Links to Low-Cost Legal Resources If you don't qualify for a public defender either due to financial ineligibility or you have a legal problem OPD doesn't provide attorneys for, there are other options for you. The King County Bar Association (external) sponsors free Neighborhood Legal Clinics. Volunteer attorneys provide up to 30 minutes of free legal advice and consulation to King County residents at a variety of locations. Please see their website for details, times and locations.
New Resources for Civil (Non-Criminal) Legal Aid Information
Information about civil legal aid information is available by calling 211, visiting the Crisis Center 211 web site, or downloading a guide. Most services listed are provided by non-profit organizations, and many serve only low-income people.
211 Phone Service in King County for Civil (Non-Criminal) Legal Aid
People in King County with legal problems can call 211 to receive information about and referrals to many free and low-cost civil (non-criminal) legal services. (People outside of King County should continue to call CLEAR at 1-888-201-1014.)
When and how to access 211? 211 is available Monday through Friday from 7:30am - 7:30pm, and Saturdays from 9:30am to 2:30pm. Service is not available on Sunday. Their toll-free number, which may be necessary for clients calling from a pay phone, is 1-877-211-WASH. 211 works with a language line to provide interpreters as needed at no cost to callers. Deaf and hearing-impaired callers can call 711 to be connected to a relay operator at no cost, who will then connect them with 211.
What will happen when people call 211 for legal help? 211 specialists are not lawyers and therefore cannot provide legal advice. However, callers can expect to speak with a trained information and referral specialist who will collect demographic and income information, discuss their legal issue, and, if an appropriate legal resource is available, provide a referral.
211 Web Site
People may also access the Crisis Center 211 website (external) for information on legal services and service providers.
Downloadable 211 Guide
A print version of the King County Legal Aid Resource Guide was created in Dec. 2007. Download here (411KB PDF). |
