Why you should help a homeless person with a legal problem.
Matthew Swerdlin, a criminal defense attorney who volunteers with the BBVLP, agreed to represent a homeless client from the Firehouse shelter. The client could not obtain a license and therefore a job due to fines associated with old misdemeanor charges.
Matthew represented the client in front of
Judge Andra Sparks, the Birmingham presiding judge who implements the homeless docket called Turning Point. Judge Sparks gave the client an opportunity to succeed by requiring the client to complete Project Renew, a program to help clients with life skills so they can get their license back.
The client is thankful for his attorney and the Renew
Program for giving him a second chance at a new life. "I am learning the basic rules of the road, and only have two more classes left. Once I complete this class I have an opportunity to receive community service for the fines on these tickets. I am looking forward to retaining my driver's license and getting a job!"
You can help a client like this by volunteering at Project Homeless Connect on March 4, by clicking here.
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