Knowing Your Rights

What it is

Your basic rights — with police, landlords, employers, and doctors — and how to find free legal help.

Why it helps you

People who know their rights are harder to push around. Free legal aid exists when you need it.

This opens up

Standing up for yourself safely.

Where to get help

Free help from a lawyer

There are two kinds of court cases. In a criminal case, the government says you broke a law. If you could go to jail and can’t pay a lawyer, you have the right to a free one. It is called a public defender. In a civil case, like an eviction, a debt, or a divorce, you usually have to find your own lawyer. Free legal aid offices help with civil cases.

Find free legal aid near you A map of free legal aid offices paid for by the Legal Services Corporation, a group set up by Congress. Their lawyers help with civil problems like housing, family safety, and benefits.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: People with low incomes. Each office sets its own rules.
How to start: Type in your address or city. Call or apply online with the office that comes up.
Good to know: They will ask about your income. If you don’t have pay stubs or ID because you left a hard situation, say so. Ask what else they can accept.

LawHelp.org Free, plain guides to your legal rights, free court forms, and a list of free legal aid offices in your state.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Anyone can read the guides. The legal aid offices mostly help people with low incomes.
How to start: Pick your state from the list or map. You will go to your state’s own legal help site.
Good to know: You need internet. Any public library has free computers.

ABA Free Legal Answers You type a civil legal question online. A volunteer lawyer licensed in your state types back an answer. It is run by the American Bar Association, a large group of lawyers.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Adults with low incomes in the states that take part. Not every state does. You answer a few questions about your income and savings first.
How to start: Pick your state on the website, then make an account and post your question.
Good to know: It is advice only. The lawyer will not go to court for you. For immigration or veterans questions, use the federal page. It does not help with criminal cases.

If the police stop you

ACLU: Know your rights when stopped by police The American Civil Liberties Union is a long-running group that defends people’s rights. This guide tells you what to say and do if police stop you on the street, in a car, or at home.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Anyone
How to start: Read the guide before you ever need it. Some key points from it:
- You have the right to stay silent. To use it, say out loud: “I wish to remain silent.” In some states you must give your name if asked.
- You can ask, “Am I free to go?” If yes, walk away calmly.
- Don’t run, argue, or fight, even if you think the officer is wrong. Don’t lie or show false papers.
- If you are arrested, say you want to stay silent and ask for a lawyer. Don’t sign anything without a lawyer.
Good to know: Rules differ by state. The ACLU has state offices that can tell you more.

If your boss doesn’t pay you right

U.S. Department of Labor: Wage and Hour Division The government office that makes employers pay at least minimum wage and pay for every hour you work. It can make an employer pay back wages it owes you.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Workers in the US. The agency says it enforces the law no matter what a worker’s immigration status is.
How to start: Call 1-866-487-9243. Say, “I don’t think I’m being paid for all my hours.”
Good to know: Open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. your local time. Complaints are kept confidential. It is against the law for your boss to punish you for complaining. Write down your hours and keep any pay papers.

In an emergency room

Your rights in an emergency room A federal law called EMTALA covers almost every hospital emergency room. If you think you have an emergency, the hospital must check you. If you do have one, it must treat you until you are stable, or move you safely to a hospital that can.

Cost: The page is free. The hospital can still send you a bill later.
Who can use it: Anyone in the US, with or without insurance or money.
How to start: Go to the nearest emergency room. The hospital can ask about insurance, but it can’t delay your exam to do it.
Good to know: After an emergency visit, ask the hospital about “financial assistance” or “charity care” to lower the bill.

Speak up for change

Find and contact your elected officials The people who make laws work for you, even if you have never voted. This official page helps you find your members of Congress, your state lawmakers, and local leaders.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Anyone
How to start: Pick the level you want: federal, state, or local. Follow the link to find who represents you.
Good to know: You can call, email, or write. Say who you are, where you live, and what you want them to do. State lawmakers make most laws about schools, homeschooling, and family courts.

If you only do one thing first

Save the LawHelp.org page for your state. Then, if you ever get court papers, an eviction notice, or a scary letter, you will know where to look. Free legal help is real, and asking for it early makes a big difference.

Watch out for

“Notarios” and immigration “consultants.” In the US, a notary public is not a lawyer. Only a lawyer or a person accredited by the government can give immigration advice. Use the free legal help list from the immigration courts or legal aid instead.
Signing what you don’t understand. Don’t sign a blank form or a paper you can’t read. Ask for time, a copy, and an interpreter if you need one.
Handing over your original papers. Don’t give your birth certificate, passport, or Social Security card to a “helper” to keep. Give copies unless a government office needs the original.
Paying for free government forms. Real government forms are free. Official US government websites end in .gov.
Promises of a sure win. No real lawyer can promise you will win. Be careful of anyone who asks you to pay with gift cards.