Links to Other Resources

Below is a list of links to other resources that may be of use to you.

Consumer Matters

Virginia Department of Consumer Affairs Consumer Protection Hotline, 804-786-2042

Virginia Citizen's Consumer Council Virginia's leading consumer advocacy organization, 804-344-4321

Better Business Bureau

Virginia Association of Community Conflict Resolution Handles disputes between individuals, business and consumer, landlord and tenant, etc.; mediation services (only if both parties are willing to mediate)

Discrimination Problems

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) 800-669-4000, Please note that the EEOC is a required first step for most employment discrimination cases. We suggest you contact the EEOC first to determine what deadlines apply in your case.

Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia A statewide organization that ensures equal access to housing for all people.

disAbility Law Center of Virginia: Virginia's Protection and Advocacy System serving persons with disabilities, 800-552-3962

Virginia Fair Housing Office 804-367-8530 or 888-551-3247

Employment Issues

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) 800-669-4000, Please note that the EEOC is a required first step for most employment discrimination cases. We suggest you contact the EEOC first to determine what deadlines apply in your case.

Virginia Department of Labor 804-371-2327

Virginia AFL-CIO For questions pertaining to unions and the rights of union members, 804-355-7444

Gay and Lesbian Rights

Equality Virginia Dedicated to advancing equal justice for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and those affected by the HIV epidemic, through the state's legislative, administrative, and judicial systems. 804-643-4816

Human Rights Campaign's Family Project "Provides information and resources about adoption, civil unions, coming out, custody and visitation, donor insemination, family law, families of origin, marriage, money, parenting, religion, schools, senior health and housing, state laws and legislation, straight spouses, transgender and workplace issues."

Legal Services

Virginia Law Referral Service The Referral Service keeps a list of private attorneys who do free initial consultations (you pay $35 for the referral); 804-775-0808 or 800-552-7977

Virginia State Bar Complaint Line 804-775-0570 or 866-548-0873

Virginia Legal Aid Society Legal assistance may be available to you at no cost if you meet income guidelines or other criteria and your legal problem or concern does not involve ciriminal law (civil cases only). Serves Central, Southside and Western Tidewater Virginia.

Prisoners Issues

Virginia Post-Conviction Assistance Project

P.O. Box 506 Richmond, VA 23204-0506

Tel: 804-643-6845 Fax: 804-643-6819

The Innocence Project at UVA School of Law

580 Massie Road

Charlottesville, VA 22903

Tel: (434) 924-3732

The Innocence Project at UVA School of Law will consider accepting cases of wrongful convictions if three criteria are met: 1. the applicant must have been convicted of a crime in Virginia; 2. the conviction must be final, meaning that no further criminal proceedings or appeals are ongoing; and 3. the applicant is actually innocent of the crime of which he or she was convicted.

Offender Aid and Restoration

Virginia Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE) 703-765-7010

Virginia Department of Corrections 804-674-3000

Assisting Families of Inmates, Inc. Formerly Prison Family Support Services. Primarily serving the Richmond area. 804-643-2401.