Grant helps non-profit provide legal services to low-income Scott County residents

Shakopee Valley News

For low-income residents, navigating the legal system can be difficult. It takes time, resources and often, funds.

But help is on the way.

Through a federal grant, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services hired a full-time attorney, Kevin Jonassen, to assist victims of crime with civil legal aide in or near Scott County for two years.

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services hired Jonassen specifically for the pilot program, which began in January and is one of only three in the state.

Since then, Jonassen said he has helped nearly 35 victims of crime in Scott County.

“It’s a good step in recognizing that a conviction does not remedy all issues a crime victim faces,” Jonassen said.

Services range from referrals to other programs such as the Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women, administering legal advice, to providing representation for the victim.

The bulk of the work he’s done so far has been advice, Jonassen said, although he is or has represented around 10 clients.

The program is able to assist with reparations, restraining orders, housing issues, ID theft repair, divorces or any issue stemming from being a crime victim.

“It doesn’t have to be a violent crime, or even been reported,” Jonassen said.

The program also works to address barriers that keep victims from turning to the legal system when they have been victimized, such as not being able to find transportation to court or being unable to afford a lawyer.

Once these barriers are acknowledged, they are reported to the Minnesota Office of Justice Programs.

Before working with the Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Jonassen worked in private practice. The goal, however, was to get into public service.

“When this opportunity came up I applied and was fortunate enough to get it,” Jonassen said. “It’s a cool new project, only three in the state and I’m humbled and honored to be a part of it.”

Jonassen’s office hours are every Monday from 9 to 11 a.m. in room 102 of the Scott County Justice Center. Crime victims can also call the Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services intake line at 1-888-575-2954 from 9 to 11:45 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday to see if they qualify for the free legal assistance.

The rest of the week, Jonassen said he is working on cases, meeting with crime victims, or meeting with project partners and community organizations.

Calling the hotline or going to the office hours doesn’t lock a person into anything, Jonassen said — he’s just there to help if the person would like assistance.

“It’s confidential and there’s no commitment,” Jonassen said. “We are trying to give crime victims a voice.”