Free Legal Aid in Sacramento

American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California

Areas of Law: Discrimination, Election and Voting, Freedom Speech, Freedom of Religion, Immigration Rights, LGBT Rights, Privacy, Police Practices, Jail and Prison Conditions, and other issues of fair treatment by government.

Good to Know: The ACLU does not usually assist in the following types of cases: criminal defense or post-conviction appeals, divorce or child custody disputes, property disputes, tax problems, workers compensation issues, consumer complaints, landlord-tenant disputes, building code issues and complaints about lawyers or judges. To apply for services, fill out an intake form.

Lawyer Referral Service (Sacramento State Bar)

Areas of Law: Civil, Criminal

Good to Know: This is lawyer referral service run by the Sacramento County State Bar. For $50 you will receive a 30-minute consultation with an attorney.

Legal Aid Services of Sacramento

Areas of Law: Adoption, Bankruptcy, Child Support Collection/Modification, Divorce

Domestic Violence, Driver's License Problems, Eviction, Foreclosure, Garnishment, Guardianship, Landlord Repairs, Medicaid/Medicare/Title 19, Paternity, Public Housing & Section 8, Repossession, Social Security Disability Income & Overpayments, TANF, Food Stamps, Veterans' Benefits, Wills

Good to Know: This agency does not handle criminal cases.

Volunteer Legal Services Program of Northern California

Areas of Law: Criminal, Family Law, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Probate

Good to Know: Volunteer attorneys provide civil legal representation to low-income residents of Sacramento, Yolo, San Joaquin, El Dorado and Placer counties only. They do not handle criminal (except expungements), prisoner’s rights or personal injury cases.

Disability Rights California

Areas of Law: Disability, Domestic Violence, Abuse, Neglect, Public Benefits

Good to Know: This is a statewide service providing to those with physical and mental disabilities. Call to learn intake procedures.

My Sister’s House

Areas of Law: Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking

Good to Know: In addition to providing crisis support, this organization also houses a women's shelter.

WEAVE Midtown

Areas of Law: Domestic Violence, Family Law

Good to Know: WEAVE provides free and low-cost legal services for eligible domestic violence victims. They offers a series of legal workshops addressing the most common legal questions and needs including Court Preparation for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order hearing, Divorce Preparation, and the Child Custody process.

Family Law Facilitator's Office (Family Relations Courthouse)

Areas of Law: Domestic Violence, Family Law, Guardianship, and Probate

Good to Know: The Self-Help Center provides free legal, procedural assistance to unrepresented persons the areas of Family Support, Domestic Violence, Family Law and Probate. The Self-Help Center also houses a Community Resource Room for anyone in need of referrals to community services. All services are provided free of charge. Attorneys do not provide legal advice or representation, but can provide referrals to local attorneys.

Catholic Charities of Sacramento

Areas of Law: Domestic Violence, Immigration, Naturalization

Good to Know: This organization provides free/low-cost immigration legal services for low-income individuals.

California Indian Legal Services

Areas of Law: Civil, Tax, Tribal Law

Good to Know: This is the oldest organization in the U.S devoted to assisting Native Americans with civil cases. Income limits apply for free services.

HICAP Services of Northern California (Health Insurance Planning and Advocacy Program)

Area of Law: Public Benefits Assistance

Good to Know: This is a government agency providing counseling and advocacy services for Medicare beneficiaries in Sacramento County. They also assist children or other representatives of Medicare beneficiaries, persons planning for retirement, and seniors planning to purchase health insurance.

Senior Legal Services Hotline

Areas of Law: Civil, Probate, Caregiver Assistance

Good to Know: This is a free legal aid telephone advice service for people over 60 (or caregivers of minors over 55) in Sacramento County.

Sacramento County Small Claims Legal Advisor

Area of Law: Small Claims

Good to Know: The clinic is staffed by attorneys and legal interns who provide procedural and legal information and legal advice to Small Claims litigants. They do not provide direct legal representation.

University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

Areas of Law: Elder & Health, Bankruptcy, Criminal Appellate, Federal Defender, Housing Mediation, Immigration, Prisoner Rights

Good to Know: Cases are only accepted at certain times of the year or by referral from a judge. Call for consideration.