Legal Services
The Criminal Justice System Has Issues
We Have Your Back
Regional Native Public Defense Corporation serves Indigenous clients through a reimagined, holistic approach to criminal defense. That includes a range of services intended to generate full restoration in a client’s life.
Representing You
We serve over 1200 individuals annually with a low-barrier approach to legal representation that is independent from government or tribal influence and uses a client-centered advocacy approach to ensure all individuals are empowered with choice, access, and diligent representation throughout their legal case.
We offer criminal defense services*, including:
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Investigative Services
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Treaty Rights Defense
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Legal Counsel & Consultations
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Chemical Health Service Arrangement
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Independent Legal Representation in Court
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Attorney Presence During Law Enforcement Interviews
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Others as Needed
*We provide these services to enrolled members of Federally recognized Tribes or Canadian First Nations who are being charged in Minnesota District Courts with criminal or juvenile offenses.
Repairing Your Past
Even when you’ve worked hard to repair relationships, lived within the bounds of the law, and turned your life around, your record may still get in the way of your best future. Repairing the past so you can have new opportunities can be a part of your restoration.
An expungement is the process of sealing certain criminal records from public view. Eligibility is dependent on certain criteria for both the person seeking expungement and the record in question.
Rebuilding Your Life
Relationships and community building are the core of our organizations’ practices. Our approach adapts and responds to provide a holistic approach to restoration and healing. Because our vision is for restorative justice that places our clients on the path to an empowered, thriving life in the community, we have built a network of support through other non-profit organizations and public service agencies.
We work with individuals and families as part of the community to create change not only for our clients as individuals, but in the system as a whole.
To qualify for services, members must adhere to one of the following financial stipulations.
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Have a household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level
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Have a household that receives means-tested benefits
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Have a household that otherwise demonstrates an actual inability to afford to hire an attorney