Major developments
This page lists all of the most recent developments on civil right to counsel across the country. These could be newly created rights to counsel, significant publications, public events, advocacy efforts, or other things that don't fit into a neat category.
Civil Rights Commission: Tennessee forfeiture proceedings should include counsel
11/01/2018
A civil rights report critiques Tennessee's civil forfeiture practices for not providing a right to counsel for property owners.
Vermont Supreme Court affirms right to counsel in contempt proceedings
11/01/2018
The Vermont Supreme Court re-affirmed the right to counsel in contempt proceedings involving incarceration.
Philadelphia divorce study finds representation makes big difference
10/26/2018
A study found that those who received full representation in divorce cases were significantly more successful in completing their divorces.
Another report calls for right to counsel in fees/fines cases
10/10/2018
A report from Alabama Appleseed urges the state to provide counsel at all postconviction proceedings related to court debt.
NH Supreme Court extends right to counsel to certain debt collection cases
09/18/2018
The right to counsel extends to cases where the State seeks to collect appointed counsel fees, the NH Supreme Court ruled.
Wisconsin advocates petition WI Supreme Court for right to counsel rules
09/13/2018
WI advocates have filed two petitions asking the WI Supreme Court to establish civil right to counsel rules and pilot projects.
Texas court: failure to appoint counsel for parent was reversible error
09/10/2018
An appellate court held the failure to advise a parent of the right to counsel in a TPR case, and delayed appointment, required reversal.
Acting on CT legislative task force suggestions, Legislature enacts DV representation pilot
09/01/2018
A new DV representation pilot follows a recommendation of the legislative Task Force to Improve Access to Counsel in Civil Matters.
Report details dramatic effect of having counsel in Seattle evictions
09/01/2018
A new report by the Seattle Women's Commission has some powerful stats on how much a lawyer makes a difference in eviction cases.
Louisiana court: child's right to counsel in adoptions is mandatory
08/23/2018
A Louisiana court held that a child's right to counsel in adoption cases is not subject to waiver and must be strictly enforced.
Complaints allege CA court violating Americans with Disabilities Act
08/16/2018
Complaints filed with the Sacramento County Superior Court allege violations of the ADA where counsel is not appointed in certain guardianships.
ABA guidelines call for right to counsel in fees/fines cases
08/07/2018
The American Bar Association has adopted a set of principles on how fees/fines should be collected, and one advocates for a right to counsel.
Wyo. Supreme Court upholds parents' right to counsel
07/30/2018
The Supreme Court of Wyoming held parents are entitled to appointed counsel in abuse/neglect cases even when not the subject of allegations.
Florida court: adoption agencies can't challenge parents' right to counsel
07/30/2018
A Florida Court of Appeals held that an adoption agency could not challenge the appointment of counsel for a parent in an adoption case.
Fed legislation would require immigration counsel for children, vulnerable adults
07/25/2018
A federal bill would require counsel for unaccompanied minors and vulnerable adults in immigration proceedings.
Concord CA eviction report calls for right to counsel
07/24/2018
A report out of Concord, California finding numerous problems with the housing market recommends a right to counsel as a policy solution.
California report flags eviction numbers/speed, calls for right to counsel
07/24/2018
A new report from Tenants Together cites sky-high statewide eviction numbers and calls for a right to counsel.
Right to counsel the focus of July 17 public breakfast event
07/17/2018
On July 17 in NYC, the NCCRC hosted a public breakfast event to educate about the latest happenings in the civil right to counsel movement.
Discretionary appointment of counsel - standby guardianships
06/28/2018
A court may appoint counsel for a child when petition by a standby guardian to assume custody is filed.
Right to counsel
06/27/2018
Children in abuse/neglect cases are entitled to a GAL who is an attorney.
Right to counsel - voluntary extension of foster care
06/22/2018
A 2018 law permits a court to appoint counsel for a child who voluntarily agrees to extend foster care.
Report makes case for universal representation for immigrants
06/20/2018
A report from New Jersey Policy Perspective shows that immigrants fare better and the state saves money when counsel is provided.
Right to counsel
06/19/2018
Wisconsin parents in some counties have a right to counsel in abuse/neglect cases pursuant to a pilot project.
Right to counsel - student making terroristic threat
06/02/2018
A bill passed in 2018 requires the appointment of counsel for a student subjected to mental health evaluation after making a terroristic threat.
New Georgia law protects parents' right to counsel
05/08/2018
Waiver of a parent's right to counsel in child welfare cases now has to be knowing, voluntary, and intelligent, thanks to new legislation.
PA court: fees/fines defendants have right to appointed counsel
04/30/2018
The Pennsylvania Superior Court held defendants have a right to appointed counsel prior to being incarcerated for failure to pay fees/fines.
MA moves to guarantee counsel for all fees/fines incarceration
04/13/2018
A bill passed in 2018 guarantees counsel for all those subject to incarceration for failure to pay any money owed.
Right to counsel - reinstatement of parental rights
04/10/2018
The court must appoint counsel for an indigent child in foster care where a petition to reinstate parental rights is filed.
Wisconsin takes step towards right to counsel for parents
04/04/2018
A new 2018 law creates pilot programs that provide a right to counsel for parents in CHIPS cases in 5 counties.
Fed court: NJ township violated defendant's right to counsel in fees/fines case
04/02/2018
A federal court held that a NJ township violated defendants' right to counsel in its handling of fees/fines cases.