Criminal Justice & Legal Services

Results: 58

• Abandoned Vehicle Reporting/Removal (1)
  FN-1700.0250

  Abandoned Vehicle Reporting/Removal

  FN-1700.0250
  
  Programs that accept reports regarding abandoned motor vehicles on public roads, in parking lots or on other public property and/or arrange for their removal. Also included are programs that accept and/or act upon reports of violations of local ordinances regarding vehicles stored on private property.
• Adoption Legal Services (1)
  FT-3000.0300

  Adoption Legal Services

  FT-3000.0300
  
  Programs that provide assistance for people who want to independently adopt a child, legally relinquish a child for adoption or initiate or respond to litigation which involves the placement or removal of a child.
• Adult Parole (1)
  FF-0500.6500-050

  Adult Parole

  FF-0500.6500-050
  
  Programs that provide for the formal supervision of adults who have been released from jail, prison or other confinement after serving part of the term for which they were sentenced based on the judgment that there is a reasonable probability that they will live and remain at liberty without violating the law. Adults who are on parole remain in the legal custody of the state and may be reincarcerated if they violate the terms of their parole order.
• Adult Probation (3)
  FF-0500.6550-050

  Adult Probation

  FF-0500.6550-050
  
  Programs that provide formal supervision and support for adults who have been convicted of an offense and released into the community under the supervision of a probation officer, usually in lieu of incarceration. The individual must agree to standards of conduct specified by the court for a set amount of time, usually for one year. Violations of the agreement subject the individual to revocation of his or her liberty.
• Bail Bonds (2)
  FJ-6345.1000

  Bail Bonds

  FJ-6345.1000
  
  Programs that procure the release of people who have been charged with an offense by depositing money, property or bonds as a means of ensuring their future attendance in court and of compelling them to remain within the jurisdiction of the court.
• 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 Advocacy Centers (1)
  FT-3000.1450

  Child Advocacy Centers

  FT-3000.1450
  
  Programs that operate centers which facilitate a multidisciplinary approach to the investigation and treatment of child abuse cases. Services generally include videotaped interviews of child abuse victims in safe, child-friendly surroundings to avoid multiple interviews, reduce the trauma of disclosure and preserve statements for court purposes; crisis intervention and emotional support for victims and non-offending family members; forensic medical examinations; psychotherapy services including play therapy, family therapy and individual counseling for parents; support groups; case management; and interdisciplinary review of cases by teams of professionals including law enforcement, children's protective services, prosecution, medical, mental health, victim assistance, and child advocacy personnel.
• 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.
• Child Support Wage Assignment Assistance (1)
  FT-9200.1500

  Child Support Wage Assignment Assistance

  FT-9200.1500
  
  Programs that provide legal assistance for people who want to petition the court to transfer the right to collect wages earned by their ex-spouses to themselves in cases where the ex-spouse is under court order to pay child support and fails to pay as required. Under this arrangement, the amount of the child support check is taken from the delinquent parent's paycheck and sent directly to the parent who has custody of the child.
• Civil State Trial Courts (1)
  FC-8200.1500

  Civil State Trial Courts

  FC-8200.1500
  
  State trial courts of general jurisdiction that handle civil cases which involve personal injury, property damage or liability, medical or dental malpractice, real estate actions, equity suits such as injunction proceedings, specific performance contract disputes, administration of trusts and foreclosure on mortgages; and, in jurisdictions where there are no specialized courts, adoptions, probate, family law and psychiatric cases. In some states, a distinction is made between municipal civil courts which hear cases involving monetary claims lower than an established amount and superior civil courts which hear all other civil cases. The type of cases handled by civil trial courts varies by state.
• Comprehensive Family Law Services (1)
  FT-3000.1640

  Comprehensive Family Law Services

  FT-3000.1640
  
  Programs that provide information and advice, help with documents, legal counseling and/or representation and other forms of legal assistance which deal broadly with family law issues such as divorce and separation, child custody and access, and support payments rather than specializing in a particular issue that concerns relationships and rights within families.
• Comprehensive Immigration/Naturalization Services (2)
  FT-3600.1500

