Dear Friend,

I wish our inaugural newsletter were sent under different circumstances, yet I am inspired during this difficult time by the work our dedicated Queens Defenders staff members are doing every day throughout the borough in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since day one of this crisis, our 200 criminal defense, family court and immigration attorneys, social workers, legal assistants, support staff, investigators, and community outreach professionals have continued to fight for justice every day for every client. And our dedicated operations and technology staff have made this work possible by creating a virtual workplace where we continue to appear in court, conduct arraignments, help our clients, and work together to achieve favorable results for all, one client at a time.

Below you will read examples of how these efforts are paying off for our clients and the communities we serve. 

Our workplaces and roles have changed dramatically as a result of COVID-19 but our dedication, heart, and commitment to justice every day for every client remains strong. We will get through this pandemic, that is certain. Until we do, you and your families can count on Queens Defenders to get your back and ensure your rights are protected.

Sincerely,

Lori Zeno, Esq.
Founder & Executive Director

Queens Defenders COVID-19 Emergency Helpline:
(800)589-1035

Queens Defenders Legal Helpline:
(844)QueensD (783-3673)

Queens Defenders Domestic Violence Helpline:
(888)377-DOVE (377-3683)

queensdefenders.org

Securing Release for Our Most Vulnerable Clients

84 eligible and at-risk clients have been released from prison - a figure that increases every day - and we have identified 125 more for whom we are fighting to obtain release. These individuals include persons over age 50, those with chronic health issues, those serving a sentence of a year or less, those who are incarcerated on a parole violation hold for a misdemeanor and bail of $1 or less, and other factors.

Starting from a list of over 30,000 clients we represent, our team worked tirelessly to identify 200 individuals who are incarcerated and eligible for compassionate release. This group is at high risk of developing the most significant complications if they contracted COVID-19 and many are held because they simply could not pay bail at their arraignment. We continue to work closely with Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Citywide and Statewide bar associations, the Chief Defenders Association of New York, and other partners to secure release for every eligible Queens Defenders client. 

Supporting Our Communities

58 households in the Rockaways and other southeast Queens communities have received groceries and other essentials every week. Our staff are purchasing and delivering emergency supplies to elderly residents, families identified by the NYPD 101 and 103 Precincts who have experienced domestic violence, immigrant families who do not have food, and NYCHA residents in the Rockaways. And our Young Adult Leaders from the Rockaways Justice Center are contributing to the local COVID-19 response by making masks to donate to St. John’s Hospital in Far Rockaway and to send to our clients who are currently incarcerated.

Like past disasters, the COVID-19 crisis has illuminated the tremendous inequality and lack of access to support services experienced by our borough’s most underserved communities. And like previous crises, Queens Defenders remains fully committed to our clients and the communities we serve by meeting the borough’s most crucial needs as they emerge. 

Helping Clients Who Are Incarcerated Stay Healthy

We are working in close partnership with elected officials to convince the Department of Corrections to let us send packages with protective gloves, masks, and other sanitary items to our clients who are incarcerated and not eligible for release. Further, we are advocating for the City to open currently unused facilities on Rikers Island to facilitate social distancing to keep people healthy and safe.

They are at a significant risk of contracting COVID-19 in crowded cell blocks where this virus is spreading like wildfire.  

You can help us succeed in this effort by contacting your New York City Council Member and telling them, “the DOC needs to allow individuals who are incarcerated access to basic safety and hygiene supplies like masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves.”

How You Can Help

Donate: Your tax-deductible contribution will help us purchase groceries and other essential items for people and families impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. 

Click here to make a donation and support our work.

Connect: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn and help spread the word and visit queensdefenders.org to learn more about our work.