Legal Links
"My past does not define me, it refines me." - Noel Farmer, Founder
Addiction Aid Network does not provide legal advice, but we offer helpful links to legal services commonly used by individuals in recovery who may need support navigating legal challenges related to their past addiction.
Many individuals in recovery are confronted with the challenges of their past, but few realize there are steps they can take to shape a brighter future. If you or a loved one is a convicted felon who has completed sentencing, jail time, and probation, you may be eligible to have your civil rights restored. In Virginia, voting rights, the ability to run for public office, and the right to serve on a jury can be restored after filing a petition for your rights to be restored. However, firearm rights are not automatically restored and require a separate petition to the court.
Restoring your rights not only allows you to fully participate in society but also signals to potential employers and landlords that you are committed to your recovery and a fresh start. Click the link above to learn more about the restoration process and begin your application.
If you or a loved one has been convicted of a crime, you may be eligible for a pardon, which grants forgiveness and can restore certain rights. While a pardon does not erase a conviction, it can help remove barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities. Virginia offers three types of pardons:
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Simple Pardon – An official statement of forgiveness that can improve employment and educational opportunities but does not remove the conviction from your record.
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Conditional Pardon – Granted to individuals currently serving a sentence, allowing for early release under specific conditions.
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Absolute Pardon – The rarest form of pardon, granted only when an individual can prove they were wrongfully convicted. This is the only type of pardon that allows for expungement of a criminal record.
Reinstate Driving Privilege
If you or a loved one has been convicted of certain offenses or lost the privilege to drive, you may be able to restore that privilege. Note that some offenses require a certain amount of time to have passed before reinstatement. Click on the links below to learn more.
Virginia Law is the official online source for Virginia's legal codes, providing access to the Code of Virginia, Virginia Administrative Code, Constitution of Virginia, and charters and uncodified acts. Maintained by the Virginia Legislative Information System (LIS), it is a reliable resource for researching state laws, regulations, and legislative updates. For those navigating addiction recovery or supporting a loved one, the site serves as a legal guide to understanding rights, responsibilities, and available state-supported resources. Click the link above to find information that can further you or your loved ones recovery goals.
"Central Virginia Legal Aid Society (CVLAS) provides free civil (non-criminal) legal assistance to low-income people living in — or who have legal problems arising in — the cities of Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights and Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Hanover, Henrico, Louisa, Nelson, New Kent, Powhatan, Prince George and Surry."Click the link above to find out more information.
"LSNV has offices throughout Northern Virginia and provides legal representation to applicants residing in Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, the City of Falls Church, the City of Leesburg, and the City of Manassas. It also serves Fairfax County, with offices in the City of Fairfax and the Route 1 Corridor, as well as Loudoun County and Prince William County. Additionally, LSNV assists residents in the Town of Herndon, the Town of Manassas Park, and the Town of Vienna."Click the link above to find out more information.
Virginia CARES (Community Action Re-Entry System) is a statewide network dedicated to helping individuals reintegrate into society after incarceration. It provides pre-release programs in prisons, post-release programs in multiple localities, and focuses on reducing recidivism through behavioral training and peer support. Since its inception in 1981, "Virginia CARES has served over 70,000 individuals," offering resources such as employment programs, rights restoration advocacy, and partnerships with other agencies to improve reentry outcomes. Click the link above to learn more.
"Virginia Legal Aid Society provides free civil (non-criminal) legal assistance to low-income people living in -- or with legal problems in -- the 20 counties and 6 cities served by our offices located in Lynchburg, Farmville, Martinsville, Danville, and Suffolk." Click the link above to find out more information.
Total Action for Progress (TAP) assists individuals transitioning back into the community after incarceration. Services include job training, job search support, interview preparation, transportation assistance, and rights restoration. The program serves residents in several Virginia counties and cities, including Roanoke, Covington, and Salem, and offers support for those within six months of release. TAP’s reentry services also feature specialized programs like "WINGS" for women and "A Second Chance." Click the link above to learn more.
If you need criminal defense assistance but do not qualify for a public defender, the Virginia State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service can help connect you with a criminal defense attorney. They also provide affordable consultations for those who need initial guidance but cannot afford full representation. Click the link above to learn more.
Legal Services Corporation (LSC) provides funding to nonprofit legal aid organizations that offer free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals. In Virginia, LSC-funded organizations help with issues like housing, family law, employment disputes, and public benefits. While LSC does not handle criminal cases, it can connect individuals to legal aid resources for civil matters that impact their well-being. Click the link above to learn more.
Understanding custody and visitation rights can be challenging, but Virginia Law Help 2 Go provides clear, step-by-step guidance. This resource offers easy-to-follow legal information on filing for custody, modifying existing orders, and understanding parental rights. Whether you're navigating family court for the first time or seeking updates to your current arrangement, this tool can help. Click the link above to learn more. ** This resource also provides information on record expungement.
This organization provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals in Virginia, focusing on civil rights, housing, workers' rights, healthcare access, and criminal record expungement. Their team offers advocacy and legal representation to help individuals navigate complex legal challenges, including issues that may arise during recovery. Click the link above to learn more about their services and how to get help.
Many individuals struggling with addiction end up in the criminal justice system rather than receiving proper treatment. Decarceration Law offers legal defense strategies, case reviews, and support for those facing drug-related offenses, advocating for alternatives to incarceration and ensuring individuals have access to fair legal representation.