First Defense Legal Aid (FDLA) is a brand committed to providing legal aid and support to individuals who have been arrested or detained by the Chicago police. Since its inception in 1995, FDLA has been at the forefront of mobilizing lawyers and members of overpoliced communities to address the gaps in public defense and create alternate solutions to the criminal system. One of FDLA's primary services is its 24/7 Help Not Jail program, which aims to connect callers with resources that can help them avoid arrest or unnecessary interactions with the police.

Additionally, FDLA offers Know Your Rights peer trainings, educational materials, and an in-house Civil Rights Legal Aid Program. The organization also engages in ongoing policy advocacy to safeguard the civil and human rights of individuals detained by the police. FDLA's dedication to fairness, dignity, liberation, and accountability serves as the foundation for its work.

By striving for a just and equitable society, respecting the diversity of individuals, fighting for human rights and racial justice, and upholding the integrity of their mission, FDLA is dedicated to creating positive change in Chicago and beyond. For more information about their various programs and services, please visit their website or contact them directly