More Resources
Legal Services
Our chapter does not discuss individual legal cases or offer legal services. The ACLU of Northern California has a civil liberties hotline at (415) 621-2488 or you may submit information electronically here.
Criminal Cases
Private Defender Program: San Mateo County does not have a conventional public defender. Instead, public criminal defense services are provided by the Private Defender Program.
Non-Criminal Matters
San Mateo County Legal Aid Society helps clients with low incomes who have non-criminal legal issues.
Community Legal Services of East Palo Alto is another nonprofit organization that offers legal services to San Mateo County residents with low incomes.
Lawyer Referral Service is another local resource for seeking legal advice.
Know Your Rights
The ACLU of Northern California has many tools for learning about and protecting your legal rights in a variety of circumstances, including:
If ICE Confronts You
Police Interactions
Free Speech and Demonstrations
Voting RightsSB 54 (the California Values Act) ensures that no state and local resources are used to assist federal immigration enforcement and that our public places are safe spaces for everyone. Click here for more information.
Other County-Specific Resources
General Guide to County Services
Business Complaints and Issues: Better Business Bureau (San Francisco Bay Area and Northern Coastal California)