Over 25 thousand citizens have benefited from state provided free legal assistance this year. The figure reflects the outcome of 11 months performance of Legal Aid Service in 2016.
During 11 months of 2016, Legal Aid Service produced more than 11 thousand cases, out of which 8 thousand cases were of criminal law field, over 1800 cases – civil law, more than 800 cases – administrative law. The LAS lawyers could achieve acquittal on 52 criminal cases – this is 32.9% of the country’s courts cases in total which ended in positive result.
Citizens of Georgia are increasingly applying for legal aid in civil and administrative cases which became available since 2015. In comparison to 2014, the total number of LAS beneficiaries in civil and administrative cases has increased by 16.9%.
Legal Aid Service continues its efforts to increased access to legal aid. In 2016, the Service has set up its 19th office in Sighnaghi. Moreover, asylum seekers were enabled to enjoy legal aid if the case is under court examination and concerns granting asylum or humanitarian status.
With the aim to improve access to legal aid and ensure high quality service, LAS receives support from such international organization as: the European Union, United Nations Development Program and the United States Agency for International Development.
Legal Aid Service is an independent state organization providing citizens with free advocacy service and legal consultations since 2007. The Service is represented in 19 cities of Georgia by its regional offices.