by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services to take fingerprints and collect biometric information that is needed for various immigration benefits applications. The fingerprints of applicants are forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a background check. The CIS application support centers may also receive and process applications for the renewal of 10 year expiring alien registration cards (green cards).
  • Civil Marriages (1)
    PH-9400.1500

    Civil Marriages

    PH-9400.1500

    Offices that offer the services of individuals who have been appointed by the government to perform nonreligious marriage ceremonies between people who have previously secured a marriage license.
  • Complaint Issuance (4)
    FJ-1500

    Complaint Issuance

    FJ-1500

    Programs that prepare and file with the appropriate Justice or Municipal Court a written statement which accuses one or a number of individuals who are named (or unknown individuals) of committing a specified offense, which offers to prove the facts and which requests that prosecution be initiated. If it appears from the complaint that probable cause exists that the individuals named committed the alleged crime, a warrant for their arrest is issued.
  • Consumer Complaints (19)
    DD-1500

    Consumer Complaints

    DD-1500

    Programs that provide mechanisms through which consumers can register complaints regarding specific problems they are having with consumer goods and services, and obtain assistance in achieving a satisfactory resolution.
  • Consumer Protection Agencies (6)
    DD-2100

    Consumer Protection Agencies

    DD-2100

    Agencies established by federal, state, county or city officials, business or industry associations, the media or the private sector to provide consumer education and information and/or to handle consumer complaints regarding unfair or fraudulent business or credit practices, unsafe or poor quality goods, incompetent services or other similar problems; and to provide solutions through mediation, arbitration or public pressure.
  • Correctional Facilities (1)
    FF-1500

    Correctional Facilities

    FF-1500

    Programs within the formal criminal justice system that provide facilities for the detention of people who have been charged with a crime and are awaiting trial, and/or the confinement, treatment, employment, training and discipline of people who have been sentenced to imprisonment after conviction for a criminal offense.
  • Courts (19)
    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.
  • Elder Law (11)
    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 (4)
    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.
  • Ex-Offender Reentry Programs (1)
    FF-1900

    Ex-Offender Reentry Programs

    FF-1900

    Programs that help people who have been released from a correctional facility (also known as returning citizens) make a successful transition to community life. Services generally include an assessment of the individual's needs, discussion of options and short-term case management involving coordination of needed services which may include housing location assistance, job training, job placement and retention services, legal assistance, literacy skills development, GED courses, parenting classes, life skills training, access to food and shelter resources, and other sources of support.
  • Family Law (10)
    FT-3000

    Family Law

    FT-3000

    Programs that provide assistance for people who are involved in disputes or legal actions which affect their domestic relationships.
  • General Legal Aid (11)
    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.
  • Grandparent Rights (1)
    FT-3000.2500

    Grandparent Rights

    FT-3000.2500

    Programs that provide assistance for grandparents who feel that their visitation and custody rights with regard to their grandchildren have been violated. Also included are organizations that provide information about the rights of grandparents and/or referrals for grandparents who need to locate a lawyer who has expertise in this area, or other legal resources.
  • Immigration/Naturalization Legal Services (4)
    FT-3600

    Immigration/Naturalization Legal Services

    FT-3600

    Programs that provide legal assistance for immigrants, nonimmigrant visa applicants, asylum seekers and lawful permanent residents who are seeking naturalization. Services are generally provided by nonprofit immigration law offices and may involve information and consultation about benefits under immigration law including procedures for obtaining student, visitor and employment-based visas; family immigration; asylee status; lawful permanent residence status; or citizenship.
  • Landlord/Tenant Assistance (7)
    FT-4500

    Landlord/Tenant Assistance

    FT-4500

    Programs that provide assistance, information and support for tenants and/or landlords who are involved in rental housing disputes; or which administer state laws or local ordinances which govern rent control and other aspects of tenant/landlord relations.
  • Lawyer Referral Services (4)
    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 (7)
    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 Representation (9)
    FP-4500

    Legal Representation

    FP-4500

    Programs that are staffed by lawyers who appear on behalf of their clients in criminal, civil and/or administrative actions and proceedings in addition to offering legal advice and guidance.
  • Notary Public Services (2)
    FT-6100

    Notary Public Services

    FT-6100

    Public officials who are authorized by the state to administer oaths and affirmations, take affidavits and depositions, attest to the authenticity of signatures and take acknowledgment of and certify deeds and other conveyances.
  • Paralegal Counseling (1)
    FP-6500

    Paralegal Counseling

    FP-6500

    Programs that are staffed by people who have legal skills and are familiar with court procedures but who are not lawyers, who answer questions about filing procedures and generally help people understand what to expect in a legal action but do not offer legal advice and do not represent people in court.
  • Property Tax Assessment Appeals Boards (1)
    DT-8400.6500

    Property Tax Assessment Appeals Boards

    DT-8400.6500

    Programs that hold hearings to determine the market value of property when property owners appeal the value placed on the assessment rolls for their property.
  • Public Counsel (14)
    FJ-6700

    Public Counsel

    FJ-6700

    Programs that are part of the city, county, state or federal judicial system that are responsible for prosecuting, in the name of the government, individuals who have been accused of an offense; for providing legal representation for representatives of government offices to which they are counsel; or for representing indigent defendants in criminal cases.
  • Tax Preparation Assistance (5)
    DT-8800

    Tax Preparation Assistance

    DT-8800

    Programs that help eligible individuals (including older adults, people with disabilities and people with low incomes) prepare their tax returns or complete paperwork to apply for tax relief in the form of tax credit, rebate, exemption or postponement programs. Included are programs staffed by volunteers or others who provide this service without charge and professional tax preparation services. Most tax preparation assistance sites allow the people they assist to file their tax return information electronically.