Legal Services

General Legal Services

AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION

1-415-621-2488

www.aclu.org

Hours: 10:00am - 12:00noon; 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: None

Fee: Call for information

Languages: None

Description: Handles civil liberties issues, volunteer staff will answer calls.

ATTORNEY COMPLAINT HOTLINE

1-800-843-9053

www.calbar.org

ATTORNEY GENERAL

1-800-952-5225

www.caag.state.ca.us

Description: Consumer inquiries and complaints

ATTORNEY REFERRAL AND INFORMATION SERVICE

1221 Van Ness, #300, Fresno, CA 93721

(559) 264-0137

www.fresnocountybar.org

Hours: 8:30am - 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 4:00pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: None

Fee: $30.00 for a half-hour consultation with an attorney

Area Served: Fresno and Madera counties

Application Procedure: Call for information

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish

Description: Assists client in obtaining a private attorney.

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU MEDIATION SERVICES

4201 W. Shaw Ave., Suite 107, Fresno, CA 93722

(559) 222-8111

www.bbbmediation.net

Hours: 9:00 - 4:30pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: None

Fee: None for Fresno County residents

Area Served: Fresno County

Application Procedure: Telephone or in person

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish

Description: Mediates small claims court disputes, tenant-landlord disputes, neighborhood disputes, and a wide variety of problems.

BUSINESS AFFAIRS DIVISION

(559) 488-3156

Business Affairs,

Hours: 8:00 -12:00pm and 1:00 - 5:00pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: None

Area Served: Fresno County

Application Procedure: Appointment necessary, complaints should be filed in person

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish

Description: To file criminal or consumer fraud complaints.

CALIFORNIA ADVOCATE FOR NURSING HOME REFORM

1-415-974-5171

www.canhr.org

Attorneys who help with neglect or abuse of patient.

1-800-474-1116

CALIFORNIA RURAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE

117 S. Lake Street, Madera, CA 93638

(559) 674-5671

www.crla.org

Hours: 9:00am - 11:30am and 1:00pm - 4:00pm, Monday - Thursday

Eligibility: Madera County residents, low income

Fee: None

Area Served: Madera County

Application Procedure: Call for information

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Call for availability

Description: Provides assistance with cases involving housing, discrimination, social security, unemployment, welfare, education, and Medicare/Medi-Cal.

CALIFORNIA RURAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE MIGRANT FARM WORKER PROGRAM

2115 E. Kern Street, Suite 370, Fresno, CA 93721

(559) 441-8721

www.crla.org

Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday – Tuesday / Thursday – Friday

Eligibility: Low income migrant farm workers

Fee: None

Area Served: Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Kern counties

Application Procedure: Call for appointment or information

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish, Mixteco, and Punjabi

Description: Assists with the following issues: housing, employment, discrimination, labor, health, education, etc.

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA LEGAL SERVICES

1401 Fulton St., Suite 700, Fresno, CA 93721

(559) 570-1200 or 1-800-675-8001

www.centralcallegal.org

Hours: 8:30am - 12:00noon – 1:00pm - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday

Eligibility: Low income

Fee: No fee for most services

Area Served: Fresno County

Application Procedure: Telephone or apply in person

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish, Lao, and Cambodian

Description: Legal assistance in civil matters, tenant rights, Social Security/SSI, Tax/IRS problems, Medi-Cal/health care issues, power of attorney, unemployment insurance benefits, debt collection, naturalization, homeless issues, domestic violence restraining orders, simple wills, consumer issues and self-help clinics.

CENTRO LA FAMILIA

2014 Tulare Street, Suite 717, Fresno, CA 93721

(559) 237-2961

www.centrolafamilia.org

Hours: 8:30am - 4:00pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: Low income persons

Fee: None

Area Served: Fresno County

Application Procedure: Apply in person only

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish

Description: Assistance with welfare law, evictions, unlawful detainer, unemployment, telecommunication fraud, insurance benefits, disability and domestic violence restraining orders.

CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE CENTER - Elder Abuse

2025 E. Dakota, # 201, Fresno, CA 93726

(559) 453-6488

VICTIM SERVICES

1225 Gill Ave., Madera, CA 93637

(559) 661-1000 or 1-800-355-8989

Hours: 8:00am - 12:00noon and 1:00pm - 5:00pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: Victim of violent crime

Fee: None

Area Served: Fresno and Madera counties

Application Procedure: Telephone or apply in person

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish

Description: Provides crisis intervention, referral, support in court, and assistance with financial compensation.

DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

1625 N. Market Blvd., Sacramento CA 95838

1-800-952-5210

www.dca.ca.gov

Handles complaints regarding vehicle repairs, smog checks, cosmetology, laws protecting, consumers, prizes & lotteries, retail, tenant-landlord and more.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE  - CRIMINAL DIVISION

(559) 488-3141

Hours: 9:00am - 12:00noon / 1:00pm - 4:00pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: None

Area Served: Fresno County

Application Procedure: Appointment necessary, a police report must be filed first.

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish, Hmong

Description: To file criminal or consumer fraud complaints.

FAIR EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING

1320 E. Shaw Ave., Ste. 150 Fresno, CA 93710

1-800-884-1684      EMPLOYMENT

1-800-233-3212      HOUSING

1-800-884-1684      HATE HOTLINE

www.dfeh.ca.gov

Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: Anyone who feels he/she is being discriminated against regarding hate violence, housing and employment.

Fee: None

Area Served: State of California

Application Procedure: Telephone or in person

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish

Description: Takes complaints regarding discrimination concerning hate violence, housing and employment. Enforces UNRUH and RALPH acts.

FRESNO COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

1221 Van Ness, Suite 300, Fresno, CA 93721-1720

 (559) 264-2619

www.fresnocountybar.org

Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: Anyone who wishes to file a complaint against an attorney

Fee: Call to verify

Area Served: Fresno County

Application Procedure: Telephone or in person

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Call to verify

Description: Receives complaints against attorneys.

FAIR FRESNO HOUSING COUNCIL OF CENTRAL CA

560 E. Shield Ave, Suite 103, Fresno, CA 93704

(559) 244-2950

www.fairhousingcouncilcc.org

Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: None

Fee: None

Area Served: Central San Joaquin Valley

Application Procedure: Telephone interview

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish

Description: Investigates housing discrimination complaints and provides fair housing education to housing providers and community groups.

MADERA COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY

209 W. Yosemite Ave., Madera, CA 93637

(559) 675-7726

Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: Victim of crime

Fee: None

Area Served: Madera County

Application Procedure: Apply in person

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish

Description: Prosecute criminal offenders and non-support cases.

MADERA COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

221 N. I Street, Madera, CA 93637

(559) 674-4696

Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday - Thursday; 8:30am to 12:00noon, Friday

Eligibility: Must appear in court

Fee: Discussed during appointment

Area Served: Madera County

Application Procedure: Appear in court and an attorney is appointed

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish

Description: Defends criminal offenders who are financially eligible.

MEDIATION ASSOCIATES

1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno, CA 93702

(559) 453-3418

www.peace.fresno.edu/mediate

Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: None

Fee: $150.00-$250.00 per hour

Area Served: All areas

Application Procedure: Call for appointment

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Call for availability

Description: Helps both parties in a civil dispute resolve issue which otherwise may go to court.

MUNICIPAL COURT CIVIL DIVISION

1100 Van Ness Blvd., Room 200, Fresno, CA 93724

(559) 488-3453

1011 Fifth St., Clovis, CA 93612

(559) 299-4964

www.fresnosuperiorcourt.org

Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: None

Fee: Filing fees

Area Served: Fresno

Application Procedure: Apply in person

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Provide own translator

Description: To file or see court papers.

NAACP LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONIONAL FUND, INC.

99 Hudson Street, Suite 1600, New York, New York 10013

1-800-221-7822

Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm, Monday – Friday, Eastern Time

Eligibility: Class action suits only

Fee: Call for information.

Area Served: United States

Application Procedure: Call for information

Transportation Provided: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Other Languages: Call for information

Description: Handles class action discrimination suits involving employment, education, housing.

PENSION RIGHTS CENTER

1-202-296-3776

PUBLIC GUARDIAN/PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE

FRESNO COUNTY   (559) 268-0139

Mailing Address: 760 W. Nielson Ave. Fresno, CA 93706

MADERA COUNTY   (559) 675-7766

Mailing Address: 200 W. 4TH St., Madera, CA 93637

Hours: 8:00 - 5:00pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: Referral by Mental Health Dept., APS or other agencies

Fee: Varies

Application Procedure: By referral only

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Client brings own interpreter

Description: Administers persons and estates of those unable to assume responsibility as determined by the court.

POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE

(559) 224-9177

Description: if a person is in a skilled nursing, an Ombudsman must witness the Power of Attorney for Health Care. To contact the Ombudsman program, call 224-9177. Others may purchase the forms from stationary stores.

PUBLIC DEFENDER

(559) 488-3546

SENIOR LEGAL HOTLINE

1-800-222-1753

www.seniorlegalhotline.org

Hours: 9:00 - 4:00pm, Mon. Tue. Wed. Fri. 9-7pm Thursday

12-1p.m. closed

Eligibility: 60 years of age or older, any income level

Fee: None

Area Served: State of California

Application Procedure: Phone assistance only

Transportation: N/A

Wheelchair Accessible: N/A

Languages: Spanish

Description:  Assists seniors with any legal question over the telephone.

SMALL CLAIMS COURT/LIMITED CIVIL/CIVIL GENERAL

2317 Tuolumne St., Fresno, CA 93721

(559) 497-4100

Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: Claims of $5000. - $7500.00

Fee: Filing Fees $30.00 & up

Area Served: Fresno County

Application Procedure: Call for information

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: None

Description: Clerks assist with procedures in small claims.

SMALL CLAIMS COURT ADVISORS

2220 Tulare Street, Suite 800, Fresno, CA 93721

(559) 262-4291

(559) 262-4292 (call for appointment)

Hours: 8:00am - 12:00noon / 1:00pm – 5:00pm, Monday – Thursday

Eligibility: Persons suing or being sued

Fee: None

Area Served: Fresno County

Application Procedure: Call for information

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish

Description: Provides free counseling to persons suing or being sued in small claims court.

STATE LABOR COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE

770 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 315, Fresno, CA 93710

(559) 248-8400

Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: None

Fee: None

Area Served: Fresno, Kern, Merced, and Tulare counties

Application Procedure: Call to file a claim.

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Call for availability

Description: Handles wage claims and working conditions.

VICTIM OFFENDER RECONCILIATION PROGRAM

4882 E. Townsend Ave., Fresno, CA  93727

(559) 455-9803

www.vorp.org

Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: At least 18 years of age, commitment to program ideals and standards

Fee: None for mediation

Area Served: Fresno County

Application Procedure: Call for appointment

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish, Lao, Hmong, Thai, Punjabi, Cambodian, French, and Japanese

Description: Mediator helps facilitate discussion to resolve conflicts between victims and juvenile offenders out of court.

Immigration Services

CALIFORNIA RURAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE MIGRANT PROGRAM

2115 Kern St. Suite 370 Fresno, CA 93721

(559) 441-8721

www.crla.org

CATHOLIC CHARITIES IMMIGRATION SERVICE

149 N. Fulton Street, Fresno, CA 93701

(559) 264-6400 or (559) 237-0851

Hours: 8:30am - 3:30pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: None

Fee: Minimal fees

Area Served: Fresno, Madera, Bakersfield, and Merced counties

Application Procedure: Apply in person

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish, Hmong

Description: Assistance provided in preparing forms and papers to any immigrant seeking legalization of status. May assist homebound clients with citizenship papers.  

IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE SERVICE CENTER INC.

1532 Fresno St., Fresno, CA 93706

(559) 485-0679

Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: None

Fee: $20.00 minimum donation

Area Served: Fresno County

Application Procedure: Call for information

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish

Description: Assists new immigrants with laws, paperwork and education to help them to assimilate.

UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES

1177 Fulton Mall, Fresno, CA 93721

1-800-375-5283

www.uscis.gov

Hours: Office, 8:00am - 2:00pm, Monday – Friday

Answer Line, 8:00am - 6:00pm, Monday – Friday

Eligibility: None

Fee: None

Area Served: Fresno and Madera County

Application Procedure: Apply in person

Transportation: No

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Languages: Spanish

Description: Immigration Answer Line, a recording of services.

Miscellaneous Legal Services

PROBATE COURT

(559) 263-8700

Description: Investigates conservatorship cases and appoints conservators at hearings and oversees conservatorship.

FICTICIOUS BUSINESS NAME / MARRIAGE LICENSES

/ NOTARY PUBLIC SERVICES /PASSPORTS

(559) 488-3003

DIVORCE COURT

(559) 488-3057

TRAFFIC TICKETS/TRAFFIC SCHOOL