  Comprehensive Immigration/Naturalization Services

  FT-3600.1500
  
  Programs that provide a wide variety of legal and supportive services (which may include information, counseling, application completion and filing assistance and/or legal representation, when required) for immigrants, nonimmigrant visa applicants, asylum seekers and lawful permanent residents who are seeking naturalization. Issues may include procedures for obtaining student, visitor and employment-based visas; family immigration; asylee status; lawful permanent residence status; and/or citizenship.
• County Clerk of the Courts Offices (5)
  TD-6600.4500-160

  County Clerk of the Courts Offices

  TD-6600.4500-160
  
  The offices of individuals appointed by judges to assist in managing the flow of cases through the court; maintain court files, records and exhibits; handle financial matters; and provide other administrative support.
• County Correctional Facilities (1)
  FF-1500.1550

  County Correctional Facilities

  FF-1500.1550
  
  County operated facilities that are used for the secure detention of people who have been charged with violating a state law or a municipal or local ordinance, up to and during the course of their trial, and which provide for the confinement, treatment, employment, training and discipline of people who have been convicted of a crime and sentenced by the courts to serve up to one year of imprisonment. Included are work camps and other county-operated facilities that are alternatives to traditional incarceration.
• Court Ordered Victim Restitution Services (2)
  FF-0500.1400

  Court Ordered Victim Restitution Services

  FF-0500.1400
  
  Programs that oversee compliance with a court order, a condition of voluntary probation or an agreement in lieu of prosecution that an offender restore what a victim has lost (or the equivalent) as a result of a crime or act of delinquency. Staff may contact victims to determine loss amounts, investigate the offender's assets, help the victim present a restitution request to the appropriate authorities, report findings to the court, monitor payments of restitution and/or employ a variety of legally sanctioned methods (such as tax liens and judgment orders) to recover losses for victims in situations where the offender fails to make payments as agreed. In some jurisdictions, these programs collect restitution funds from offenders and make payments to the victim.
• Crime Statistics (1)
  TJ-8000.1600

  Crime Statistics

  TJ-8000.1600
  
  Programs that produce statistics which relate to crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime, and the operation of justice systems at all levels of government.
• Crime Victim Accompaniment Services (9)
  FN-1900.0500

  Crime Victim Accompaniment Services

  FN-1900.0500
  
  Programs that provide support for battered women, sexual assault survivors and other victims of crimes by having a staff member go with them when they require a medical examination to gather evidence or need to visit a police station to file a complaint or appear in court to give evidence.
• Crime Victim Compensation (3)
  FN-1900.1500

  Crime Victim Compensation

  FN-1900.1500
  
  Programs that provide financial compensation for people who have suffered monetary losses as a direct result of some form of violent crime. Compensation is generally available to meet unreimbursed medical and hospital expenses, loss of wages or support, expenses encumbered by participation in job-related rehabilitation or retraining programs, and legal fees; or may be unrestricted in terms of purpose. Also included are programs that help people apply for these services.
• Crime Victim Support (3)
  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.
• Crime Victim/Witness Counseling (4)
  RP-1400.8000-160

  Crime Victim/Witness Counseling

  RP-1400.8000-160
  
  Programs that provide emotional support, information and guidance in a variety of settings for individuals and families who are attempting to deal with their fears, their feelings of being violated and other negative aftereffects of being burglarized, robbed, assaulted or otherwise victimized. Also included are programs that provide counseling for people who have been traumatized by witnessing an act of violence.
• Crime Victims (5)
  YX-1500

  Crime Victims

  YX-1500
  
  Individuals who have suffered injury or loss of property because of the illegal actions of another.
• Discrimination Assistance (2)
  FT-1800

  Discrimination Assistance

  FT-1800
  
  Programs that provide assistance for people who believe that they have been treated unfairly or denied normal privileges based on their age, gender, race or ethnic origin, nationality, religion, disability, sexual orientation or marital status.
• District Attorney (1)
  FJ-6700.1800

  District Attorney

  FJ-6700.1800
  
  The chief prosecuting officer for the county who is responsible for initiating charges and prosecuting people, including juveniles, who have been accused of felony and misdemeanor offenses; enforcing laws which require responsible people to support their dependents; and investigating allegations of major fraud, organized criminal activity and corruption as well as unlawful conduct by public officials.
• Diversion Programs (1)
  FF-0500.1800

