Legal Representation
Our attorneys are committed to client-centered, passionate, proactive, holistic representation of the marginalized in our community. We believe this standard of defense is necessary to ensure everyone’s rights are protected. Beyond that standard, we also hope to bring the love of community into our work and into the entire criminal justice system, as true justice means making our entire community whole again – the accused and victims – rather than tearing people down.
To be eligible for our services, a potential client must satisfy only two conditions:
Qualify as indigent; and,
Have an active, pending criminal case in Harris County.
Clients are selected on a case-by-case basis as resources become available and recognizing that individual needs are always unique. Please complete the form here to apply.
Adelphoi
Adelphoi Volunteers engage in the work of reforming our criminal justice system by developing restorative and supportive relationships with Restoring Justice's clients. Our Adelphoi volunteers have the opportunity to foster the love of community to our clients through one-on-one support. “Adelphoi” is Greek for brother or sister. Adelphoi volunteers become a family/friend role in our client’s life. Through the Adelphoi Program, individuals are matched with Restoring Justice clients for an equal, emotionally supportive relationship throughout the legal process. This program is the heart and life-blood of the Restoring Justice family.
REQUIREMENTS
Must be in Houston (long-term).
1-6 months and beyond time commitment.
Bi-Weekly communication with your pairing
Must attend Welcoming/Orientation and 3 RJ community events.
No Adelphoi volunteer can be law enforcement of any kind, past or present.
Humility, Compassion, Fearless Love, Grace
STEPS
Sign-up! Register through our website. We want to hear about your interests, goals, hobbies, and story.
Connect with us! Start by sitting down with our Volunteer Coordinator for a 1:1 conversation.
Get Involved! Attend our volunteer Welcoming/Orientation and our RJ events!
Readiness & Pairing! You are then paired by our volunteer coordinator to an in-custody or out-of-custody client to journey with them through their criminal case.
Holistic Social Services
Pending Case Trauma Care
We plan to provide a dedicated social worker to help our clients and family navigate the strain of the legal system throughout their case and in post-case transition. We recognize the potential trauma of the uncertainty and pressures caused by living with a pending criminal case, and will work with our clients to provide loving support through this unknown season.
Legal Case Support
Many criminal accusations arise from the causes of marginalization or health issues. Allowing the defense attorney, the prosecutor, the judge, and/or the jury to know our client’s full story will often significantly affect the outcome of cases. Sentences and prison time can be greatly reduced, if not eliminated, when holistic care and evaluation is provided along with the legal representation.
Ongoing Care
We will provide our clients with introductions and referrals to partnership social services in hopes to provide additional empowering tools to each unique client and family during the legal system journey and beyond.