Steven Banks, Attorney-in-Chief of The Legal Aid Society, and Deborah L. Wright, President of the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys, told State legislators that the proposed cuts for criminal defense and civil legal services in the Governor's 2010-2011 Executive Budget will hurt New Yorkers accused of crimes and families and individuals who need civil legal help in the midst of this severe economic downturn.
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The story of Ruth and her dream of being able to live and work freely in the United States is typical of many Haitian nationals who are being helped by The Legal Aid Society, a key player in the efforts to assist Haitian nationals apply for Temporary Protected Status. Read more about TPS.
In response to a court ruling in a lawsuit brought by the Juvenile Rights Practice of The Legal Aid Society, State officials issued orders prohibiting the use of shackles under any circumstances for youths held in nonsecure and limited-secured juvenile detention facilities. The new policy was announced in a memorandum from Joyce Burrell, a deputy commissioner of the State Office of Children and Family Services. Last week, a New York State Supreme Court justice ruled that the State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) violates the law when it routinely shackles children whom the agency transports to court. The law firm of Cooley Godward Kronish LLP serves pro bono as co-counsel with The Legal Aid Society on the case.
The Legal Aid Society has been identified by New York City as one of the key organizations to assist eligible Haitian immigrants in receiving Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
The Legal Aid Society filed a federal class action complaint Thursday, January 29, 2010, against New York City and the New York City Housing Authority challenging their unlawful policy of routinely subjecting NYCHA residents and their visitors to unlawful stops and arrests purportedly to enforce the trespass laws. The complaint asserts that police officers indiscriminately stop and arrest people living in or visiting NYCHA residences. As a result, people who have a legitimate and lawful reason for being on NYCHA property, including residents, are routinely detained and/or arrested for criminal trespass. Co-counsel in this case are the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP.
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