Legal Aid in Victorville Explained
Legal aid in Victorville is a program financed by the government to provide legal services to individuals that cannot afford them. Legal assistance programs have existed at the federal level since 1965, and are overseen by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), which was created by Congress. Legal aid services provide legal help for the most common civil issues and family issues that affect people. In the United States, this is judged to be roughly 50 percent of all civil and family legal cases. Legal services are therefore not available for criminal or work-related injury cases. Instead, legal aid entities typically focus on the provision of counsel in the following areas:
- Public housing
- Employment
- Family law
- Immigration and nationality
- Disability
- Individual rights
- Health care
- Consumer protection
- Education
- Utility shut-offs
- Domestic violence
- Juvenile delinquency
- Asylum
- Advanced health care directives
- Tax issues
- Bankruptcy
- Housing Discrimination
- Foreclosure
- Unemployment
- Predatory lending laws
- Disposal of spoiled foods
- Mental health
- Guardianship
- Public benefits
- School discipline
- Social Security disability
- Medical discharge from a hospital
- Violent crime compensation
- Child abuse
- Domestic violence
- Child custody
- Child support
- Preliminary restraining orders
- Adoption
It should be noted , however, that these legal assistance programs are not funded for expenses that exist to compensate a plaintiff or to cover punitive damages in a case. They must offer services for free or at little cost, and the client must meet needs-based and income-based eligibility guidelines to receive such services. The threshold issue when determining if an individual is qualified for legal assistance is income, determined by census tract. The maximum income level at which a person can receive assistance is 125 percent of the federal poverty level. This is adjusted for each household size, so those above the threshold amount but still have financial need may still be able to receive assistance through the program. Victorville residents who meet the income guidelines and have legal issues in the above areas may be able to receive assistance through legal aid. Legal aid is chosen as the most appropriate form of assistance, when compared to other legal services, such as pro bono services, clinics or hotlines. A great deal of effort is expended on outreach to poor communities statewide, allowing attorneys to find the clients who need the help.
Victorville Legal Aid Eligibility
Understanding whether you qualify for legal aid services in Victorville requires a brief look at the program’s income thresholds, the types of cases that are taken on, and any special conditions that might apply. Legal aid provides free or low-cost legal assistance in a range of areas. Criminal and juvenile delinquency cases are not typically covered, but there are always exceptions if a client has a particularly compelling case to present. The hope is to move people forward so they’re no longer at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system.
Income limits can vary, but typically, no one can surpass 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For example, in 2016, limits started at $23,760 for an individual and increased to $69,300 for a family of eight. Legal aid services also consider the number of people in your household. The result is that eligibility can be difficult to determine. If your annual income is below a certain level, it’s very likely you qualify for legal aid support.
There is also a focus on cases where legal aid involvement will significantly improve your life or that of a family member. Beyond criminal and juvenile delinquency matters, the majority of cases center on family law, housing, health care issues, low-income tax concerns, immigration, and cases involving domestic violence.
Applying for Legal Aid in Victorville
The application process for legal aid in Victorville generally begins with an online application. After you submit your online application, you can expect a phone call. After the initial phone call, your case will be reviewed. Once your case is reviewed, you can expect another call. Legal aid representatives will then schedule an appointment for you. Certain documents may be requested during your initial interaction with a legal aid representative. You will need to provide a valid picture ID, a copy of your most recent pay stub if applicable, copies of bills relevant to your case, documentation related to your income, and any other paperwork required by the legal aid representative. You can apply for legal aid services online by visiting the Inland Counties Legal Services website.
Victorville Legal Aid Resources and Organizations
Access to legal aid services is crucial for low-income residents of Victorville; thankfully, there are a number of organizations and resources that can offer assistance. Consider the following options:
Low Income Taxpayer Clinic
This program, run by the California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc., aims to provide free and confidential support to low-income taxpayers who are struggling with disputes and have no other means of assistance. Free representation is available for individuals who are financially unable to retain a private attorney. The office is located at 12476 and 12482 Amargosa Road, Ste. 103 in Victorville, CA at the Rancho Las Flores property (near Home Depot). Call 760-243-7879 for more information.
