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Resources for Legal Professionals
MCLE training
Watch our FREE MCLE training on criminal statutes for past and current members of the US military: PC 858, PC 1001.80, PC 1170.9, PC 1170.91, how to seek pre-plea misdemeanor military diversion, case dismissal upon completion of a veteran treatment, and other relief for mitigation and alternative sentencing in criminal courts.
Judicial Council training
Judicial Council training regarding the NEW mental health diversion statute PC 1001.36
VA Veteran Justice and Jail Outreach Workers
The VA employs Veteran Justice Staff called Veteran Justice Outreach Workers (VJOs) and Jail Outreach Workers (JOWs) that help veterans with alternative sentencing. VJOs and JOWs can visit veterans in jail. They can verify veteran status & benefits, get records, arrange treatment, and provide other services. Attorneys, family members, and others can also contact them for assistance with veteran cases.
Veteran Legal Resources
The non-profit organizations below help with veteran benefits and other legal issues. They do not handle criminal cases. Basic/most services are FREE to veterans; contact each organization for details.
Hotline hours are every Tuesday from
8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Walk-ins open for Tuesday intakes at
Building 206 of the West LA VA Medical Center.
Veteran Service Organizations
Urgent Financial & Communication Assistance
Free Phone Service: TAG Mobile Lifeline Assistance Program
TAG Mobile provides free or discounted cell phone service to eligible low-income individuals and families. Qualified applicants receive free monthly minutes and texts with nationwide coverage.
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Eligibility: Based on government assistance programs or household income at/below 135% of the federal poverty level
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Available in multiple states, including California 👉 Learn more and enroll at TAG Mobile
VFW Unmet Needs Program
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) offers grants of up to $1,500 to military families facing unexpected financial hardship due to deployment, military-related activity, or injury. This is a grant, not a loan—no repayment required. Funds are paid directly to creditors to reduce the burden on veterans and families.
Apply at VFW Unmet Needs
Food Assistance for Veterans
No veteran or family should have to worry about their next meal. If you’re experiencing food insecurity, there are resources available to help right away:
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
If you’ve lost income or are struggling to afford food, you may qualify for SNAP benefits.
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Apply online in most states or at your local state or county office.
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Benefits are provided on an EBT card (similar to a debit card) and reload each month.
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EBT cards can be used at most authorized grocery stores and retailers.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program)
WIC provides nutrition support to:
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Pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women
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Infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk
To apply, contact your state or local WIC agency, visit your state’s website, or call the WIC toll-free number.
Immediate Help
If you or your family need food today, call the USDA National Hunger Hotline:
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1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479)
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1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273)
Available Monday–Friday, 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PT
Housing Support for Veterans
Every veteran deserves stable housing and the dignity to stay in their home. Programs like EDN and Stay Housed LA offer critical pathways to help veterans avoid eviction, secure legal rights, and access financial and community supports. These services are vital steps toward stability, well-being, and reaching one’s full potential.
Eviction Defense & Legal Aid
If you're at risk of eviction, the Eviction Defense Network (EDN) offers free or low-cost consultations and court representation based on your ability to pay. No one is turned away due to lack of funds.
Contact them via email at askanattorney@edn.la or by phone/text at 213-537-5473.
They’re available Monday–Thursday (9 a.m.–9 p.m.) and Friday (9 a.m.–6 p.m.).
Stay Housed LA – Tenant Legal Support & Workshops
Stay Housed LA is a collaborative initiative between the City and County of Los Angeles and local legal service providers, including tenant-led community groups. This program offers:
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Free limited- and full-scope legal representation to eligible tenants facing eviction or landlord harassment City of Signal Hill.
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Short-term rental assistance—up to $7,500 or three months of retroactive/proactive support—to help stabilize housing, whether before or after an eviction case starts City of Signal Hill.
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Educational resources including “know your rights” virtual workshops, direct outreach via calls, texts, and emails, plus tenant navigation services and referrals to supportive services City of Signal Hilllibertyhill.org.
Key Contacts:
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Visit Stay Housed LA website for more information and to apply. City of Signal Hill
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Call Stay Housed LA Hotline: 1-888-694-0040 for assistance. City of Signal Hill
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Mental Health & Counseling Support
Los Angeles County Mental Health Access Center (24/7 Helpline)
Available anytime, this helpline provides immediate connection to county mental health services.
Call: 1-800-854-7771 or TDD/TTY 1-562-651-2549
More info: County Mental Health Services https://dmh.lacounty.gov/
Peer Support Network – Project Return
Non-crisis counseling and emotional assistance from trained peers.
Support Line: 1-888-448-9777
Hours: Mon–Fri 5 p.m.–10 p.m., Sat 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
More info: Project Return Peer Support Line https://www.prpsn.org/services/warm-line/
Sliding Scale Therapy Options
Accessible psychotherapy services tailored to each budget (https://wila.org/):
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Wright Institute of Los Angeles
Telehealth therapy for individuals, couples, and families.
Schedule by calling: (424) 371-5191 -
Maple Center (Beverly Hills)
Therapy services for adults and children on a sliding scale.
Schedule by calling: (310) 271-9999 -
Rose City Counseling Center
Confidential therapy available via telehealth for adults.
Schedule by calling: (626) 793-8609
Online Support Groups – The Relational Center
Free, public online video support groups led by professionals to foster connection and emotional wellness.
More info: The Relational Center Online Support Groups https://www.relationalcenter.org/onlinesupport/
Transportation Support for Veterans
Low-Cost Auto Insurance
We understand that reliable transportation is essential. Veterans may qualify for discounted auto insurance rates through specialized low-cost providers—helping maintain mobility without straining finances. More info https://www.mylowcostauto.com/
JCOD Justice Connect: Court & Appointment Transportation
Through the Justice, Care and Opportunities Department’s Justice Connect Support Center, veterans can access on-demand transportation for court appearances, housing, and other essential appointments. Services include:
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Uber/Lyft–style rides arranged within Support Center hours (6 a.m.–11 p.m., daily).Care management providers can also schedule non-urgent transport for ongoing needs. JCOD+2JCOD+2Los Angeles County
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Support Center Hotline: 833-LAC-JCOD (833-522-5263), available seven days a week. JCOD+1
Eligible low-income Los Angeles County residents can benefit from significantly reduced transit costs through Metro’s LIFE program:
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New enrollees receive a free 90-day transit pass for Metro.After the introductory pass, participants can access 20 free regional rides per month or apply discounts toward weekly or monthly transit passes.
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Qualification is streamlined—you may self-certify income eligibility or demonstrate participation in programs like SNAP, Medi-Cal, or EBT. Department of Public Social ServicesSecret Los AngelesLA County Aging & Disabilities
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Apply online, via email or mail, or in person at Metro Customer Centers or at Big Blue Bus transit stores.CivicLiveLA County Aging & Disabilities
Employment & Career Resources for Veterans
CVJP is committed to helping veterans transition into meaningful work. Here are curated resources and employers actively committed to hiring veterans in the Los Angeles area:
Employment Resources & Job Boards
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California Employment Development Department (EDD) – Services for Veterans: Offers career support, job search assistance, and training programs.
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We Hire Heroes Job Board: A focused job search platform tailored to veterans, featuring opportunities in and around Los Angeles.
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VA’s Top 37 Veteran-Friendly Employers: A curated list of employers known for exceptional veteran hiring practices.
Employers Committed to Hiring Veterans
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Metro LA
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Volunteers of America, Los Angeles
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Los Angeles County, Human Resources
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California Department of Veterans Affairs