  Diversion Programs

  FF-0500.1800
  
  Community-based programs that provide and/or coordinate the delivery of individual, group and family counseling, training, employment assistance and other prescribed social services for individuals who have been arrested for a minor offense and directed to participate in an educational or treatment program in lieu of prosecution for the offense. In most cases, the courts suspend prosecution for a prescribed period and dismiss charges altogether against those who successfully complete the program. Included are jail diversion programs which ensure that mentally ill offenders receive treatment and support services rather than spend time in jail.
• Divorce Assistance (1)
  FT-3000.1700

  Divorce Assistance

  FT-3000.1700
  
  Programs that provide assistance for people who are initiating or responding to a suit for an annulment of their marriage, which establishes that a marital status never existed; a legal separation, which suspends the marriage so far as concerns the cohabitation of the two parties; or a divorce, which totally dissolves the marriage relationship. These programs may also discuss and represent the individual's interests regarding distribution of property assets and parenting issues regarding any children.
• Divorce/Custody Investigation (1)
  FJ-1750

  Divorce/Custody Investigation

  FJ-1750
  
  Programs that investigate parties to a divorce in cases involving minor children and report their findings and recommendations for custody and visitation to the court.
• Domestic/Family Violence Legal Services (2)
  FT-3000.1750

  Domestic/Family Violence Legal Services

  FT-3000.1750
  
  Programs that provide information and guidance and/or representation in court proceedings for individuals who have been abused in an intimate relationship and/or for people who are facing a summary conviction offence or criminal charge for perpetrating abuse. Included are domestic violence law clinics and other legal assistance programs that represent victims of domestic abuse at restraining order hearings or in other civil or criminal actions involving charges against an abuser. Most also represent the person's interests in complexities that arise as part of the legal process such as restitution, payment of debts or child support, custody and visitation and property control. Some programs may also represent victims of domestic abuse who have been charged with a crime and/or handle cases involving accusations of child abuse filed by one parent against the other, abuse of an elderly person by an adult child or abuse of an adult child by a parent.
• Employment Discrimination Assistance (1)
  FT-1800.1850

  Employment Discrimination Assistance

  FT-1800.1850
  
  Programs that provide assistance for people who believe that they have been denied equal access to employment or that they have been treated unfairly as employees, i.e., that they were sexually harassed or denied equal pay for equal work, passed over for a promotion, denied training opportunities or fired on the basis of their age, gender, race or ethnic origin, nationality, religion, disability, sexual orientation or marital status. Also included are programs that provide assistance for job applicants who feel they have been denied employment because of a military service obligation or help restore job seniority and pension rights which have been withheld from military service personnel because of an absence from work due to a service obligation.
• Ex-Offender Halfway Houses (1)
  FF-1850

  Ex-Offender Halfway Houses

  FF-1850
  
  Community-based programs that provide congregate living arrangements and a wide variety of counseling and supportive services for ex-offenders (also known as returning citizens) who recently have been released from a correctional facility but who require a gradual transition from that highly structured and supervised way of a life to a relatively free and normal existence in the community.
• Ex-Offender Reentry Programs (6)
  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.
• Ex-Offenders (3)
  YJ-2030

  Ex-Offenders

  YJ-2030
  
  Individuals, also known as returning or returned citizens, who are no longer under required supervision by the criminal justice system.
• Gang Programs (3)
  FN-2300

  Gang Programs

  FN-2300
  
  Programs offered by community and law enforcement agencies that attempt to reduce the incidence of gang violence by providing counseling, recreational activities and other preventive alternatives; and/or by establishing direct contact with gang members, mediating intergang disputes, facilitating intergang communication and mobilizing the community to support gangs in finding nonviolent ways to reconcile their differences.
• General Crime Reporting (1)
  FN-1700.2600

  General Crime Reporting

  FN-1700.2600
  
  Programs that provide a hotline, website or other mechanism that people can use to report any of a wide variety of crimes rather than specializing in reports regarding a particular type of criminal activity.
• General Crime Victim Assistance (7)
  FN-1900.2500

  General Crime Victim Assistance

  FN-1900.2500
  
  Programs that provide a variety of supportive services for victims of crimes and their families which may include general emotional support, crisis counseling, information about police investigative procedures, liaison to police personnel, assistance in completing and filing applications for reimbursement of crime-related expenses or losses, information about the mechanics of court proceedings, advice concerning court appearances, court accompaniment services, assistance in preparing victim impact statements and referrals for other needed services such as medical treatment, shelter away from home, transportation, child care, financial assistance and protective services.
• General Legal Aid (4)
  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.
• Guardians ad Litem (2)
  FJ-2600

