Voices of Justice

Names and identifying details are changed to protect John & Dot’s privacy.

John and Dot had saved up to build their retirement dreams amid the serene beauty of Wisconsin's Northwoods. 

But life took a devastating turn when John was diagnosed with advanced cancer. His focus shifted to securing Dot’s future, ensuring she would have a safe, stable place to live after he passed. John used over $65,000 of their savings to purchase a manufactured home to be installed on their property. 

He trusted the business he hired to complete the work. But instead of providing a home, the company’s owner pocketed the money and left the Meyers with nothing but heartbreak and uncertainty.

A Fight for Justice

John wasn’t alone in his loss. The business owner defrauded many others, leading the District Attorney to pursue criminal charges. But as a victim of crime, John faced an uphill battle. Unlike defendants, crime victims aren’t guaranteed legal representation. Navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system without an advocate seemed insurmountable — until Judicare Legal Aid stepped in.

Judicare’s attorney took on the Meyers’ case, ensuring their voices were heard and their rights as victims were upheld. They fought tirelessly to keep the case from being delayed or dismissed, successfully negotiating a plea agreement that ordered the defendant to pay $65,290 in restitution. The attorney also secured monthly payments of $300, with the remaining balance to be converted into a civil judgment.

John passed away before the case concluded, but he did so knowing Dot wouldn’t be left to shoulder the burden alone.

The Role of Legal Aid in Justice

This story is just one example of the essential role legal aid organizations play in advocating for victims. In a system designed to prioritize defendants and the state, victims often find themselves without the resources or representation they need.

Legal aid attorneys level the playing field, ensuring victims aren’t overlooked. They provide guidance, fight for restitution, and help victims reclaim their dignity and stability. But recent funding cuts — like the 41% reduction to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) — have left organizations like Judicare Legal Aid struggling to meet the needs of those they serve.

Justice: The Opposite of Poverty

John’s story reminds us that the opposite of poverty isn’t wealth — it’s justice (thank you to author Bryan Stevenson for this observation). Justice means ensuring that victims like John and Dot have someone to stand by their side, advocating for their rights and their futures. With justice, Dot will has enough to live on; without justice, she could have been facing poverty.  

During National Poverty Awareness Month, we reflect on the transformative power of legal aid to break the cycle of poverty. It’s not just about resolving legal disputes — it’s about restoring hope, ensuring dignity, and creating a more equitable world.

Join us in supporting civil legal aid. Together, we can make justice accessible to all, because every voice deserves to be heard.