The Center for Empowerment and Justice

The Jackson County Legal Self-Help Center provides legal information to Jackson County residents about their legal rights and responsibilities, instructions on how to handle common legal problems, assistance with some legal documents and forms, and referrals to free and low-cost legal services.

The Legal Self-Help Center does not provide legal advice to its patrons. Instead, it offers legal information to customers on such topics as instructions for available forms, answers to general legal questions, and information on court procedures.

Address

213 N Washington St
Carbondale, IL 62901
United States

Hours of operation
Currently: open
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 12:00 pm-5:00 pm
Tuesday: 12:00 pm-4:00 pm
Wednesday: 12:00 pm-4:00 pm
Thursday: 12:00 pm-5:00 pm
Friday: 12:00 pm-4:00 pm
Saturday: Closed
Amenities:

This center offers

Computers & Internet
WiFi
Online court forms
Online legal info
Online referrals to legal help
Website navigator
Printers
Scanners

Notes

  • Printing: free
  • Scanning: free
  • Website navigator: Navigation help is provided during open hours
This center does not provide:
  • Paper court forms
  • Printed legal info
  • Referrals to legal aid
  • Court navigator
  • "Lawyer in the library" program

    • Common legal issues

    Expunging or sealing a criminal record
    Convictions can be sealed (hidden), while other types of cases and arrests can be expunged (erased).
    Getting SNAP benefits
    Describes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ("food stamps") and how and where to use a LINK card.
    Medicaid basics
    Describes Medicaid and who is eligible for the program.
    Getting temporary financial help with TANF
    Describes the TANF program including who qualifies and the benefits available
    Dealing with debt
    Explains how to manage your money in order to pay your bills.
    Cash bail changes - 2023 SAFE-T Act
    As of September 18, 2023, Illinois courts no longer use a cash bail system. Instead, they use a “pretrial release” system as allowed by the SAFE-T Act. Learn more about this new system and what it means.