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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

cobar.org/For-the-Public/Find-a-Lawyer|1-303-860-1115

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

Colorado Legal Services

Statewide legal services for low-income Coloradans

Colorado Poverty Law Project

Pro bono coordination through the Colorado Bar Association

Reentry Legal Services

Colorado Legal Services — Record Sealing Project

Helps eligible individuals seal criminal records under Colorado's expanded sealing laws

Expungement & Record Clearing Programs

Colorado Legal Services — Record Sealing

Free record sealing assistance for qualifying low-income residents under Colorado's recently expanded eligibility

Law School Clinics

University of Colorado Law School — Criminal Defense Clinic

Criminal defense and post-conviction representation

Pro Bono Programs

Colorado Lawyer Trust Account Foundation (COLTAF)

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. 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. 2

    Complete intake screening

    Staff will verify your income, residency, and case type. Have proof of income, identification, and relevant documents ready.

  3. 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. 4

    Receive legal help

    Services may include legal advice, document preparation, negotiation, or full representation depending on the case type and available resources.

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

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Legal aid eligibility, programs, and services change periodically. Contact the organizations listed above for exact current availability. For immediate help, call 211 or visit 211.org.