How Do You Legally Help Someone Who Is Incarcerated?
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, there are over 2 million men and women currently incarcerated in local jails, state prisons and federal prisons. Knowing how to provide legal help for someone in prison can have a significant impact on that person’s quality of life and even the outcome of a pending case. Follow these steps. Find legal counsel. This is the most important thing you can do to help someone who in prison. Many states have lawyer referral services, and some attorneys may provide pro bono (free) services. You also can call your local county government center and ask for the telephone number of the legal aid society that serves your area. Advise the prisoner on his or her rights. Prisoners should not discuss their cases with police officers, jail personnel or other inmates withou legal counsel present. Encourage and document the prisoner’s participation in academic courses or substance abuse treatment programs. Courts and review boards may consider this record durin
