About Us

Providing 24 Hour Emergency Criminal Representation for Individuals in Chicago Police Custody.

About First Defense Legal Aid

First Defense Legal Aid ("FDLA") is an innovative program that protects civil rights by offering free 24-hour legal representation and advice to any individual taken into Chicago Police Department custody. The Program's services cover the initial and most critical stage of police detention: immediately after arrest until the time when a public defender has been assigned by the court system. Volunteers are trained to handle emergency calls by determining the nature of the call and whether a station visit is necessary to represent the individual in police custody. If a station visit is necessary, FDLA volunteers will interview the arrestee, inform the arrestee of his/her constitutional rights, provide the arrestee with bond information, and serve as a link between the arrestee and his/her family.

Our History

First Defense Legal Aid began in 1995, as a program of the Chicago Commons Association. It was originally named the “Police Custody Hotline Program”, but the name was quickly changed to First Defense Legal Aid at the request of community residents. FDLA became an independent corporation in 2002, and a 501(c)(3) organization in 2003.

Financial Supporters For Fiscal Years 2007-08:
 
Alphawood Foundation
Chicago Bar Foundation
Chicago Community Trust (CAFLS)
Field Foundation of Illinois
Illinois Bar Foundation
Jenner & Block
Public Welfare Foundation