{"id":15705,"date":"2026-02-13T07:21:28","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T07:21:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/?page_id=15705"},"modified":"2026-03-27T11:16:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T11:16:48","slug":"legal-services","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/legal-services\/","title":{"rendered":"Legal Services"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"15705\" class=\"elementor elementor-15705\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-ceb0dfc elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-content-middle hero-section elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"ceb0dfc\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;,&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-background-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c0c36e4\" data-id=\"c0c36e4\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-00af69e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"00af69e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Free Legal Aid in Washington, DC \n<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-dc83394 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-content-middle elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"dc83394\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cbd5e42\" data-id=\"cbd5e42\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-599a20d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"599a20d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Americans have a right to an attorney when accused of a crime. In most civil legal matters, that protection does not exist. Legal representation becomes a privilege in a system intended to deliver equal justice for all.\u00a0<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Civil legal aid closes this justice gap at moments of consequence. When low-income DC residents face unsafe housing, eviction proceedings, or record-based barriers, the stakes escalate quickly. Yet for many, hiring an attorney is out of reach\u2014even when their housing, employment, or family security hangs in the balance.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><strong style=\"color: #320570;\">Rising for Justice provides free legal services to eligible DC residents in civil legal matters. <\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7413a18 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7413a18\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d211f08 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d211f08\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3538d19 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3538d19\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Our Legal Services <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9bcd94f elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"9bcd94f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d91926e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d91926e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">We provide free services to eligible DC residents in the following civil legal matters. Select a program area to learn more. \n<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3cb4607 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3cb4607\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div data-premium-element-link=\"{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;url&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/softwebexpert.in\\\/risingforjustice\\\/legal-services\\\/#housing&quot;,&quot;is_external&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nofollow&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;custom_attributes&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;href&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/softwebexpert.in\\\/risingforjustice\\\/legal-services\\\/#housing&quot;}\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7faf27c e-con-full premium-wrapper-link-yes e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7faf27c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c49a630 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c49a630\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/legal-services\/#housing\">Housing &amp; Tenant Justice <\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div data-premium-element-link=\"{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;url&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/softwebexpert.in\\\/risingforjustice\\\/legal-services\\\/#record-sealing&quot;,&quot;is_external&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nofollow&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;custom_attributes&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;href&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/softwebexpert.in\\\/risingforjustice\\\/legal-services\\\/#record-sealing&quot;}\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c8a890f e-con-full premium-wrapper-link-yes e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c8a890f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d9c284 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6d9c284\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/legal-services\/#record-sealing\"> Record Sealing<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div data-premium-element-link=\"{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;url&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/softwebexpert.in\\\/risingforjustice\\\/legal-services\\\/#respondent-representation&quot;,&quot;is_external&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nofollow&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;custom_attributes&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;href&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/softwebexpert.in\\\/risingforjustice\\\/legal-services\\\/#respondent-representation&quot;}\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-54fc256 e-con-full premium-wrapper-link-yes e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"54fc256\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-95b3999 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"95b3999\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/legal-services\/#respondent-representation\"> Respondent Representation   \n<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1de6077 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1de6077\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" id=\"housing\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f10e5d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6f10e5d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f9614d4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f9614d4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Housing &amp; Tenant Justice \n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eefaf7e elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"eefaf7e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e9d3120 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e9d3120\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Washington, DC has one of the highest eviction rates in the country.<\/strong><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Approximately 30,000 eviction cases are filed every year\u2014one for every 25 residents. In DC Landlord and Tenant Court, more than 90% of tenants face eviction proceedings without legal representation, putting thousands of families at risk of displacement.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Rising for Justice provides free eviction defense and housing legal services to low-income DC residents, strengthening equal access to representation in one of the nation\u2019s most active eviction courts. Our attorneys and<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/student-programs\/\">student advocates <\/a><\/strong>provide same-day legal advice and sustained eviction defense. We are the largest provider of same-day legal services in the Landlord and Tenant Branch of DC Superior Court.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-076412f elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"076412f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/get-help\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Get Legal Services for Housing <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-88bc026 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"88bc026\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2cb1231 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2cb1231\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/RFJ-Housing-Legal-Services_Photo-of-mother-and-two-kids-sitting-on-stoop_-683x1024.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-15988\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/RFJ-Housing-Legal-Services_Photo-of-mother-and-two-kids-sitting-on-stoop_-683x1024.webp 683w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/RFJ-Housing-Legal-Services_Photo-of-mother-and-two-kids-sitting-on-stoop_-200x300.webp 200w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/RFJ-Housing-Legal-Services_Photo-of-mother-and-two-kids-sitting-on-stoop_-768x1152.webp 768w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/RFJ-Housing-Legal-Services_Photo-of-mother-and-two-kids-sitting-on-stoop_-1024x1536.webp 1024w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/RFJ-Housing-Legal-Services_Photo-of-mother-and-two-kids-sitting-on-stoop_-1365x2048.webp 1365w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/RFJ-Housing-Legal-Services_Photo-of-mother-and-two-kids-sitting-on-stoop_-600x900.webp 600w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/RFJ-Housing-Legal-Services_Photo-of-mother-and-two-kids-sitting-on-stoop_-scaled.webp 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-17b11ed e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"17b11ed\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f783fcc e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f783fcc\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b8162e4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"b8162e4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"685\" data-src=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Know-Your-Rights-Trainings_Legal-Services_Latine-father-with-toddler-son-smiling_-1024x685.