Legal Aid and Service Fund Grant

Legal Aid and Service Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy
Last Updated: September 04, 2025

Summary

The Legal Aid and Service Fund Grant, administered by the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy, aims to provide essential legal representation to indigent defendants in serious criminal cases. Established in 1995, the Commission supports public defenders and oversees the Legal Aid and Services Fund to assist those unable to afford civil legal services. The agency ensures that counties comply with constitutional mandates while offering additional assistance based on financial need and service years, enhancing access to justice for vulnerable citizens.

Overview

Legal Aid and Service Fund Grant The Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy ("Commission") was created in 1995 to provide property tax relief to counties that are required to provide legal representation to indigent defendants charged with first degree murder and serious violent or drug-related felonies. The Commission also provides legal assistance to public defenders and court-appointed attorneys. The Commission provides property tax relief because counties pay nothing for such legal services and associated costs. The Commission consists of nine members appointed by the governor from a list of attorneys submitted by the executive council of the Nebraska State Bar Association after consultation with the board of directors of the Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association. A member is appointed from each of the six state Supreme Court districts, and three members are appointed at large. Members must have substantial experience in criminal defense work and civil legal matters. They may not be prosecutors, law enforcement officials, or judges during their terms in office. Members serve six-year terms. The governor designates the chairperson of the Commission. Members are reimbursed for expenses. The Commission appoints a chief counsel to supervise the divisions of the Commission. These divisions are: the capital litigation division; the violent crime and drug defense division; the appellate division; the DNA testing division; and the major case resource center, which helps public defenders, contracting attorneys or court-appointed attorneys with the defense of felony offenses. The chief counsel also administers the Legal Aid and Services Fund and the Civil Legal Services Fund. Mission Statement The mission of the agency is to assist Nebraska counties in providing indigent criminal defense services, which are mandated by the state and federal constitutions and state laws. This agency also represents qualifying indigent prisoners under the DNA Testing Act and administers the Legal Aid and Services Fund and the Civil Legal Services Fund, which assist indigent citizens who are in need of civil legal services and cannot afford to hire an attorney. AWARDS The Commission will establish a base amount of assistance to award all eligible applicants/participants and awarding additional assistance to eligible applicants/participants based on the applicant/participant’s financial considerations, years of service, and other program assistance.

Eligibility

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