The latest news and updates
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For the month of March, we are celebrating our pro-bono program and partnerships. We are so grateful for the hardworking people and organizations that work with us to provide essential legal assistance and education to the residents of Seminole County.
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Pro-Bono Attorney Highlight
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"I met Ms. Thomas while teaching the expungement/sealing seminar. During the seminar, I provided her (and all of the attendees) with my business card and contact information. She subsequently reached out to me and explained that she needed help with the sealing process and described how her prior felony criminal record (for a one time simple possession of a controlled substance) was preventing her from obtaining any meaningful employment. For whatever reason, she did not have the ability to fully understand the sealing application process and needed help. Because she did not have the funds to retain an attorney, my firm decided to handle the entire sealing process free of charge. Although the process took well over a year to complete, ultimately we were able to successfully seal the client's records. The client was very thankful and appreciative of our efforts. Hopefully the sealing of records will allow the client to move forward as a productive citizen without the embarrassment of having to repeatedly explain to third parties the circumstances regarding her only legal transgression in an otherwise exemplary life."
-Attorney Andrew Chmelir
We are very appreciative of Attorney Chmelir's Pro-Bono assistance!
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Pro-Bono Law Student Highlight
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Harrison Derner, a 2L currently attending Barry University Law School, is assisting staff attorney Matthew Gripp in the appeal of an adverse decision in relation to a Medicaid benefits for an intellectually disabled foster care child. If successful the case would allow our client access to the benefits needed and improve his quality of life. The successful decision will also increase the likelihood that others will have their Medicaid applications determined in a fairer way that is more in line with the current understanding of intellectual ability.
"Harrison is greatly appreciated as he is skillful in his work," remarked Attorney Gripp. It is through the hard work of both Matthew and Harrison that we are able provide such essential legal service to another indigent resident of Seminole county.
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Veteran Legal Advice Clinic
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We are excited to announce that our Veteran Legal Advice Clinic will be returning in person starting April 21st from 1:00-4:00pm. These clinics will take place every third Thursday of the month at the Casselberry Library and provide those who have bravely served our country with free legal advice on various family and housing law issues that they may be facing.
Additionally, the office of Marco Rubio will be present again this year to help address federal casework issues that constituents have in the community.
If you would like to volunteer to help, please contact Denice Garza at deniceg@scbalas.com
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As we enter into the new year, it's time to start thinking of the impact you could have on the Seminole County community. We ask you to please join us in our efforts to maintain the wonderful quality of life we enjoy in Seminole County by donating your time and talents to help a disenfranchised person(s) with their legal needs or by providing an in lieu of service monetary donation to help support our legal program. Below is a link to our 2022 Pro Bono Registration form for your consideration. Click here to let us know how you plan to impact the Seminole County community. If you are unable to donate time, click here to give in lieu of service.
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Meals on Wheels Weatherization Program
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With such an unseasonably cold January and February as well as the rapidly approaching sweltering summer, it is important to consider whether your house is up for the challenge. Meals on Wheels, Etc. is offering a weatherization assistance program in an effort to reduce energy costs for low-income families with children, elderly citizens, and people with disabilities. Not only can weatherizing your home save you around $413 annually, but also ensures the health and safety of the residents of the home.
In order to qualify, the total household income level may not be more than 200% of the national poverty level, with preference given to owner-occupied homes, elderly or physically disabled resides, families with children under 12, and households with a consistently high energy burden.
For more information, please contact Maria Torres at (407) 333-8877 ext. 119 or click here.
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Affordable Connectivity Program
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The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helps low-income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devices.
What it is: The ACP is a Federal Communications Commission program that replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Eligible households can receive:
- Up to $30/month discount on your internet service
- Up to $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer
What's the news? AT&T and Cricket Wireless will participate in the ACP.
Why is this important? The ACP will help make broadband services more affordable for about 30 percent of American households who may qualify. Affordability is one of the key issues creating the digital divide--the gap between those who have internet services and those who don't.
The ACP began accepting eligibility applications on December 31, 2021.
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To find out about eligibility, please visit the ACP's website here.
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To find a company that offer ACP discounts, please click here.
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For more information on AT&T's participation, please click here.
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In an effort to assist families with children, the child tax credit has been expanded so families that have received half of their credit as monthly payments last year, will be able to collect the other half simply by filing their taxes this year. As some of the payments were sent out on a monthly basis starting in July of 2021, many citizens are still entitled to another six months worth of the credit. There is an estimated amount of $193 billion that has gone unclaimed so far as roughly 58 million households qualify for this credit.
To offset the high costs of food, gasoline, and other goods resulting from inflation, the child tax credits have increased to $3,600 annually for each child age 5 or under and $3,000 for those ages 6 to 17. To check eligibility, please visit this website.
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Seminole County is waiving collection fees in an attempt to help driver's get their licenses re-instated, the Clerk of Court and Comptroller have been authorized to waive collection agency fees up to 25% when residents pay off their court obligations in full or sign up for a monthly payment plan.
This opportunity is only available from February 28th to March 4th, 8:00am-4:30pm at the Criminal Justice Center, located at 101 Eslinger Way, Sanford, Florida 32773. For more information, click here.
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Resources for Victims of Crime
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The Bureau of Victim Compensation's brochure provides useful information for those within our communities that have fallen victim to such crimes. The resources provided are:
- Toll-Free Victim Services Information and Referral Line 1-800-226-6667
- Benefits Available
- How to Apply
- Qualification Guidelines for Applying
- Information Need to Apply
- Next Steps after a Claim is Submitted
To view the full brochure and get complete information please click here.
Also, to view a list of other resources available to victims of crime please click here.
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New Administrative Orders
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In Re: Judges - Division and Case Assignments
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"You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give."
-Winston Churchill
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Upcoming Events
March 1, 2022 - Start of International Women's History Month
March 13, 2022 - Daylight Savings starts at 2:00am
March 17, 2022 - St. Patrick's Day
March 20, 2022 - Spring Equinox
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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE 1-800-435-7352, WITHIN THE STATE OR ONLINE AT WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. OUR REGISTRATION NUMBER IS 1944.
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