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-16005 lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Know-Your-Rights-Trainings_Legal-Services_Latine-father-with-toddler-son-smiling_-1024x685.webp 1024w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Know-Your-Rights-Trainings_Legal-Services_Latine-father-with-toddler-son-smiling_-300x201.webp 300w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Know-Your-Rights-Trainings_Legal-Services_Latine-father-with-toddler-son-smiling_-768x514.webp 768w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Know-Your-Rights-Trainings_Legal-Services_Latine-father-with-toddler-son-smiling_-1536x1028.webp 1536w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Know-Your-Rights-Trainings_Legal-Services_Latine-father-with-toddler-son-smiling_-2048x1371.webp 2048w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Know-Your-Rights-Trainings_Legal-Services_Latine-father-with-toddler-son-smiling_-600x402.webp 600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/685;\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d3e5bad e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d3e5bad\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-793a88e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"793a88e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Our attorneys and paralegals work with thousands of low-income tenants each year to address the widespread repercussions of DC\u2019s affordable housing crisis. We have decades of experience defending vulnerable tenants in landlord\u2013tenant court by providing specialized legal advocacy in complex, high-stakes housing cases, including:<\/p><ul><li>Illegal rent increases<\/li><li>Unsafe or uninhabitable living conditions<\/li><li>Housing discrimination cases, including those involving immigrants, seniors, people with disabilities, and other underserved communities<\/li><li>Tenant association representation<\/li><\/ul><p>This work also emphasizes community-based advocacy and education. Attorneys and community partners lead <a href=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/know-your-rights\/\"><strong>Know Your Rights<\/strong><\/a> workshops in eviction hotspots, empowering tenants to understand lease terms, identify illegal landlord practices, and act before a housing crisis escalates.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b7cca1e e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b7cca1e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" id=\"record-sealing\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-68b2db1 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"68b2db1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a2e112 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2a2e112\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Record Sealing \n \n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e4d77f6 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"e4d77f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-99cd1de elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"99cd1de\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>In Washington, DC, approximately 68,000 residents\u2014nearly one in ten\u2014live with a criminal record, often dating back more than a decade.<\/b><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><b> <\/b>Because these records are publicly accessible, they create persistent barriers to employment, housing, education, professional licensing, public benefits, and participation in community life. Long after a sentence has been served, these barriers continue to limit stability and economic mobility, turning a past conviction into a lifelong burden.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Rising for Justice provides free legal representation to DC residents seeking to seal their criminal records.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d5c0c4c elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"d5c0c4c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/get-help\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\"> Get Legal Services for Record Sealing <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab8048e e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ab8048e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f7cb68c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"f7cb68c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"860\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Resized-Record-Sealing-pic-860x1024.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-16373 lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Resized-Record-Sealing-pic-860x1024.webp 860w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Resized-Record-Sealing-pic-252x300.webp 252w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Resized-Record-Sealing-pic-768x914.webp 768w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Resized-Record-Sealing-pic-1290x1536.webp 1290w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Resized-Record-Sealing-pic-600x714.webp 600w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Resized-Record-Sealing-pic.webp 1365w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 860px) 100vw, 860px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 860px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 860\/1024;\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-57bff78 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"57bff78\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e2ed1c8 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e2ed1c8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9720789 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"9720789\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5669650-1024x683.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-16379 lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5669650-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5669650-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5669650-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5669650-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5669650-2048x1365.webp 2048w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5669650-600x400.webp 600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-27c3e9a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"27c3e9a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ce6ecbe elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ce6ecbe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Our attorneys partner with pro bono counsel to handle record sealing cases and expand access to relief for those most impacted by systemic inequities. Each year, our staff and pro bono partners help seal more than 600 cases, opening the door to stable employment, housing, and new opportunities for clients and their families.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4d8da67 elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"4d8da67\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/pro-bono-partners\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Pro Bono Partners<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c6c3ace e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c6c3ace\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" id=\"respondent-representation\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6105726 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6105726\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a219564 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a219564\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Respondent Representation \n \n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-064ff15 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"064ff15\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5eb250e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5eb250e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Each year, more than 6,000 Civil Protection Orders (CPOs) and Anti-Stalking Orders (ASOs) are filed in DC Superior Court. While petitioners often receive legal assistance, respondents are almost always unrepresented.<\/strong><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>This gap in representation can gravely impact housing, employment, education, and family stability. Respondents with legal counsel better understand their rights and are far more likely to comply with court orders.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The Respondent Representation Program offers free legal representation to respondents in CPO and ASO cases. The program helps ensure outcomes are fair and cases are decided on the merits rather than on access to a lawyer. Our attorneys support respondents through proceedings while prioritizing safety, accountability, and due process.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a8661ec elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"a8661ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/get-help\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Get Legal Services as a Respondent <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a81048c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a81048c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Respondent Representation Program supports informed court decisions that respondents are more likely to understand and adhere to, preventing unnecessary harm to petitioners, respondents, and their families.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Rising for Justice is the only organization in DC \u2013 and one of the few nationally \u2013 that provides respondent representation.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e201fbd e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e201fbd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-897a02a elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"897a02a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"860\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Resized-Respondent-Representation-Pic-860x1024.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-16383 lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Resized-Respondent-Representation-Pic-860x1024.webp 860w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Resized-Respondent-Representation-Pic-252x300.webp 252w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Resized-Respondent-Representation-Pic-768x914.webp 768w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Resized-Respondent-Representation-Pic-1290x1536.webp 1290w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Resized-Respondent-Representation-Pic-600x714.webp 600w, https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Resized-Respondent-Representation-Pic.webp 1365w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 860px) 100vw, 860px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 860px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 860\/1024;\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Free Legal Aid in Washington, DC Americans have a right to an attorney when accused of a crime. In most civil legal matters, that protection does not exist. Legal representation [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-15705","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"campaignId":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15705","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15705"}],"version-history":[{"count":211,"href":"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15705\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18452,"href":"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15705\/revisions\/18452"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/softwebexpert.in\/risingforjustice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15705"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}