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
- 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
(651)222-4703
Voice
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
- Somali
- Hmong
Program Fees
- No Fee
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.