| LEGAL ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES FOR CRIME VICTIMS | |
| Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division | |
44 North Potomac Street, Suite 104
State legislature created the Consumer Protection Division to protect Maryland residents from unfair or deceptive business practices in dealings with stores, telemarketers, car dealers, repair facilities, new home developers, and any other business that sell or rent consumer goods, realty, credit, or services. They offer 3 types of dispute resolution: 1) free mediation services, which are initiated at the request of the consumer to attempt to negotiate a mutually agreed upon resolution; 2) the Health Education and Advocacy Unit, which assists in resolving billing and claims disputes with hospitals, doctors, insurance companies, etc., and attempts to negotiate refunds for medical equipment that is defective or never delivered; 3) arbitration, which is free, binding, and designed to resolve disputes quickly. Consumer Protection Division also responds to inquiries about the complaint history of any business; about whether a health club, weight loss center, or martial arts school is registered with the state as required by law; and provides educational publications on related topics. | |
| Child Advocacy Center of Frederick County | |
12 East Church Street
The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Frederick County is a child-friendly facility designed, staffed, and equipped to provide comprehensive and coordinated multi- disciplinary services to child abuse victims and their families. They serve children age 0 to 18 who have been sexually and/or physically abused or neglected. The CAC does not accept direct referrals from victims or their families. Referrals to the CAC are received from Child Protective Services or any local law enforcement agency only. | |
| Civil Justice, Inc. | |
520 West Fayette Street, Suite 410
Civil Justice, Inc. is a Maryland non-profit corporation formed for the purpose of increasing the delivery of legal services to clients of low and moderate income while promoting a statewide network of solo, small firm and community based lawyers who share a common commitment to increasing access to justice through traditional and non-traditional means. | |
| Foreclosure Mediation Program | |
Civil Justice, Inc.
Foreclosure mediation is a meeting at which a homeowner and mortgage lender negotiates potential modifications or other alternatives before an impartial judge in an attempt to reach an agreement. The Civil Justice Mediation Program is the only “reduced fee” or “low bono” legal service supported by the State of Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. For a flat fee of $500, homeowners will retain the services of an attorney to represent their interests at the foreclosure mediation. The attorney’s services are limited to the mediation when using this program. | |
| Foreclosure Recovery Program | |
Civil Justice, Inc.
The Foreclosure Recovery Program is designed for participants to move forward from the financial and legal consequences of the foreclosure in order to regain financial health. Qualified individuals will have the opportunity to meet with an attorney for a 90 minute, FREE session. The attorney will review your budget, credit reports, and any outstanding legal notices and discuss your concerns stemming from your foreclosure event. The attorney may also provide limited legal services, such as drafting dispute letters to credit bureaus or assisting with resolving municipal lien issues. At the conclusion of the session, participants will receive a checklist that identifies their potential legal issues, and advice or recommendations on steps to take to restore financial health and move toward future goals. | |
| Intake and Referral Services | |
Civil Justice, Inc.
The Civil Justice Network is a consortium of solo and small firms who want to use private practice as a means to do public interest work. Members are committed to providing reasonable rates and high quality legal services to traditionally underserved members of the public in their own communities. They maintain a wide range of practice areas. | |
| Frederick County Senior Services Division Legal Services | |
1440 Taney Avenue
The Division contracts with a local provider to offer legal advice and representation pertaining to government benefits programs, consumer problems, health care issues, landlord/tenant matters, and information and referrals. This service is available to qualified adults, age 60+. | |
| Fair Housing Action Center of Maryland Tenant Advocacy Program | |
2209 Maryland Avenue
The Tenant Advocacy program allows Maryland tenants to receive free information about tenant rights and responsibilities, and help with individual rental issues such as:
We also provide in-depth assistance with individual tenants, either through reaching an equitable agreement between the tenant and landlord, or through code enforcement, referrals to legal service providers, or referrals to other agencies or organizations that could be of assistance. | |
| Frederick County Department of Social Services Child Support Enforcement Administration | |
1888 North Market Street
The Frederick County Department of Social Services, Child Support Enforcement Division is responsible for locating non-custodial parents, establishing paternity, establishing and enforcing child support and health insurance orders, collecting and disbursing support payments, and reviewing and adjusting court orders. Services are available for a nominal fee (currently $25), but fee is waived for Medical Assistance or Temporary Cash Assistance recipients. | |
| Frederick County Human Relations Commission | |
401 Sagner Avenue
The HRC, established by the Board of County Commissioners, is a dynamic organization of citizen volunteers who work to ensure a county free of illegal discrimination and injustice, where everyone is valued and respected regardless of their differences. The mission of the HRC is to pursue and promote equal opportunity for everyone; raise public awareness about human justice issues; and foster the positive aspects of multiculturalism and its impact on the community. When called upon, based on the case, the HRC will sit as an appellate body for cases that have been investigated by the Frederick County Human Relations Department (HRD). The HRC is willing and available to speak to any citizen or organization in the County. The public is invited, and encouraged, to attend HRC monthly meetings. The meetings are usually held on the last Tuesday of the month, at 7:00p.m., at Winchester Hall. Please call the HRD to verify date, time and location. | |
| Frederick County Human Relations Department | |
401 Sagner Avenue
