Free Legal Aid in Colorado(2026) -- Low-Income & Reentry Services
Colorado's free legal aid network provides civil legal services to low-income residents through Colorado Legal Services and other organizations. These programs cover housing, family law, public benefits, expungement, and other critical legal needs for people who cannot afford an attorney.
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Quick Answer
You can get free legal help in Colorado through Colorado Legal Services (call 1-303-837-1313) or apply online at their website. Statewide civil legal services for low-income Coloradans covering housing, family law, public benefits, immigration, and consumer issues. The Colorado Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service can also connect you with affordable attorneys. Income must generally be at or below 125% of the federal poverty level for most legal aid programs.
Colorado Legal Aid Organization
Colorado Legal Services
Website: coloradolegalservices.org
Phone: 1-303-837-1313
Statewide civil legal services for low-income Coloradans covering housing, family law, public benefits, immigration, and consumer issues.
Lawyer Referral & Self-Help
Colorado Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
LawHelp.org
lawhelp.org/colorado-- directory of free legal resources and self-help materials
Income Eligibility
Threshold: 125% of Federal Poverty Level
For a single person, this is approximately $19,088/year (2026). Some programs may accept up to 200% FPL for certain case types like domestic violence or veterans' issues.
Types of Legal Issues Covered
- ✓Housing & eviction defense
- ✓Family law (custody, divorce, protection orders)
- ✓Public benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI)
- ✓Consumer & debt issues
- ✓Expungement & record clearing
- ✓Employment disputes
- ✓Immigration (limited)
Notable Legal Aid Organizations
Statewide legal services for low-income Coloradans
Pro bono coordination through the Colorado Bar Association
Reentry Legal Services
Helps eligible individuals seal criminal records under Colorado's expanded sealing laws
Expungement & Record Clearing Programs
Free record sealing assistance for qualifying low-income residents under Colorado's recently expanded eligibility
Law School Clinics
Criminal defense and post-conviction representation
Pro Bono Programs
Provides funding and coordination for pro bono legal services across Colorado
Public Defender System
Statewide
Colorado has a statewide Office of the State Public Defender with regional trial offices across the state.
How to Apply for Legal Aid
- 1
Contact Colorado Legal Services
Call 1-303-837-1313 or apply online at their website. You can also visit a local office in person.
- 2
Complete intake screening
Staff will verify your income, residency, and case type. Have proof of income, identification, and relevant documents ready.
- 3
Case assignment
If eligible, you will be assigned an attorney or referred to a volunteer lawyers program, law school clinic, or other appropriate resource.
- 4
Receive legal help
Services may include legal advice, document preparation, negotiation, or full representation depending on the case type and available resources.
Related Colorado Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get free legal help in Colorado?
- Contact Colorado Legal Services at 1-303-837-1313 or apply online at their website. You can also visit LawHelp.org/colorado for a directory of free legal resources, or call the Colorado Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at 1-303-860-1115 for a lawyer referral.
- What is the income limit for free legal aid in Colorado?
- Most legal aid programs in Colorado require income at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $19,088/year for a single person in 2026). Some programs accept higher incomes for certain case types like domestic violence, veterans' issues, or disaster relief.
- Can I get free help with expungement in Colorado?
- Yes. Colorado Legal Services — Record Sealing provides free expungement assistance for eligible low-income individuals. Contact them or check LawHelp.org for expungement clinics and resources in your area.
- Does Colorado have a public defender I can use?
- If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford an attorney, you have a constitutional right to a public defender. Colorado has a statewide Office of the State Public Defender with regional trial offices across the state. Contact the court clerk in your jurisdiction to request a public defender. Note: public defenders handle criminal cases only, not civil matters.
Take Action -- Direct Links
- Colorado Legal Services — Apply for Help
Apply online or call 1-303-837-1313 for free civil legal assistance.
- Colorado LawHelp
Directory of free legal aid programs, self-help resources, and court forms for Colorado residents.
- Colorado Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
Find an attorney through the state bar's referral service.
- ABA Free Legal Answers
Get free answers to civil legal questions from volunteer attorneys online.
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