About NCLAS

The Legal Aid Society of Nassau County provides free criminal, family court, and juvenile legal representation to individuals who are unable to afford an attorney, after a court determines they are financially eligible for the appointment of counsel. The Society also represents our clients with respect to their appeals of criminal and family court matters and in post-conviction proceedings.

Our team of experienced, caring and dedicated attorneys, social workers, investigators, and professional support staff, are committed to our clients and to indigent criminal defense, parental representation and the defense of children in juvenile proceedings.

Areas of Practice

Criminal Practice

  • We represent our clients in all criminal matters (violations, misdemeanors and felonies) from arrest to disposition

  • We provide representation at every individual’s arraignment when unable to afford or timely secure counsel

  • We represent our clients in Nassau County’s problem- solving and diversion parts, including helping our veterans in Veteran’s Court and individuals suffering from addiction, alcoholism, and mental health issues. A growing number are veterans facing difficulties in returning home. A large number of these individuals are suffering with drug addiction or alcoholism. Our attorneys and social work staff advocate for those unable to speak for themselves to ensure that justice is done.

  • We represent our clients in post-conviction and appellate matters.

Family Court Practice

  • We represent parents in Family Court proceedings in the following matters:

    • Family Offense Proceedings

    • Child Neglect and Termination Proceedings

    • Non-Support Matters

    • Paternity Cases

    • Juvenile Justice

  • We represent juveniles and adolescent offenders in the Youth Part in Nassau County and in juvenile delinquency and Persons In Need of Supervision (PINS) proceedings in Family Court.

Advocacy

  • We advocate on behalf our clients and in support of legislation promoting the fair and equal administration of criminal and family law, including bail, discovery, jury and family court reforms.

Our Mission

The mission of the Nassau County Legal Aid Society is to provide high quality legal representation and related services to people who lack the financial resources to retain an attorney. Our staff consists of attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals and administrative staff who are dedicated to the mission of the Society and to rendering the most effective representation of our clients. Every client receives the services needed to defend his or her case, including an investigator to track down witnesses or recover evidence, a social worker to improve the life circumstances of our clients and an attorney who will analyze the legal issues in the case, and try to negotiate a fair resolution of the matter or represent the client at a trial.