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Legal Aid Assistance
Legal issues can be stressful and confusing—especially when you’re trying to move forward. This page connects you to low-cost or free legal support and trusted resources that can help with things like IDs and records, expungement/set-asides, warrants and court questions, family law, housing concerns, benefits issues, and more. Scroll down for a list of local legal aid organizations and services you can contact.
Looking specifically for civil rights, voting rights, record relief, or restoration-related support?
Visit our Rights & Restoration page here
Know Your Rights- Pima County Public Defense Services Legal Clinic
The Public Defense Services Department of Pima County offers a free legal clinic to assist individuals who are seeking legal services to address charges, cases, or convictions from within Pima County.
Services that clients may be eligible for include:
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Sealing a felony criminal record
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Restoring civil rights or setting aside a felony conviction
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Restoring gun rights
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Waiving or reducing outstanding fines and fees
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Designating an undesignated Class 6 conviction as a misdemeanor
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Expunging marijuana-related felony convictions
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Resolving and quashing warrants for having absconded (failure to report or participate) from Pima County Probation on a felony matter, or for misdemeanor warrants arising out of the Justice Court or any of the municipal courts
The Legal Clinic cannot provide representation or legal advice for active cases. Attorneys from Pima County Public Defense Services are appointed by the court to indigent clients.
* Individuals interested in obtaining assistance from the Pima County Public Defense Services Legal Clinic should complete the following form.
Getting your official documents is the most critical first step. You will need them for almost everything, including applying for jobs, securing housing, and accessing benefits. If possible, begin this process at least one year before your release date, but if you haven’t - don’t worry! - There’s still time!
● Verification of Incarceration Your facility or PO can provide a document that verifies you were incarcerated. Download Absolute Discharge Form
● Birth Certificate You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate, which has a state seal and is signed by the county registrar. To get one, you'll need to mail a request form the county clerk's office in the county where you were born. You can also go to usa.gov to find a list of county clerk offices in your state of birth.
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Here is the link to Order a Birth Certificate in Pima County. The site provides the form and all necessary information required to obtain your certificate. As of this date, there is a $20 processing fee. Vital records staff is available on the first floor of Abrams Public Health Center (3950 S. Country Club) during posted hours. The office is closed for all county holidays. Staff will be able to help you with application questions and submit your required documents. Certificates are NOT issued the same day you order. https://www.pima.gov/3535/Order-a-Birth-or-Death-Certificate
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The Homeless ID Project empowers individuals and families experiencing homelessness to rebuild their lives by providing access to replacement identification documents required to obtain housing, employment, and other vital services. ▪They host frequent free events at the library and assist with applications for birth certificates in all 50 states, US territories and those born abroad in addition to assistance with State IDs and Driver's Licenses.
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VoteRiders is an organization that helps people obtain a driver’s license or State ID for free. They frequently host ID assistance events at several libraries around town through out the year. ▪They help people get the ID they need to cast a ballot that counts. All service are FREE of charge and they pay for ID/Drivers License, Birth Certificate, and or Social Security Card. They can also provide transportation to government offices to complete the process (in areas where rideshare is available). And if needed they provide a mailing address if you do not currently have a place to receive mail.▪Services available to US citizens 16 or older and those impacted by the criminal justice system. If you can't stop in for one of their clinics, please call or text 1 (866) ID 2 VOTE or 1 (866) 432-8683.https://www.voteriders.org/freehelp/
