Remedy Navigators handles the paperwork. Attorneys handle the law. This page explains the difference, when you should consult a licensed attorney, and where to find free or low-cost legal help.
Important: Remedy Navigators is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Our service is limited to document preparation and procedural case management. If you need legal advice about the merits of your claim, representation in court, or guidance on litigation strategy, you must consult a licensed attorney. See our full Legal Disclaimer for details.
Understanding the boundary between document preparation and legal advice is critical. Here is a clear breakdown.
Remedy Navigators can handle the administrative remedy process. But certain situations require legal counsel that goes beyond our scope.
Once you have exhausted the administrative remedy process, you may be eligible to file a civil rights lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (state prisoners) or a Bivens action (federal prisoners). These are complex federal proceedings that require legal representation or significant pro se litigation experience. An attorney can assess whether your case has merit before you invest time and resources.
If you are facing a disciplinary hearing that could result in loss of good-time credits, placement in the SHU, or other serious consequences, you should consult an attorney before the hearing if possible. The administrative remedy process can be used to challenge disciplinary outcomes, but the stakes are high enough to warrant legal advice.
Claims involving serious physical injury, denial of necessary medical care, or sexual assault require careful legal analysis. These cases may involve constitutional claims under the Eighth Amendment and may qualify for emergency injunctive relief. An attorney can advise you on whether to seek emergency court intervention alongside the administrative remedy process.
The administrative remedy process is separate from criminal appeals, habeas corpus petitions (28 U.S.C. § 2255 or § 2241), and other post-conviction relief. If you have a pending criminal matter, consult your criminal defense attorney or a post-conviction specialist before taking any action that could affect your case.
If your grievance involves questions about the interpretation of federal statutes, constitutional rights, or the interaction between multiple legal frameworks, you need legal advice — not just procedural assistance. Remedy Navigators handles the paperwork; attorneys handle the law.
Many organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance to incarcerated individuals and their families. These are starting points — not endorsements.
Connects incarcerated individuals with attorneys and law students who handle civil rights and conditions-of-confinement cases.
The ACLU's dedicated prisoners' rights unit handles systemic cases involving unconstitutional prison conditions and policies.
Challenges unconstitutional practices in the criminal legal system, including conditions of confinement.
Many states have dedicated prisoners' legal services organizations. Prison Legal News maintains a directory of resources by state.
Every state bar association operates a lawyer referral service. Many offer free or reduced-fee initial consultations for civil rights matters.
Search for attorneys by practice area (prisoners' rights, civil rights, § 1983) and location. Includes peer and client ratings.
Free attorney directory with ratings, reviews, and the ability to ask legal questions. Search for civil rights or prisoners' rights attorneys.
Monthly publication covering court decisions, legal developments, and resources relevant to incarcerated individuals and their families.
Free comprehensive guide published by the Center for Constitutional Rights covering civil rights claims, the PLRA, and how to file pro se.
Access federal court filings and dockets. Useful for researching how courts in your circuit have ruled on similar issues.
Free access to federal statutes, regulations, and case law. Includes 28 CFR Part 542 (BOP administrative remedy regulations) and the full PLRA text.
Disclaimer: The organizations and resources listed above are provided for informational purposes only. Remedy Navigators does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee the quality of any third-party legal service. Listing here does not constitute a referral. Always verify that any attorney you contact is licensed in the relevant jurisdiction and has experience with prisoners' rights matters. Remedy Navigators does not receive compensation for any referrals.
If your situation calls for Remedy Navigators — procedurally complete filings, deadline tracking, and case management — we are ready to help. If it calls for an attorney, we will tell you that too.