Equal Justice Under Law - Washington, DC

Ending Wealth-Based Inequality in the Justice System

Equal Justice Under Law is a prominent non-profit law firm based in Washington, DC, dedicated to a singular, powerful mission: ending wealth-based inequality in the American criminal justice system. Founded in 2014, the organization operates on the principle that the quality of justice a person receives should not depend on how much money they have. Through aggressive impact litigation, class action lawsuits, and public outreach, the firm challenges systemic injustices that disproportionately affect the poor.

Unlike traditional private practice firms, Equal Justice Under Law focuses on high-level civil rights cases that seek to overturn unconstitutional practices. Their work has garnered national attention for tackling issues such as money bail, which keeps indigent defendants in jail simply because they cannot afford freedom, and debtors' prisons, where individuals are incarcerated for failure to pay fines and fees. By holding government officials accountable and setting legal precedents, they strive to create a legal system that is truly equal for all. ⚖️

Challenging the Money Bail System

One of the organization's core initiatives is the dismantling of the money bail system. Equal Justice Under Law argues that detaining individuals prior to trial solely due to their poverty is a violation of the Equal Protection Clause. They have filed numerous lawsuits across the country to end the use of secured cash bail, advocating instead for release conditions that do not depend on a defendant's bank account. Their victories in this arena have helped to free thousands of people and spur legislative reform in multiple states.

Ending License Suspensions and Fees

The firm also fights against the widespread practice of suspending driver's licenses for unpaid court debt. For many low-income Americans, a driver's license is essential for employment and daily life. Losing it creates a cycle of poverty and criminalization. Equal Justice Under Law litigates to restore these licenses and stop the imposition of exorbitant expungement fees and "pay-to-stay" charges that burden those trying to rebuild their lives. Their work addresses the criminalization of poverty at its root.

Impact Litigation and Pro Bono Work

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Equal Justice Under Law provides its services pro bono to the classes of people they represent. They do not charge their clients. Instead, they rely on grants and donations to fund their critical work. While they do not typically handle individual criminal defense cases like a standard public defender (such as a single DUI or theft charge), their class action suits benefit thousands of individuals facing similar constitutional violations. 💸

No human being should be kept in a cage because they cannot make a payment. Equal Justice Under Law fights to ensure that the Constitution applies to everyone, regardless of their wealth.

Location and Contact

Located in the heart of Penn Quarter, the firm is positioned near the centers of power in Washington, DC. While they are not a walk-in legal clinic for general advice, they are a vital resource for understanding civil rights and systemic reform. If you are looking to support a cause that fights for the underdog or if you believe you are a victim of a systemic injustice they litigate, they are a key organization in the District.

• Civil Rights: Protecting constitutional rights against government overreach.
• Criminal Justice Reform: Fighting abusive probation and mandatory minimums.
• Economic Justice: Opposing wealth-based detention and discriminatory fines.