Legal Aid & Record Relief
Legal Action Center (LAC)
Manhattan
Free legal help with rap sheets, Certificates of Relief, sealing, job/housing denials, licensing, and discrimination tied to a record, drug use, SUD or HIV.
Columbia Human Rights Law Review - A Jailhouse Lawyer's Manual (JLM)
What they offer
A handbook of legal rights and procedures designed for use by people in prisons and jails. JLM chapters are downloadable for free on the website.
Who can get help
See website.
How to start
People can write a letter to the address above stating the book(s) they would like to purchase and their mailing address, along with a money order or check.
Details change, so call ahead to confirm hours and eligibility.
Similar services
Employment & Job Training
Community Service Society (CSS) - Next Door Project
Manhattan
Hotline helping people with conviction histories request their own records, repair inaccurate rap sheets, and apply for Certificates of Good Conduct or Certificates of Relief from Disabilities, which can ease licensing and employment barriers.
Legal Aid & Record Relief
New Economy Project - NYC Financial Justice Hotline
Manhattan
Runs the NYC Financial Justice Hotline, providing free legal assistance to low-income NYC residents on financial justice issues such as debt collection, credit reports, unfair banking practices, and predatory lending.
Family & Reunification
Safe Horizon
Manhattan
Support for victims of crime and abuse: shelter, advocacy, counseling, legal services and supervised visitation; welcomes all survivors regardless of immigration status. Hotline 800.621.4673.