Defend · Educate · Liberate

No one should face the power of the government alone.

The Defendant Aid Society is a 501(c)(3) charity and a national network of attorneys, paralegals, and volunteers — standing with defendants, federal inmates, and the families who love them.

I Need Help Support Our Work

“You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man’s freedom.” Clarence Darrow, Trial Attorney

I need help

For inmates, defendants, and their families. Start with a simple request — a real person will follow up, usually within 72 hours. Free and low-cost support is available.

Request Help

I want to help

Your gift funds free legal aid, pro se drafting, and family reconnection. Or volunteer your time and talents to the fight for liberty.

Donate Volunteer

500+

People & families
served since 2019

130+

Federal facilities,
jails & halfway houses

25+ yrs

Of freedom returned
to families

100+

People we’re standing
with right now

Real Cases · Real Outcomes

This is what your support makes possible

Behind every case number is a person, and a family waiting. A few of the people we’ve been privileged to stand beside.

Restitution

A $50,000 head start on a new life

Outcome$50,000 preserved from garnishment as he began home confinement.

Compassionate Release

Home roughly 10 years early

OutcomeFreed after three denials — years early from a 262-month sentence.

Compassionate Release

Out of prison in under a week

OutcomeRelease granted within days for a gravely ill man during COVID.

See more success stories

What We Do

Defend. Educate. Liberate.

Three commitments, one mission: to stand between ordinary people and the overwhelming power of the state.

Defend

For those facing the government

Case reviews, second opinions, document review, paralegal and pro se support, and access to affiliated attorneys for anyone accused or targeted by a government agency.

Learn more →

Educating families and businesses — A presentation at BYU–Idaho.

Educate

Liberty, before trouble starts

Clinics, seminars, and resources teaching individuals, families, and businesses how to protect their rights, prepare in advance, and engage in civic activism.

Learn more →

Liberating the incarcerated — Executive Director Jewel Franklin meets with a client at FPC Englewood.

Liberate

For the incarcerated & their families

FSA & Second Chance Act help, administrative remedies, pro se § 2255 / § 2241 / § 3582 support, and our free Inmate Support service connecting families across the wall.

Learn more →

A Smarter Way to Help More People

Real people, supported by smart tools

With more than 100 people in our care at any time, every minute counts. We use AI tools to handle first-touch questions, intake screening, and routine communication — so our small professional staff can focus where it matters most: real legal work.

A friendly assistant answers basic questions any time of day
Every request is logged and reviewed by a real human volunteer
All legal work is done by professional staff — never automated
You always end up talking with a real person who cares about your case

For the safety of our volunteers, our team members communicate using protective first names. You are always speaking with a real, dedicated member of the DAS team.

See How It Works

News & Updates