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Criminal Legal Advice, Education and Representation - Neighborhood Justice Center

500 Laurel Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55102

Eligibility

- Residents who are low-income in Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties for most services - Expungement assistance available to residents who are low-income of Ramsey County only

Required documents

For most legal services: - Bring all documents related to the legal issue, including any paperwork received concerning the case - Provide the names, phone numbers, and addresses of all persons involved - Preparing and bringing a written summary of the legal situation will help maximize the time with the attorney Criminal Expungement Program: - If possible, obtain copies of court records and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) records ahead of time - To request court records from the Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS), visit any state courthouse in person or go to www.mncourts.gov/caserecords - Complete records can only be obtained in person at the courthouse ($10 fee for each record)

Hours

8:30 am - 4:30 am Monday - Friday
https://www.njcinc.org/services
[email protected]

Interpretation services

Interpreters available; Arabic; Hmong; Somali; Spanish

Application process

Call for appointment; complete application on website

Fees

None, but donations are requested when clients are over 125% of the poverty guidelines

Service area

Dakota County, MN
Ramsey County, MN
Washington County, MN

Other Information

Languages

Spanish
Hmong
Somali

Program Fees

No Fee

Description

Delivers free and low-cost legal services designed to ensure fair treatment in the justice system, including: - Community outreach and education: Workshops and resources to inform individuals, refugees, immigrants, and other underserved populations about their rights and navigating the legal system - Comprehensive criminal defense: Legal representation for individuals charged with misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or felonies in Ramsey, Dakota, and Washington Counties - Expungement services: Assistance for eligible clients to seal or erase past arrests or convictions, improving access to employment, housing, and other opportunities - Legal advice and consultation: Free or reduced-cost guidance for individuals with limited income who have legal questions - Treatment-court representation: Legal support in mental health, substance-use, DWI, and related court cases

Last Assured

12/01/2025

Providing organization

Neighborhood Justice Center

A nonprofit community-based law firm that provides free criminal defense and expungement services to individuals who are low-income.