Indianapolis, Indiana – On Tuesday, July 29, the Indianapolis Public Library will open its doors to provide a valuable service to the community, hosting a Free Legal Clinic at the Central Library from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. This event, presented in collaboration with Indiana Legal Services (ILS) and the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic (NCLC), will offer free legal assistance to individuals in need of help with criminal record expungement, eviction sealing, and tax consultations.
The Free Legal Clinic is aimed at assisting those who meet certain income qualifications, ensuring that low-income residents of Indianapolis have access to much-needed legal services. Individuals seeking assistance with criminal record expungement or eviction sealing can receive guidance from professional legal staff, who will be on-site to address their specific needs. This service is vital for individuals looking to remove barriers to employment, housing, or other opportunities that a criminal record or eviction history may have placed in their way.
Gregory Hill, CEO of The Indianapolis Public Library, emphasized the important role the library plays in serving the community, stating, “This clinic is one of many examples of how the Library is truly a community hub where people can find support, guidance, and real solutions to life’s challenges, allowing us to champion equitable access to knowledge and resources for all.” Hill continued, noting that the partnerships with ILS and NCLC allow the Library to connect community members with trusted legal resources they may not otherwise have access to.
For those seeking tax-related assistance, the clinic will also feature free consultations for low-income taxpayers. These consultations are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and are open to all attendees regardless of income. The tax consultations do not include tax return preparation, but the opportunity to meet with a tax professional can provide valuable insights into resolving tax-related issues. Additionally, legal representation for low-income taxpayers will be available for those who meet specific income guidelines.
The Free Legal Clinic will be held in meeting rooms at Central Library, and the event is designed to offer attendees an efficient, convenient way to receive legal support. The clinic’s location at Central Library allows for easy access, with the library being centrally located for residents throughout the city. In addition to the legal consultations, the Library’s social work team will be on hand to provide information and support on a wide range of topics, including housing, education, health, and food assistance. Social workers will be available at tables near the Riley Room to ensure that attendees can receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs.
One of the standout features of this event is the availability of transportation assistance. For individuals who may have difficulty getting to the clinic, a limited number of free bus passes are available. Those in need of transportation can call the Library at 317-275-4476 and leave a voice message to request a pass. However, transportation availability is not guaranteed, so individuals are encouraged to contact the Library early to secure a pass if needed.
The clinic’s legal services are designed to assist individuals who meet specific income qualifications. For criminal record expungement and eviction sealing through Indiana Legal Services, individuals must earn below 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify for free legal help. In some cases, individuals earning up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may also be eligible. At the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic, free criminal expungement services and eviction sealing are available to those with income at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
The low-income taxpayer clinic will be open to all taxpayers seeking assistance, with free consultations available regardless of income. However, to receive legal representation, individuals must meet the requirement of earning below 250% of the federal poverty level. It’s important to note that these clinics do not provide tax return preparation services but focus on providing legal guidance and support for individuals facing tax-related challenges.
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This event is part of the Indianapolis Public Library’s ongoing efforts to provide valuable resources and support to the local community. The Library’s commitment to serving all residents, regardless of income or background, is evident in this event, which offers a rare opportunity for individuals to access essential legal services without the burden of high fees or lengthy wait times.
For those interested in attending the Free Legal Clinic, no appointment is necessary for tax consultations, but individuals seeking expungement or eviction sealing services must meet income qualifications. Information on the specific income guidelines is available on the Indiana Legal Services website, and attendees can find more details about the event and other community services offered by the Library by visiting indypl.org.
The Free Legal Clinic at Central Library represents an essential service for individuals in the Indianapolis area who may be facing legal challenges but lack the financial resources to seek professional assistance. By partnering with Indiana Legal Services and the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic, the Indianapolis Public Library continues to serve as a hub for access to knowledge, resources, and support, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to navigate life’s challenges with the help they need.
As the library strives to make legal support accessible to all, the Free Legal Clinic is an example of the Library’s ongoing commitment to fostering a strong, informed, and supportive community.
