This guide provides information and resources on common legal issues faced by prisoners and former prisoners. If you have suggestions for resources to add, please contact guide editor Sara Pixon at spixon@lasc.org.
If you are not incarcerated or are looking for more resources to help with legal issues, check out the Law Library of Louisiana's online guide for self-represented litigants.
If you are not currently incarcerated and are trying to find an attorney to represent you, you may qualify for a free legal aid attorney to help with civil legal issues - apply online. If you are incarcerated or do not qualify for legal aid, the Louisiana State Bar Association's "Find Legal Help" portal can help you find resources for reduced-fee attorneys.
Other organizations and resources that assist prisoners and former prisoners include:
LA Informational Handbook for Friends and Families of People in Prison: doc.louisiana.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/handbook4friends.familiesofinmates_9_11_19.pdf
Louisiana Reentry Guide: www.lareentryguide.com
Voice of the Experienced: www.voiceoftheexperienced.org, 2022 St. Bernard Ave., Suite 307, New Orleans, LA 70117, 504-571-9599
The First 72+: www.first72plus.org, 2915 Perdido St., New Orleans, LA 70119, 504-324-8859
Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana: www.jaclouisiana.org, 4035 Washington Ave., Suite 203, New Orleans, LA 70125, 504-322-4050
Louisiana Department of Corrections Reentry Initiatives: doc.louisiana.gov/imprisoned-person-programs-resources/transition-reentry/
ACLU of Louisiana: www.laaclu.org/en/issues/prisoners-rights, 1340 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70112, 504-522-0617
Southern Center for Human Rights: www.schr.org/mass-incarceration, 83 Poplar St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, 404-688-1202
The Promise of Justice Initiative: promiseofjustice.org, 1024 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70116, 504-529-5955
The Law Library of Louisiana can provide you with assistance finding legal information. We are prohibited, however, from providing legal advice. If you seeking advice for a legal issue, you may be able to find free or reduced cost legal help through the Louisiana State Bar Association.
If you are seeking copies of laws (such as cases or statutes) or secondary materials (such as law review articles or book chapters), please contact us at 400 Royal Street, 2nd Floor, New Orleans, LA 70130. We can provide these materials for a nominal charge. You must provide an exact citation in order for us to process your request.
You can view the Louisiana constitution, codes, and statutes for free online at legis.la.gov. Click on "Laws" and either enter a citation, search by keyword, or browse the Table of Contents.
You can view the federal constitution, codes, and statutes for free online at govinfo.gov. You can search by keyword or choose the specific law you wish to view under "Advanced."
You can view state and federal court cases for free online at scholar.google.com. Click on "Case Law" and enter your citation or case name.
If you can't find the law you are looking for or need further assistance, call us at 504-310-2400 or toll-free in Louisiana only at 800-820-3038 or email library@lasc.org.
