The Following Self-ADVOCACY Materials are available to be downloaded for free*
Voting Rights While Incarcerated
This info sheet covers all of the relevant information needed to understand voting rights while incarcerated in Pennsylvania prisons and jails. | Spanish (pdf)
Medical Co-Pays in the PA DOC
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has reinstated the $5.00 Medical Co-pay. Here is everything you need to know how these changes will effect you or your loved ones.
Jailhouse lawyer’s handbook 6th Edition, 2021
How to Bring a Federal Lawsuit to Challenge Violations of Your Rights in Prison. This manual provides specific details about fighting violations, general lessons about the criminal justice system, and includes sample pleadings.
Criminal Justice Advocacy & Support Directory
This invaluable 2022-2024 guide lists agencies in PA that serve the needs of prison inmates, inmate families, victims, criminal justice professionals, volunteers, and support persons.
CLEANING UP YOUR CRIMINAL RECORD
This 2018 pamphlet provides information about the “Clean Slate” law which will expand the clearing of criminal records in Pennsylvania.
Prison Rape Elimination Act “PREA” Info Sheet
This document explains the Prison Rape Elimination Act
Rentry and Public Benefits in Pennsylvania
If you are going to be released soon, here is some information on public benefits. Public benefits can help you with your basic needs when you are living in the community.
Prisoners' Rights Handbook
2013 Edition
A guide to correctional law decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States & the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Edited by Angus Love, Esq. Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project and Eva DeLair
Resources and Info For Survivors of Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse
This document outlines your rights and how to take action if you have been the victim of sexual assault in a detention facility.
how to change your name
a self-help guide
Step-by-step instructions to change your name either administratively or through the courts system. Complete with sample pleadings, this guide makes it possible for anyone eligible to legally change their name without a lawyer.
PA DOC LEGAL MAIL:
ATTORNEY INFO
Beginning on April 6, 2019, the DOC will not copy legal mail. This document outlines the new protocols attorneys when sending legal mail to state prisons.
PA DOC LeGAL MAIL:
INFO SHEET
Beginning on April 6, 2019, the DOC will not copy legal mail. This info sheet explains the rights of incarcerated people receiving legal mail in state prisons.
An informational guide to compassionate release in Pennsylvania
This 2014 guide explains the law surrounding compassionate release and provides sample pleadings and additional documents for reference.
*click on the title to view and download the document
To order any of these publications, please write to the office that corresponds with your geographic area in Pennsylvania.
These resources are all available for free thanks to the generous contributions of our supporters. If you are able, please consider making a donation today to help us continue to provide access to these and other legal resources for everyone who need them!