Legal Aid in Citrus County
Legal aid is a system that provides legal assistance and representation to those unable to afford it. It is based on the fundamental idea that justice is a fundamental pillar of fair and equitable society, and that everyone, regardless of income, should have access to the legal system. In Citrus County, as well as other areas in Florida and the nation at large, this principle is upheld through various legal aid organizations that cater to the need for civil legal services.
For Citrus County, the Hernando Citrus County Bar Association (HCBCA) has been instrumental in providing pro bono services to the community since 2015. What started as a simple request for assistance in handling pro bono cases has transformed into a comprehensive legal aid program now known as the Hernando Citrus Legal Aid Society (HCLAS), which serves not only Citrus and Hernando counties, but also surrounding areas as a referral service.
Under HCLAS, there are a number of volunteer lawyers answering citizens’ calls, offering consultations and legal counseling to those who seek them. For the most part, legal aid services assist with civil cases. These may include family disputes involving minor children, landlord-tenant issues, guardianships, wills and probate, foreclosure of mortgages , unemployment compensation, domestic violence, and bankruptcy. Legal aid services do not usually involve criminal cases, as persons accused of crimes are generally entitled to free representation through court-appointed methods.
Legal aid services can be accessed in one of two ways. The first option is by calling the Hernando Citrus Legal Aid Society office, speaking to a legal secretary who will then review your case with a volunteer attorney. After the volunteer attorney has assessed your case, he or she will determine whether it can qualify for pro bono services. Alternatively, you may call the Hernando Citrus Bar Association’s legal referral service at (352) 544-5506 to ask if your case falls within their parameters for acceptance. They will connect with a volunteer attorney, who will contact you about the case.
If you are in need of legal assistance, but cannot afford an attorney, the Hernando Citrus Bar Association’s Hernando Citrus Legal Aid Society (HCLAS) may be able to help. Pro bono services are offered by volunteer attorneys who assess the type of case you have to ascertain whether it can be accepted for their assistance. After speaking to a legal secretary, or reaching out through the referral service, an attorney will follow up as soon as one is available.
Who is Eligible for Legal Aid Services
Eligible for Legal Aid Services
Florida Rural Legal Services caters to low income people who do not have the resources available to employ the services of a private attorney. This is just one of the criteria residents of Citrus County must meet to be able to apply for services through FRLS. People who apply for legal aid services through FRLS must provide documentation of their annual household income. The annual income of a household is determined by averaging the monthly wages of all household members over the last 12 months. The average monthly income must be less than 125% of the federal poverty level for the size of the household. It goes without saying that a person applying for legal aid services must be a resident of Citrus County. Residency is further defined as having a residence in Citrus County for at least 30 days prior to applying for services and continuing residency in Citrus County until the case has been closed. Further conditions for eligibility require that clients of FRLS must not have an open case with another legal service organization, if the same type of legal services is being requested that are currently being provided by the other legal aid organization. And that the case is in an area of law that is served by FRLS.
Locating Legal Aid in Citrus County
In Citrus County, several organizations provide essential legal services at low cost or for free. The following are some of the key local and regional legal aid organizations you may contact:
Citrus County Bar Association
Located at 2126 SW 19th Avenue Rd in Ocala, FL, the Citrus County Bar Association is a non-profit organization committed to aiding local citizens with their various legal needs. Its lawyer referral service can guide residents towards local lawyers who provide low-cost or free legal representation in many different areas of law, and its pro bono services help low-income and disadvantaged residents address their legal needs. The organization also provides resources for veterans in Citrus County, helping them with their varied legal issues.
Phone: 352-425-6032
Website: citruscountylaw.org
The United Way of Hernando County
The United Way of Hernando County is a non-profit organization that works to provide affordable legal services to low-income residents in Hernando and Citrus Counties. It aims to resolve minor legal cases efficiently through consultants and other means, and it also offers financial literacy services to help residents avoid legal entanglements down the line. The organization has helped over 600 people with legal issues, helping residents navigate all types of legal situations with adequate representation and support during the legal process.
Phone: 352-688-2020
Website: uwhernando.org
The Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc.
The Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. is a low-income advocacy group that focuses on representing low-income residents throughout Florida and ensuring that they have access to all legal resources available to them. It focuses primarily on providing services such as representation and counsel for areas including divorce, bankruptcy, access to health care, foreclosure prevention, various public benefits, safety reviews from physicians, consumer legal rights and access to safety during domestic violence situations. The organization connects residents with these different resources upon determining their needs and eligibility.
Phone: 800-495-0086
Website: frls.org
Legal Subjects Covered
Legal aid organizations in Citrus County, FL take on a variety of different legal issues. While the precise range of services offered may vary based on the specific organization and internal policies, legal aid services are generally offered in a variety of key areas.
One of the most common types of issues handled by Citrus County legal aid is family law. Family law encompasses all legal matters concerning the family, and is particularly important to children who do not have legal representation. Legal aid provides services to kids who have been abused or neglected, to protect their welfare.
Although many of these problems fall into the general area of family law, some of these may also overlap with criminal law. This is the case with juvenile delinquency cases, which legal aid attorneys are able to handle. These kinds of cases involve offenses committed by minors , which makes them separate from criminal law matters concerning adults.
Another area where legal aid can provide essential services to Citrus County residents is housing. Housing law encompasses issues related to sexual harassment in housing situations as well as fraud committed by landlords. Another common issue tackled by legal aid in Citrus County is eviction. Often times, legal aid is of great assistance to victimized tenants facing eviction at the hands of their landlord.
In some cases, legal aid can even help with employment. One of the most common issues handled by legal aid attorneys in Florida is unemployment compensation. Many people who are denied unemployment benefits would like an appeal to their denial in order to collect the funds they deserve—this is where legal aid can come into play.
Accessing Legal Aid Services
To apply for legal aid in Citrus County, Florida, potential clients should first determine which legal aid organization suits their needs. The primary providers of legal aid in the area include Bay Area Legal Services, Inc., and the Citrus County Bar Association’s Pro Bono Committee. Each organization has a specific focus and clientele they serve; therefore, prospective clients should review their eligibility and scope of services before reaching out.
Once the appropriate legal aid provider has been identified, applicants may contact the organization directly. For Bay Area Legal Services, Inc., clients can apply online, over the phone, or in person at one of their locations. It’s important to have certain information available ahead of time such as income documentation, identification, and information about the legal issue that needs assistance.
The Citrus County Bar Association’s Pro Bono Committee provides legal aid on more of an ad hoc basis and is built around its volunteer attorney members. Those in need of assistance may fill out an application form on the Citrus County Bar Association website so that the organization can better determine the right match for their needs. After submitting the application, potential clients will be contacted by a volunteer attorney if they qualify for the program.
It’s crucial to understand that legal aid service may not be guaranteed, and the level of assistance offered can vary. Additionally, the services are not a substitute for hiring a private attorney and are generally not available for complex cases or appeals.
Alternatives to Legal Aid
If you do not qualify for legal aid, there are several alternatives available in Citrus County. Low-cost legal clinics with experienced attorneys are available monthly through the Citrus County Bar Association and the Homosassa Civic Club. Those clinics are open to anyone regardless of income. Florida Rural Legal Services is also available on a sliding scale for family matters including divorce, custody , and child support. The cost is $25 to attend an intake interview. Fees are based on your income. Pro bono assistance through the Citrus County Bar Association is available for those who have been a victim of domestic violence. There are no income guidelines but the crime must be reported to law enforcement. A successful candidate will be referred to an attorney who will represent them at no charge. An interview is required. A monthly clinic is held at the Citrus County Library in Homosassa, but you must call for an appointment.