Seniors Resource Center
Are you over 60 years of age? The Inland Counties Legal Services Inc. has a free outreach clinic for senior citizens in Victorville that takes place every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m . This service is housed at 13701 Chambers Road, Building B, Ste. K/H, Victorville, CA 92394. Please RSVP by calling 800-255-5750, ext. 262 or email [email protected]. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your seat in advance.
Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino County
The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino County provides extended legal assistance to low-income residents throughout the county, including a wide variety of legal services available to Victorville residents. To receive legal help, schedule an appointment at one of the following locations:
Victim Advocacy Program
The Victorville District Attorney Victim Advocacy Program has a domestic violence office in Victorville, which meets Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Address: Superior Court of California, San Bernardino County, Victorville District, 14455 Civic Drive, Victorville, CA. Agencies may also request assistance through the program for victims of any type of crime, and help is available in Spanish.
Common Legal Matters Resolved with Legal Aid in Victorville
Legal aid services in Victorville handle a variety of different cases, providing essential legal representation and assistance to those who qualify. While the legal aid organization cannot take on every single case in the community, they help as many low-income residents of Victorville as they can. Typical issues that receive legal assistance from the legal aid office in Victorville include:
Custody Cases A large number of legal aid cases involved child custody disputes, where individuals or couples fought for custody over a minor child. Many of these cases involve unmarried parents seeking legal aid representation in settlement cases to determine custody of the child, while others may involve stepparents or grandparents seeking custody. The legal aid may also help with child support negotiations and visitation rights related to custody cases.
Housing Violations Housing is another common legal issue addressed through the legal aid services. Many low-income families in Victorville need assistance with housing violations involving safety and security concerns, such as unsafe living conditions, unpaid rent and eviction notices. Individuals and families who require advocacy for disability supports and rental assistance programs also receive legal aid representation.
Employment Law Employment law and labor disputes fall under the umbrella of legal aid cases in Victorville as well. Most of these cases involve wrongful discharge claims and other employment violations, including issues such as wage and overtime payment disputes. Legal aid cases often involve employees in the retail industry fighting against minimum wage violations, lack of overtime pay and tips withheld from their paycheck.
Family Law In addition to family law matters like child custody and child support cases, legal aid also helps residents of Victorville with spousal support, property divisions, divorce, and obtaining interim orders. Many of these cases involve spouses seeking an equitable division of assets, while others may involve spousal support disputes and domestic violence cases.
Community Aid Offered Through Legal Aid in Victorville
Legal aid organizations play a vital role in the social and economic fabric of Victorville. Beyond individual cases, these services enhance the quality of life for all residents. According to recent studies, individuals who have access to legal aid services are 25 times more likely to receive government payments that they are entitled to. Indeed, the presence of legal aid services directly correlates to reduced homelessness, fewer incarcerated individuals, and a higher level of general education, all of which lead to a more stable and prosperous community. But the impact of legal aid services in Victorville goes even further. In recent years, legal aid organizations have taken on a host of complex cases that move beyond the realm of civil issue. For instance, they have successfully advocated on behalf of underpaid workers. These triumphs have led to the recovery of hundreds of thousands of dollars for individuals who were either denied wages or had wages substantially reduced in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Additionally , some local legal aid groups have taken it upon themselves to reduce the administrative burden on businesses, working with entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals to clarify the often murky waters of contracts and agreements. By handling these complexities, these legal aid services help avoid future issues for small business owners. As Victorville continues to grow and encompass communities that were previously considered remote, these legal aid organizations will become even more important. From workers’ compensation to tax liability to family court, the constant evolution of Victorville leads to a range of problems which, in turn, leads to an increasing number of legal woes for the average person. Through their dedication and expertise, legal aid organizations work tirelessly to clear these roadblocks for their community.
