5) MENTAL HYGIENE LEGAL SERVICE (STATE OF NEW YORK)
Representation without charge to persons in OMH and OMRDD certified inpatient and community residence beds who need legal advice or assistance concerning their care, treatment, institutionalization and/or placement. MHLS advocacy includes: rights concerning commitment and administration of medication; investigation of reports of abuse and neglect; and guardianship (MHL Article 81 and SCPA articles 17 and 17A). Concentration in Mental Hygiene Law; Criminal Procedure Law and Corrections Law.
(585) 530-3050
http://www.courts.state.ny.us/ad4/mhls/
6) MONROE COUNTY LEGAL ASSISTANCE CENTER
Legal advice, representation, brief service, community outreach and education, referrals in civil matters. Representation in local, state and federal courts and agencies. Concentrating in Public benefits; public assistance; food stamps; Medicaid; housing including utility shut-offs; elder law issues; fair housing enforcement. Monroe County residents with income less than 125% of poverty guidelines (some exceptions when large bills or expenses).
(585) 325-2520 or 325-2547
www.mclac.com
7) NEW YORK CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION
Legal advice and representation in selected cases by a panel of volunteer lawyers concentrating in civil liberty issues. No income limits.
(585) 454-4334
www.gvclu.org
8. MONROE COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE
Court-appointed lawyers represent defendants in criminal cases and on appeal in NYS courts. Representation of respondents in certain Family Court matters, such as neglect, child abuse and paternity cases for persons unable to afford private representation according to Monroe County Bar Association eligibility guidelines. (585) 428-5210
www.mcacp.org
9) VOLUNTEER LEGAL SERVICES PROJECT OF MONROE COUNTY
Representation, advice & brief service for low income clients in civil matters by volunteer private attorneys. No criminal, traffic, workers’ compensation or fee-generating cases. Debt collection advice clinic, clinic to assist petitioners fill out Family Court petitions, and clinic to help people prepare divorce paperwork. Services are free but clients expected to pay costs and fees related to their cases.
Concentrating in: Family Law, Social Security/SSI, Landlord-tenant, Consumer, Bankruptcy, Tort defense, Real property, Unemployment insurance benefits, Probate & Estate administration, Employment, Tax and other miscellaneous cases. Income limits based on federal poverty index. Assets guidelines are applied.
(585) 232-3051
www.vlsprochester.org
