Legal Aid & Record Relief
Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS)
Brooklyn · Queens
Free court-appointed defense in criminal, family and immigration matters (Brooklyn and Queens), plus civil advocacy, social work, and the Reentry Speaks support group.
What they offer
Public defense and community programs for people charged with crimes in Queens.
Who can get help
People charged in Queens who cannot afford a lawyer.
How to start
Assigned by court
Details change, so call ahead to confirm hours and eligibility.
Similar services
Family & Reunification
Center for Family Representation (CFR)
Manhattan · Bronx · Queens · Staten Island
Free legal and social work help for parents contacted by ACS, aiming to keep children at home; also represents youth 7-17 facing criminal charges.
Legal Aid & Record Relief
Center for Justice Innovation - Queens Community Justice Center
Queens
Offers alternatives to incarceration, youth programs and social services for people with cases in Queens courts.
Family & Reunification
Community Mediation Services (CMS)
Queens
Provides a network of mediation and conflict resolution programs to individuals, youth, and families in NYC. Visitation/custody and divorce mediation offered on a sliding fee scale. Other services include court diversion programs, therapeutic interventions, specialized educational programs, and school-based services.