Defendant Support

Our model of defendant support is grounded in our belief that an action is not over until everyone is free of the criminal legal system. Along with our partners and allies, we have built a model of defendant support that brings together remote teams of trusted comrades who feel comfortable and able to provide emotional and informational support to defendants navigating the criminal legal system. Some support team members may have experience as defendants ourselves and can speak from experience. All supporters receive support and training on state-specific criminal procedure. Supporters cannot give legal advice, but can provide clarity around procedure, connect defendants with resources, and be a sounding board for tough decisions. Supporters meet regularly as a team to support each other, troubleshoot issues that come up, and ask their own questions or work through “tricky” cases. 

Support teams generally come together in response to large actions where many activists become court-involved around the same time. Our current model and infrastructure builds on the remote support network developed by the Climate Disobedience Center and No Coal No Gas members to support Water Protectors defending Anishinaabe lands and waterways against Enbridge’s Line3 pipeline. The model continues to support activists who have taken action against fossil fuel infrastructure as well as students, faculty, and community members who have taken action in solidarity with the people of Palestine.

We welcome connections from folks navigating court cases, movement attorneys, and folks interested in either plugging into an existing support team or organizing one in their own community. If you are interested in this work, please contact us.