A County Government agency that investigates allegations of unlawful discriminatory treatment in the areas of housing, employment, and public accommodations, based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, physical and mental disability, familial status, and source of income. All inquiries to the HRD are free and confidential. The HRD’s hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m. Appointments during non-business hours can be arranged upon request. | |
| Frederick County Sheriff’s Office | |
| Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) Council | |
Frederick County Sheriff’s Office
The SALT Council is comprised of a group of senior citizens who work with law enforcement officers to offer input on community programs and provide information and workshops on safety and crime prevention issues throughout the community. The SALT Council accompanies senior crime victims to court. The Council also participates in intergenerational programs in the middle schools. | |
| Victim Services Unit | |
Frederick County Sheriff’s Office
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office regrets that you have been a victim of a crime. Under the Maryland Constitution and State laws and guidelines, a victim of a crime must be treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity during all phases of the criminal justice process. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing quality services to victims of crime. The Victim Services Unit consists of trained professionals to provide emergency services, crisis intervention, follow-up contact, referrals, and support. Victim Services also provides information specific to your crime, and the recovery process; information on where and how to obtain a civil order of protection or criminal charges; referrals to local, state, and national agencies based on your emotional, physical, and/or financial needs; coordination with law enforcement and other legal personnel handling your case; information on safety planning; information on how to obtain a copy of your report and any associated fees; information on domestic and family violence; assistance with appropriate return of property requests; support and crisis intervention counseling; assistance with arranging translation and interpretation services; and educational speakers on a variety of topics. | |
| Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office Victim-Witness Program | |
100 West Patrick Street
Provides assistance to crime victims and witnesses to guide them through the criminal justice system; includes notification of the court process and case status, court accompaniment, assistance with restitution, referrals, and advisement of rights as victims. | |
| Frederick Police Department Victim Services Unit | |
100 West Patrick Street
The Frederick Police Department Victim Services Unit provides immediate support to crime victims, their families, and witnesses who may need help coping with the impact of victimization. Victim advocates provide direct assistance as well as coordinate with other agencies in providing support, information, and resources to meet the needs of victims. These free services provide crime victims with a continuum of support from the crisis period through the investigative and judicial process. | |
| Heartly House, Inc. | |
P.O. Box 857
Heartly House provides comprehensive services to survivors of domestic violence, rape/sexual assault, and child abuse. Services include 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, individual and group counseling, abuser intervention program, and legal advocacy and direct representation for protective and peace order hearings. | |
| Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault | |
P.O. Box 8782
The Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA) works to end sexual violence through public policy, education, community outreach, technical assistance, and legal services. MCASA offers sexual assault survivors and their families referrals to 17 member rape crisis and recovery programs statewide. Rape crisis and recovery centers provide confidential services to adult and child victims as well as their families, partners, and loved ones, including crisis intervention, counseling and referral; victim accompaniment to hospitals, police interviews and court; 24-hour Crisis Hotline with counselors trained to listen and offer information; individual, group, and family support; and assistance navigating the legal and judicial systems. MCASA also offers direct legal advice, representation, and referrals to sexual assault survivors and their families through their Sexual Assault Legal Institute. | |
| Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center | |
1001 Prince George’s Boulevard, Suite 750
The mission of the Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center, Inc., a non-profit organization, is to ensure that victims of crime in Maryland receive justice and are treated with dignity and compassion through comprehensive victims’ rights and services. Offers free information; support through criminal justice proceedings (court accompaniment, legal representation); free attorneys in the criminal case for financially eligible victims; help recovering losses in the criminal case resulting from the crime; help using all victim’s rights that apply; victim’s rights education; peer grief support group for survivors of homicide victims at the Prince George’s County location; court preparation; other supportive services; and referrals for additional supportive services. | |
| Maryland Criminal Injuries Compensation Board Maryland Crime Victims Compensation Program | |
6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 206
The Maryland Criminal Injuries Compensation Board provides financial assistance for innocent victims of crime. The Board may compensate victims who suffer from physical and mental injuries by helping with medical expenses and by providing payment for their lost wages. In cases of homicide, the Board may assist with funeral expenses and lost support for the victim’s dependents. | |
| Maryland Legal Aid | |
Midwestern Maryland Office
Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) is a private, non-profit law firm that provides free, civil legal services to low-income individuals in Baltimore City and Maryland’s 23 counties from 12 offices. The firm provides life-changing legal help to clients by handling cases that involve a wide range of issues, including family, housing, government benefits, healthcare, employment, and consumer law. MLA also represents children in CINA (Child in Need of Assistance) proceedings in 14 jurisdictions. Other vulnerable populations, such as homeowners facing foreclosure, migrant and seasonal farm workers, people with developmental and mental health disabilities, nursing home and assisted living residents, people with expungeable criminal records and veterans seeking benefits and assistance with related legal issues, also receive representation through special projects. | |
| Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Service | |
201 North Charles Street, Suite 1400
A free program for low and moderate income Frederick County residents with civil legal problems but who cannot afford to pay an attorney. Handles wills, powers of attorney, consumer rights, landlord/tenant disputes, name changes, uninsured accidents, deed changes, adult guardianship, simple divorce, bankruptcy, and tax disputes. Certain situations disqualify an applicant from the program, including financial disqualification. Call MVLS Monday through Thursday, 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. to find out if you are eligible. | |
| Mental Health Association of Frederick County Court Appointed Special Advocate | |
226 South Jefferson Street
Recruits, screens, trains, and supervises community volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children involved with the foster care/court systems with the goal of assisting the courts and ensuring a safe, permanent home for every child. Children are referred only by the Juvenile Court. | |
| Office of the Public Defender | |
100 West Patrick Street
Provides legal representation to those who cannot afford a private attorney. Must qualify based on financial need. The Office of the Public Defender can represent those charged with a Criminal and/or Juvenile offense or any offense which carries a possible period of incarceration or a fine over $500.00 and Civil - Child Support Contempt cases. | |
| Office of the Secretary of State Maryland Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program | |
16 Francis Street
The Maryland Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is administered by the Office of the Secretary of State and provides an important service to victims of domestic violence. The goal of the Address Confidentiality Program is to help victims of domestic violence, who have relocated or are about to relocate, in an effort to keep their perpetrators from finding them. These services limit an abuser’s ability to access public information which could identify the new location of a victim who is in the program. This is not a witness protection program, rather it is a mail forwarding service. In most cases, using the substitute address allows State and local agencies to respond to requests for public information without disclosing the participant’s actual address. Participation in the Maryland Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program is only one part of a victim’s overall safety plan. By itself, the ACP cannot keep a person safe. Combined with other safety strategies, the ACP can help a victim start a new life. The ACP is not for everyone. A victim services professional from a domestic violence program can help determine if ACP should be part of the victim’s safety plan. All applicants are encouraged to apply through a trained Application Assistant in one of the domestic violence program offices located throughout the State. The Application Assistant will help a victim decide if ACP should be part of their safety plan, explain ACP services, explain the participant’s responsibilities, and assist with the completion of the application materials. | |
| Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland | |
| Consumer Protection Project | |
Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland
The Consumer Protection Project assists Maryland consumers who have been sued by debt buyers, companies which often purchase charged off debts for pennies on the dollar. Debt buyers file tens of thousands of cases in Maryland each year, many of which are legally problematic due to errors or inconsistencies in the underlying account or in the chain of assignment. Since July 2011, PBRC’s Consumer Protection Project has trained over 200 volunteers to assist defendants in these cases. | |
| Foreclosure Prevention Pro Bono Project | |
Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland
The foreclosure crisis continues to impact every part of Maryland and uproot the lives of many of our neighbors. Launched by PBRC in 2008, the Foreclosure Prevention Pro Bono Project engages volunteer attorneys to assist homeowners in distress by providing direct representation in foreclosure matters as well as brief advice at Foreclosure Solutions Workshops, which are held regularly throughout the year and across the state. | |
| Women’s Law Center of Maryland, Inc. | |
305 West Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 201
The Women’s Law Center was established to meet the legal needs of women, especially in the area of family law and in the workplace. Today, their mission has broadened to include concerns for the legal rights of women and children. Their goal is to break down barriers to equal participation and promote equal rights for women and children. An important focus of the Women’s Law Center is public education regarding legal rights of women. The Women’s Law Center produces and distributes several publications that provide the public with reliable and accessible information about legal rights. The publications include “Legal Rights in Marriage and Divorce”, “Battered: What Can I Do?”, “Sex Discrimination in Employment”, “Legal Rights of Unmarried Cohabitants”, and “Your Money Matters, A Guide to Financial Independence for Women”. These publications are available to view on their website or can be ordered in print form. | |
| Employment Law Hotline | |
Women’s Law Center of Maryland, Inc.
Attorneys trained in employment law are available to answer employment law questions. They also refer certain cases from the hotline to a panel of attorneys to see if an attorney can represent the caller. The hotline is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30a.m.-1:00p.m. and the first Thursday of every month from 5:00p.m.-7:30p.m. | |
| Family Law Hotline | |
Women’s Law Center of Maryland, Inc.
Staffed by attorneys who practice family law in the State of Maryland, this statewide hotline provides legal information to callers with family law problems Monday through Friday from 9:30a.m.-4:30p.m. | |
| Multi-Ethnic Domestic Violence Project (MEDOVI) | |
Women’s Law Center of Maryland, Inc.
MEDOVI is a state-wide project that assists foreign-born victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking obtain legal status in the United States, through VAWA Self-Petitions, U or T Visas. Bi-Lingual English/Spanish and use of language line for other languages. | |
| Last updated 12/1/2021 | |