VLSP

VLSP does not provide help with any criminal law cases, except to assist clients with the expungement (clearing up) of their old criminal records.
VLSP is not able to provide help to people in prison.
VLSP is unable to provide legal help to minors who are not emancipated.
VLSP does not accept cases on behalf of plaintiffs who are seeking damages for personal injury or property damage due to accidents. We do provide assistance, however, for those who are being sued for damages due to accidents.

In order to receive free services through VLSP, clients must qualify as low-income. If you have any question as to whether you meet the income requirements, please call our Client Intake Line at (916) 551-2102 and we will screen you for eligibility over the telephone.

OTHER RESTRICTIONS

The Voluntary Legal Services Program is unable to provide help to clients who do not live in one of the following counties: Sacramento, Yolo, San Joaquin, El Dorado and Placer.

If you live in one of the above-listed counties, but you are involved in a lawsuit or case that is pending in another state or a California county other than Sacramento, Yolo, San Joaquin, El Dorado or Placer, VLSP will be unable to help you.

To receive services, a client must be either a citizen of the United States or a resident alien.

As VLSP provides legal assistance primarily through the use of volunteers, we cannot help a prospective client on a case if we currently do not have a volunteer willing to take on that particular type of case. Occasionally, due to overwhelming demand, VLSP has to close intake to particular kinds of cases (most frequently, family law matters), because we are unable to keep up with the demand for services.

Even if VLSP is unable to help you with your legal problem, we may be able to refer you to another agency that can help you. Please call our Client Intake Line at (916) 551-2102 for more information or see the Resource Links section of this website.

To find out what types of cases VLSP handles, please see the Services We Provide section of this website.