Programs » Civil Legal Representation

As part of its holistic approach to criminal defense, NDS can also assist clients in civil cases that are related to the client's criminal charge. Our civil representation is focused on three principal areas — police misconduct, housing and eviction matters, and family court proceedings. NDS strives to represent clients in civil matters with an NDS attorney, or through the Volunteer Attorney Project.

NDS is committed to representing its clients in civil cases because even if these individuals are never convicted of a crime, a person can be fired, lose public benefits, or lose custody of a child as a result of having contact with the criminal justice system. Losing a job, being suspended for months without pay, going back and forth to family court fighting for custody of your children, or facing eviction are all "collateral" civil consequences that at times can be more significant to our clients than the criminal case itself. And since the government provides no right to free counsel in civil matters, someone who cannot afford a civil attorney can lose a civil case simply by failing to file the proper papers or not having the litigation skills of an attorney.

Where the same issue is relevant in both civil and criminal court, NDS knows that the rights and interests of our clients are best protected if we represent them on all matters. Not only does this protect a client's rights in civil court, where they may not otherwise have an attorney, but it also allows our attorneys to better advocate for our clients in criminal court by remaining alert to the potential civil consequences of a client's criminal case.

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