  Guardians ad Litem

  FJ-2600
  
  Individuals appointed by the court to represent, in a particular lawsuit, the interests of minors, people judged to be incompetent or people unborn or unascertained who may have a future interest in the property involved in the litigation. These special guardians may also serve as advocates for dependent children pending settlement of their cases in dependency court; and are usually attorneys but may also be court appointed special advocates (CASA volunteers).
• Guardians ad Litem Volunteer Opportunities (3)
  PX-1850.2500

  Guardians ad Litem Volunteer Opportunities

  PX-1850.2500
  
  Organizations that are actively seeking individuals with the requisite skills and experience who are willing to work as court appointed special advocates on a voluntary basis without remuneration representing the interests of abused, neglected or abandoned children involved in family court proceedings.
• Homesteading Assistance (1)
  FT-3300

  Homesteading Assistance

  FT-3300
  
  Programs that provide assistance for people who want to file under the homestead exemption laws which allow a householder or head of family to designate a house and land as his or her homestead and exempt that homestead from execution and forced sale to pay for his or her general debts as long as the land is occupied as a home.
• Housing Discrimination Assistance (1)
  FT-1800.3000

  Housing Discrimination Assistance

  FT-1800.3000
  
  Programs that provide assistance for people who believe that they have been denied an opportunity to purchase, lease or rent the home or apartment of their choice due to their age, gender, family composition (including families with children under the age of 18 and pregnant individuals), race or color, nationality, religion, disability, sexual orientation or marital status, actions that are prohibited by the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the federal Fair Housing Act Amendments Act of 1988 in the U.S. Federal fair housing law also extends limited protection to recovering alcoholics who actively and regularly participate in a medically based treatment or AA program, and people with a drug use disorder including those who have prior convictions for illegal drug use (but not for drug dealing or manufacture). Assistance may also be available to other individuals who are protected from housing discrimination by state or local laws with a broader set of protected categories, or which cover properties that are exempt from federal fair housing laws but are protected under state law.
• Illegal Dumping Reporting (1)
  FN-1700.3300

  Illegal Dumping Reporting

  FN-1700.3300
  
  Programs that provide a hotline, website or other mechanisms that the public can use to anonymously report information about the activities of people who are disposing of hazardous materials, trash or other items in places other than those legitimately set aside for this purpose.
• Immigration Issues (2)
  YZ-3350

  Immigration Issues

  YZ-3350
  
  Programs that provide information and/or services that deal with the topic of immigration.
• Immigration/Naturalization Legal Services (1)
  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.
• Impounded Vehicle Services (1)
  FT-9100.3300

  Impounded Vehicle Services

  FT-9100.3300
  
  Programs that provide information for individuals whose illegally parked cars or other vehicles have been towed regarding the address of the police garage or other location where their cars are being stored and the amount of the fines they will need to pay in order to retrieve them. Also included are programs that provide information about vehicles that have been confiscated or stolen and recovered by the police; the police garages which, in addition to storing impounded vehicles, release vehicles and their contents to their owners once applicable fines have been paid or other conditions met; and the offices of officials who conduct hearings at the request of individuals who believe that their vehicle should not have been impounded to determine whether there was probable cause to impound the vehicle.
• Landlord/Tenant Dispute Resolution (2)
  FT-4500.4600

  Landlord/Tenant Dispute Resolution

  FT-4500.4600
  
  Programs that help tenants and landlords resolve disputes regarding security and other rental deposits, unsanitary conditions, failure to make repairs, privacy, notice requirements, excessive rent increases, nonpayment of rent, neglect or damage to property, overcrowding or other grievances.
• Lawyer Referral Services (2)
  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 (6)
  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 Information Services (4)
  TJ-3200.4500

  Legal Information Services

  TJ-3200.4500
  
  Programs that provide information about specific legal problems and procedures that interested individuals can access on a website or in person, or by telephone, email, chat, text or other communication channel. Information may be in a self-serve, browsable format (for example a web resource directory or library of audio recordings) or provided by live agents with expertise in the field. Also included are legal aid services, bar associations and other programs 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, video tutorials, websites and other similar educational avenues.
• Long Term Care Ombudsman Programs (2)
  FT-4950

