Legal Aid Society — Criminal Defense

Overview

The Legal Aid Society is the oldest and largest legal aid organization in the United States, founded in 1876. Its Criminal Defense Practice represents approximately 200,000 clients annually in New York City's criminal courts, making it the largest public defender office in the country. The organization's attorneys handle cases at every level from misdemeanors and violations through serious felonies, homicides, and appeals. The Legal Aid Society's Criminal Defense Practice is staffed by over 600 attorneys, investigators, social workers, and support staff who provide comprehensive representation including trial defense, sentencing advocacy, immigration consequence analysis, and post-conviction relief. The organization also drives systemic criminal justice reform through impact litigation.

Strengths

• +Nation's oldest and largest legal aid organization — 150+ years of service
• +Represents approximately 200,000 clients annually in criminal cases
• +Over 600 attorneys and staff providing comprehensive criminal defense
• +Includes immigration consequence analysis and post-conviction relief services
• +Drives systemic criminal justice reform through impact litigation

Considerations

• -Limited to New York City — not available outside NYC's five boroughs
• -Eligibility requires financial qualification — income-based restrictions apply
• -High caseloads may limit individual attorney-client time compared to private counsel
• -Cannot choose your specific attorney — cases are assigned by the court

Best For

• *Low-income New York City resident arrested and unable to afford private criminal defense counsel
• *NYC defendant facing misdemeanor charges who qualifies for court-appointed representation
• *Indigent person in New York seeking comprehensive defense including immigration consequence analysis