Get Legal Help
Get Legal Help
Our office in the South Bronx is here to assist the Bronx community with both legal and non-legal support.
Legal Support Hotline
Phone Number: (347) 778-1266
Hotline Hours: 24/7
Description: If you or a family member is arrested, wanted by the police, or contacted by the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) – and you do not have a lawyer – call our legal emergency hotline immediately.
Community Intake Services
Phone Number: (718) 838-7878
Hotline Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Walk-In Location: 200 East 161st St. (next to the Rainbow Shops)
Walk-In Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Description: Our services include in-person meetings with advocates, assessments of your issues and needs related to civil, criminal, family, and immigration matters, and meaningful referrals for services within The Bronx Defenders or to other organizations or agencies that might be able to assist.
Housing Hotline
Phone Number: (347) 842-1122
Hotline Hours: Two Mondays every month, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
For a list of all active hotline days, see our 2025 Schedule.
Description: If you are experiencing threats of eviction, landlord abuse, or any other issue related to your housing, call us. We can provide information and legal advice about eviction proceedings in Bronx Housing Court, NYCHA termination of tenancy proceedings, Housing Part (HP) proceedings to compel repairs or to stop landlord harassment, or other questions about your rights as a tenant.
Family Defense Hotline
Phone Number: (347) 778-1266
Hotline Hours: 24/7
Walk-In Location: 200 East 161st St. (next to the Rainbow Shops)
Walk-In Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Description: If you are concerned that the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) may be targeting you or your family, we can help. We provide legal counsel to help build a robust defense before family separation occurs or other devastation consequences of ACS involvement occurs. We can call the ACS caseworker to get information, answer questions about the process, and stay in touch with family and friends.
Criminal Defense Hotline
Phone Number: (347) 778-1266
Hotline Hours: 24/7
Description: If you are concerned you or a family member may be targeted by the police or another government agency, contact us. The Early Defense team provides legal counsel before arrest to help build a robust defense and avoid the devastating consequences of legal system involvement, including job and housing loss, visa endangerment, and family separation. We can call the precinct to get information, answer questions about the process, and stay in touch with family and friends.
Immigration Hotline
Phone Number: (718) 838-7878
Email: immigration@bronxdefenders.org
Description: We provide legal services to Bronx residents who have had past contacts with the police or have been the subject of an ACS investigation. We represent non-citizens before USCIS and in removal proceedings. We also provide advice on non-citizens’ rights, the risks of travel, and options for gaining status.
Public Benefits Assistance
Phone Number: (718) 838-7849
Hotline Hours: Leave a message Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Walk-In Location: 200 East 161st St. (next to the Rainbow Shops)
Walk-In Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (up to 20 community members per day; early arrival encouraged)
Description: Our Benefits Team supports New York City residents navigate critical benefits programs and address urgent financial needs. We help people complete benefit applications, manage their cases, advocate for eligibility, and provide referrals across a wide range of services.
Know Your Rights
Our policy experts collaborate closely with our practice. Equip yourself with information about your legal rights and protections.
- Civil Forfeiture: When the NYPD Keeps Your Property
- Tenant Rights: NYC Tenant Bill of Rights
- Family Rights: Your Family, Your Rights
- Housing and Arrests: Fair Chance in Housing
- Employment and Criminal Convictions: Employment & Criminal Convictions
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the police or ACS contacts me and I don’t have a lawyer?
Call our 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline at (347) 778-1266 immediately. We can contact the precinct or ACS caseworker to get information, answer questions about the process, and stay in touch with family and friends.
How can I get help if my landlord is trying to evict me or isn’t making necessary repairs?
Call our Housing Hotline at (347) 842-1122 on the scheduled Mondays between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. We can provide information and legal advice about eviction proceedings, NYCHA termination of tenancy proceedings, Housing Part (HP) proceedings to compel repairs, and other tenant rights issues.
What should I do if I have been arrested or there is a warrant out for me?
Call our Early Defense Legal Hotline at (347) 778-1266, available 24/7. We can provide legal counsel before arrest to help build a robust defense and avoid devastating collateral consequences.
How can I get help with immigration issues, such as deportation proceedings or concerns about ICE?
Contact our Immigration Hotline at (718) 838-7878 or email immigration@bronxdefenders.org. We provide legal services to Bronx residents who have had past contacts with the police or have been the subject of an ACS investigation.
I need assistance with public benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, or emergency grants. Where can I get help?
Call our Public Benefits Assistance line at (718) 838-7849, Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can also visit our walk-in location at 200 East 161st St. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
How can I get help with legal matters like sealing a conviction or obtaining a Certificate of Relief?
Contact our Community Intake Services at (718) 838-7878, Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Walk-in services are available at 200 East 161st St. on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.