The latest news and updates |
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Our hearts go out to the families of Robb Elementary and the community of Uvalde, TX at this time of crisis and devastation. As we mourn the senseless loss of young lives, we feel it is important to make a moment to reflect on the resources available for those affected by this tragedy. In light of the recent tragedy, it is common to experience experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, and fear. We would like to remind you that you are not alone. Many people across the country are wrestling with these feelings of crisis.
For those in the community, Heart of Florida United Way's 211 and referral crisis line is staffed with trained professionals available to help navigate this immense tragedy. You can call, text or chat with a 211 specialist twenty-four hours a day. We have provided a link to the website here for your convenience. Also, if you are a parent or someone who works with children and are looking for resources to help support young children through these horrific events, click here to access a guide created by a local mental health counselor. The guide is broken down into age-specific categories for monitoring signs of distress and how best to support others during this time. |
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New Hometown Heroes Housing Program |
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The Hometown Heroes Housing program works to make home-ownership affordable for various front line workers. Qualified professionals can receive aid with down payments and closing costs for first time buyers starting June 1, 2022. The program also offers lower first mortgage rates, reduced upfront fees, and additional benefits.
This opportunity is available to such professions as law enforcement officers, firefighters, educators, healthcare professionals, childcare employees, and active military or veterans. For more information and to see if you qualify, please click here. |
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Welcome to our Summer Interns! |
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Will Hoffman is a recent graduate of Penn State where he studied Political Science. He has been volunteering with the Seminole County Legal Aid office since February 2022 to give back to the community he was raised in. Will also plans to attend law school. In his free time, Will enjoys watching Penn State football, the Orlando Magic, UCF, and the Office.
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Ezequiel Vargas is a graduate of Brown University and a resident of Seminole County. He majored in philosophy and plans to attend law school. Ezequiel is eager to be an impetus for change and to devote himself to the community he calls home.
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Brittany Kurland is a rising 3L at Barry Law from Rockland County, NY. She graduated from Florida Atlantic University with an honors degree and a double concentration in Environmental Studies and Law & American Studies with a minor in Gender Studies. She sits on the E-Board for one of the Academic Journals at Barry. When she is not studying, she enjoys spending time with her two dogs. She is very excited for this opportunity at the Seminole County Legal Aid.
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Staff Attorney Case of the Month |
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After the passing of both his parents, Josh sought out legal assistance to obtain custody of his young brother. Josh had limited income and was disabled as he had been born deaf. He relied on sign language and reading lips to communicate. We immediately hired a sign language expert for the consultation. Josh conveyed that his father had died when they were much younger, and his mother just recently passed away from an overdose.
Due to his mother’s addiction, his younger brother was often left alone and without proper nutrition. His brother was a teenager and needed stability and guidance. We accepted the case and prepared all the necessary documents and filed them with the court. The court reviewed the documentation and appointed Josh as the custodian of his brother. With all the proper authority, Josh can now obtain the necessary counseling and therapy for his brother. The family can begin to heal and move forward with their lives.
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In an attempt to bridge the Digital Divide, the Biden Administration has made a deal with 20 different internet providers to offer a discounted rate or, in some cases, free service, to qualifying low-income households.
For more information on the providers or details for qualifications, click here. |
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Thank You to Our Sealing & Expungement Volunteer Attorneys |
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We are so grateful to Attorney Erin Greene for her assistance with teaching our Sealing and Expungement workshop this month and her research on removing mugshots from internet! Furthermore, her willingness to assist attendees outside of the workshop is greatly appreciated. Also, a special thanks to our partner at Goodwill Industries, Jennifer Robertson for all her hard work!
For our next Sealing and Expungement workshop, join us and pro-bono Attorney Andrew Chmelir in person at the Sanford Branch of the Seminole County Library located at 150 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL 32771 on June 1st at 5:30pm.
If you can't make it, there is always next time! Click here to register for the virtual workshop on June 15th at 5:30pm, over zoom.
You may qualify for sealing or expungement if you had:
- Adjudication withheld or charges dropped
- AND never previously sealed or expunged your record
To check the list of disqualifying crimes, click here.
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For any questions or more information, contact Camryn Williams, Pro-Bono Coordinator at (407) 834-1660 ext. 114 or camrynw@scbalas.com |
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Special Thank You to Our Veterans Clinic Volunteer Attorneys |
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After another successful Veterans Legal Advice Clinic, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Attorney Christopher Butler for volunteering his time at our clinic this month! We are also grateful to Senator Marco Rubio's office and his representative Thomas D. Self, Jr. for coming down to the library to meet with former service members.
Join us this month on June 16th from 1:00-4:00pm at the Central Branch Library located at 215 N. Oxford Rd., Casselberry, FL 32707.
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For any questions or more information, contact Denice Garza, Paralegal at deniceg@scbalas.com |
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Improve Your Image Online: Requesting Removal of Mugshots |
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When you find yourself in trouble with the law, many people find that if they google themselves oftentimes their mugshot will appear. Regardless of the outcome of your case, those images can be found on the internet and interfere with your job prospects, allowing your past to follow you into the future. Not anymore, per Florida Statute 901.43, you are able to request the website remove the image by sending a written request via certified mail with a clear description of the image to be removed and proper identification of yourself. The company then has 10 days to abide by your request or face penalty in a civil suit. Additionally, the statute explains that websites such as Mugshots.com or any other site that publishes your mugshot is not allowed to request compensation for removing the photo.
For further information on your rights in this matter, please click here to view the full statute. |
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Summer BreakSpot Locations |
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Summer BreakSpot has partnered with both Orange and Seminole County public schools to provide free lunches to any children aged 18 years or younger all summer long.
To find the location nearest you, please click here for Orange County and click here for Seminole County. |
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Domestic Violence Legal Project |
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We provide free legal advice and counsel to survivors of domestic violence in Seminole County with family law matters including dissolution of marriage, paternity, and time-sharing issues. Our Attorneys seek to achieve just outcomes that improve the lives of families and children and to promote the prevention of domestic abuse through community education to alert at risk population as to their rights, best practices to secure their safety, and the resources available in the community to safeguard them.
If you would like an appointment to apply for services, place call (407) 834-1660 or email administrator@scbalas.com.
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It's not too late to make an impact in our community. We ask you to please join us in our efforts to maintain the wonderful quality of life we enjoy in Seminole County by donating your time and talents to help a disenfranchised person(s) with their legal needs or by providing an in lieu of service monetary donation to help support our legal program. Below is a link to our 2022 Pro Bono Registration form for your consideration. Click here to let us know how you plan to impact the Seminole County community. If you are unable to donate time, click here to give in lieu of service.
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New Administrative Orders |
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IN RE: JUDGES - DIVISION AND CASE ASSIGNMENTS
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Resources for Victims of Crime |
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The Bureau of Victim Compensation's brochure provides useful information for those within our communities that have fallen victim to such crimes. The resources provided are:
- Toll-Free Victim Services Information and Referral Line 1-800-226-6667
- Benefits Available
- How to Apply
- Qualification Guidelines for Applying
- Information Need to Apply
- Next Steps after a Claim is Submitted
To view the full brochure and get complete information please click here.
Also, to view a list of other resources available to victims of crime please click here.
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Upcoming Events
June 1, 2022 - Sealing and Expungement workshop
June 15, 2022- Virtual Sealing and Expungement workshop
June 16, 2022 - Veterans Legal Advice Clinic
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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE 1-800-435-7352, WITHIN THE STATE OR ONLINE AT WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. OUR REGISTRATION NUMBER IS 1944. |
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