Queens Defenders fights for justice every day for every client.
Since 1996 our lawyers have helped over 450,000 people in cases involving:
- Homicides and major trials
- Treatment courts
- Domestic violence
- Youth felonies
- Immigrants charged with criminal offenses
We also:
- Connect clients to resources and alternatives to incarceration
- Provide prevention and mentoring programs for youth
- Manage the peer-led Youth Justice Courts
- Educate adults and adolescents about their legal rights
- Partner with police officers and staff at local organizations; librarians, and teachers to create new services
- Reduce the impact of a criminal record on employment, housing, education, and public benefits
Who can use our services?
Queens Defenders represents people who have been charged with a crime in Queens and cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Queens Defenders lawyers are usually assigned to clients by the court following their arrests.
Know Your Rights
You do not have to speak with police or prosecutors, even if they ask you questions. U.S. law states that you the right to refuse to answer questions and to have a lawyer with you when you are questioned.
You can say to police and prosecutors:
- “I will not waive my constitutional rights to remain silent and have my lawyer present.”
- “I do not wish to answer any questions without speaking to my lawyer first.”
- “I will not consent to participate in any search until I have spoken to my lawyer.”
OUR FOUR CORE SERVICES
Watch our video
LATEST NEWS
Why We Do What We Do
I want to tell you a little bit about Zaire. We met him when he was a high school student In Far Rockaway. Smart as a whip, he lived with his parents, did well in school and had a
Justice 456
Understanding the U.S. Constitution’s Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment rights is critical for black and brown people, especially adolescents and young adults. Queens Defenders is launching Justice 456, an educational tour of schools, community centers, churches, and other community venues.
Queens Defenders fights for justice every day for every client.
Since 1996 our lawyers have helped over 450,000 people in cases involving:
- Homicides and major trials
- Treatment courts
- Domestic violence
- Youth felonies
- Immigrants charged with criminal offenses
We also:
- Connect clients to resources and alternatives to incarceration
- Provide prevention and mentoring programs for youth
- Manage the peer-led Youth Justice Courts
- Educate adults and adolescents about their legal rights
- Partner with police officers and staff at local organizations; librarians, and teachers to create new services
- Reduce the impact of a criminal record on employment, housing, education, and public benefits
Who can use our services?
Queens Defenders represents people who have been charged with a crime in Queens and cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Queens Defenders lawyers are usually assigned to clients by the court following their arrests.
Know Your Rights
You do not have to speak with police or prosecutors, even if they ask you questions. U.S. law states that you the right to refuse to answer questions and to have a lawyer with you when you are questioned.
You can say to police and prosecutors:
- “I will not waive my constitutional rights to remain silent and have my lawyer present.”
- “I do not wish to answer any questions without speaking to my lawyer first.”
- “I will not consent to participate in any search until I have spoken to my lawyer.”
OUR FOUR CORE SERVICES
Watch our video
LATEST NEWS
-
Why We Do What We Do
I want to tell you a little bit about Zaire. We met him when he was a high school student In Far Rockaway. Smart as a whip, he lived with his parents, did well in school and had a
-
Justice 456
Understanding the U.S. Constitution’s Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment rights is critical for black and brown people, especially adolescents and young adults. Queens Defenders is launching Justice 456, an educational tour of schools, community centers, churches, and other community venues.