The Progressive Democrats of New Jersey have launched a legal defense fund to aid protestors who get caught up in the legal system, which often results in overwhelming expenses, especially for individuals with limited means. To donate, please click here. Following is the press release:

Progressive Democrats of New Jersey is taking a stand with activists across the state as protests erupt in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd. While protests throughout New Jersey have been largely peaceful, the threat of criminal and legal expenses still looms for some taking part in these demonstrations.

The NJ Progressive Legal Defense Fund – Activist Legal Assistance Program (ALAP) is designed to aid activists with legal referrals, subsidized legal services, and free legal services for those who have been arrested while expressing their fundamental right to peacefully protest.

If an individual has the courage to put their own livelihood and physical being at risk in the fight for equity and equality against a systematically racist system, they should not be put in the situation of having to worry about financial distress too.

The fund is designed to support activists in three tiers: If your annual income is below 200% of the federal poverty line free legal services where funds and services are available will be provided. If your annual income is between 200% and 500% of the federal poverty line, you are eligible for subsidized legal services where funds and services are available. If your annual income is over 500% of the federal poverty line, legal referral to an attorney and affordable services will be provided.

While we continue to fight for justice in a system that perpetuates injustice on a daily basis, we must ensure the most vulnerable in our society are not being left behind by the legal system because of how much money they have. Financial barriers should not dissuade any of us for standing up for what is right.

If you are someone you know is in dire need of legal services and was arrested while protesting, please send an email to ldf-alap@njprogressives.com.

To donate, click here.