We Stabilize Lives Through Civil Advocacy

From the moment of arrest, people are in danger of losing jobs, housing, basic public benefits, and even the right to live in this country. For many, these hardships are far more severe than the criminal charge itself. In New York, a plea to disorderly conduct makes a person ineligible for public housing for three years, and two convictions for turnstile jumping can result in the deportation of a lawful permanent resident. Intended to improve “public safety,” these punishments ultimately trap individuals in the revolving door of incarceration and poverty. By blocking the path to stable employment and housing, these barriers actually contribute to recidivism and undermine the struggle for self-sufficiency. The impact hits much deeper than the individuals in court —entire families suffer the consequences.

The Bronx Defenders’ clients are often the people social services have failed to reach: those without medical care, affordable housing, food stamps, access to employment, and education. Driven into the criminal and family justice systems by addiction, homelessness, unemployment, illness and lack of social-service support, our clients face similar and even greater obstacles upon leaving the system.

At The Bronx Defenders, we have the unique opportunity to intervene early, breaking this cycle before problems become crises. Our civil attorneys and legal advocates work directly with other advocates in our office to provide holistic, integrated representation to our clients as well as their families and to find comprehensive solutions to the obstacles they face. Together, our attorneys and advocates work to preserve clients’ hard-earned jobs, maintain stable housing and public benefits, correct criminal record errors, keep clients in the country with their families, and educate judges and prosecutors about the debilitating consequences of an arrest so that they can make informed and just decisions. Experts on the “collateral consequences” of criminal charges, our civil staff provide technical assistance and training around the country to share our proven strategies. But most of all, our Civil Action practice helps our clients fight their way out of the vicious cycle of poverty and crime to improve their lives.