  Long Term Care Ombudsman Programs

  FT-4950
  
  Programs that investigate and attempt to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents of nursing facilities, residential care homes, assisted living facilities and other supervised living facilities for older adults. The program also promotes policies and practices that improve the quality of life, health, safety, welfare and rights of residents; monitors laws, regulations and policies that affect those who live in long-term care facilities; provides the public with information about long-term care options; and promotes the development of consumer organizations concerned about long-term care. Under the federal Older Americans Act, every state is required to have an Ombudsman Program that addresses complaints and advocates for improvements in the long term care system.
• Municipal Police (53)
  FL-6500

  Municipal Police

  FL-6500
  
  The local agency that is responsible for enforcing all laws and ordinances; preventing crime; investigating criminal activity; apprehending, arresting and detaining suspects; presenting evidence; regulating traffic; investigating traffic accidents and engaging in other activities that protect lives and property and preserve peace in the community.
• Name Change Assistance (1)
  FT-5900

  Name Change Assistance

  FT-5900
  
  Programs that provide assistance for people who want to file a petition to legally change their name.
• Notary Public Services (1)
  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.
• Prison Ministries (1)
  FF-3300.6400

  Prison Ministries

  FF-3300.6400
  
  Programs that provide church services, prayer meetings, religious study classes, pastoral counseling, religious literature and other forms of religious support for inmates in jails, prisons and juvenile detention centers.
• Protective/Restraining Orders (2)
  FT-6940

  Protective/Restraining Orders

  FT-6940
  
  Programs that provide assistance for people who need to obtain legal protection to prevent harassment, stalking or violence in situations involving child abuse, domestic abuse, elder abuse, abduction, sexual assault, stalking or other forms of harassment or the threat of workplace violence. Depending on the situation, a person may have more than one type of order. Restraining and personal protection order laws vary from one jurisdiction to another but all establish who can file for an order, what protection or relief a person can get from such an order and how the order will be enforced. The court will order the adverse party to refrain from certain actions and/or require compliance with certain provisions. Failure to comply is a violation of the order which can result in the arrest and prosecution of the offender. Violations in some jurisdictions may also constitute criminal or civil contempt of court.
• Public Nuisance Reporting (1)
  FN-1700.6700

  Public Nuisance Reporting

  FN-1700.6700
  
  Programs that provide a hotline, website or other mechanisms that people can use to report prostitution, lewd or lascivious behavior, public drunkenness, illegal gambling, drug-related loitering or other drug-related criminal activity, accumulations of garbage, castoff materials, junk cars or other conditions that disturb the peace, are dangerous to health or safety, are offensive to community moral standards or that obstruct the public from the free use of public property. The concept of "public nuisance" varies considerably from community to community. As a consequence, activities that are addressed by public nuisance laws in one community may be covered by zoning laws in another.
• 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.
• Small Claims Courts (1)
  FC-8200.8100-800

  Small Claims Courts

  FC-8200.8100-800
  
  State courts that hear civil cases involving no more than $5,000 and which require parties to the action to present their own cases. The judge hears both sides and renders a judgment.
• Tenant Rights Information/Counseling (1)
  FT-4500.8550

  Tenant Rights Information/Counseling

  FT-4500.8550
  
  Programs that provide information and guidance for tenants who need to know their rights and responsibilities regarding leases and rental agreements, deposits, legal eviction procedures, measures to protect themselves from unlawful or retaliatory evictions, rent withholding rights, rent control requirements, privacy rights and other issues that may be of particular interest to tenants. Tenant rights counseling may also include assistance in completing forms, advice regarding a particular dispute and contact with the offending landlord to provide notification that she or he is not in compliance with landlord/tenant laws.
• Veterans Courts (1)
  FC-8200.8100-920

  Veterans Courts

  FC-8200.8100-920
  
  Special state courts that handle cases involving veterans charged with crimes, generally nonviolent felonies and misdemeanors in which post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, traumatic brain injuries and mental illness are underlying factors. The objective of the courts is to get veterans into treatment where the root causes of their behavior can be addressed as an alternative to time in jail. Compliance with court requirements is monitored through regularly scheduled court hearings and charges against participants are dropped following completion of treatment if they have remained alcohol and drug free and have committed no new offenses.