Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our legal services, including how to access assistance, eligibility criteria, and the types of cases we handle. This page provides essential information to help you understand how we can support you.
Are there any cases that OTC will not accept?
Domestic violence appropriate cases where the parties were or are intimate partners, as opposed to parent-child cases, those may be appropriate. High-level felonies or felonies where an individual is in custody and a felony hearing has not been run yet, or where the DA’s office objects....
Can Bail Money Be Used To Pay Fines?
Yes, bail money can be used to pay fines. Only the person who posted the bail can ask that the bail money be applied to pay the client’s fine or fee. To do this, the person who posted the bail has to submit a notarized statement to the Court Clerk. You will need to complete…...
Can the Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit represent me on the appeal of my criminal conviction?
The Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit is assigned by the Appellate Division, Fourth Department to represent indigent appellants in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Orleans Counties on direct appeals of their judgments of conviction. To be assigned, the trial attorney representing a criminal defendant in New York State Supreme and County Courts must file a…...
Can you file a CPL § 440.10 motion for me?
Our office may be able to assist you with investigating a CPL § 440.10 motion. Please note that every CPL § 440.10 investigation takes a significant amount of time. If you were convicted in county court or supreme court in Erie, Cattaraugus, Genesee, or Orleans County, write to our office if you would like assistance…...
Can you help me with a DVSJA application?
The Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA) allows for alternative sentencing for individuals who were convicted of a qualifying offense and are serving a sentence in excess or equal to 8 years. DVSJA applications allege that you were the victim of domestic violence and that the domestic violence was a significant contributing factor to why…...
Can you help with appeals to County Court from town, village, city, and justice courts?
If you were sentenced in a town, village, justice, or city court, your appeal will be heard before county court, not the Appellate Division. These types of appeals are considered “local court appeals.” Our office assists clients with local court appeals on assignment from county courts in Cattaraugus, Genesee, Ontario, and Orleans counties. Our office…...
Do I still need to pay rent?
Yes. The legislation did not provide for a rent freeze or forgiveness. The Governor did not stop rent payments. If you do not pay your rent, you are at risk of being evicted once the moratorium ends for all of the months that you did not pay. Communicate with your landlord about your own situation. It…...
How can I help someone who is experiencing prison-related problems?
Unfortunately, LABB is unable to assist with prison-related claims. If you or a family member are experiencing prison-related problems, please contact Prisoners’ Legal Services....
How do a get an attorney for my arraignment?
Every person arrested in the City of Buffalo is represented by an attorney from the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo at their arraignment unless you have hired a private attorney....
How do I complete the program?
Once you have been stabilized and ready to handle your recovery without the help of the program, you will graduate the program and receive a certificate!...
How do I get a lawyer for my Arraignment?
Every person arrested in the City of Buffalo is represented by the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo at their arraignment unless you have hired a private attorney....
How do I get to OTC?
When a case first gets arraigned before any judge in Buffalo City Court, those who meet criteria for OTC will be screened for the court and their cases will be transferred for additional screening to OTC and to see is they wish to voluntarily participate in the program....