UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO WE ACCEPT COMPLAINTS DELIVERED IN-PERSON BY COMPLAINANTS or COMPLAINANTS DESIGNEE.
ALL WALK-IN(s) ARE PROHIBITED (NOT ALLOWED).

Our form of advocacy assistance takes place in 1 of 4 ways:

  • Public Policy/Campaigns
  • Outreach/Education/Awareness
  • Public Relations/Communications
  • Litigation (our means of last resort)

To inquire about receiving assistance from the ACLU of Missouri, please complete the web form above and press “submit”  It is important that you do not send us documentation or legal papers because we cannot guarantee their return. If we need more information, we will contact you. 

 

FILE A COMPLAINT HERE 
 

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO WE ACCEPT COMPLAINTS DELIVERED IN-PERSON BY COMPLAINANTS or COMPLAINANTS DESIGNEE.
ALL WALK-IN(s) ARE PROHIBITED (NOT ALLOWED).

Note: If your issue does not originate in the state of Missouri, please consult the ACLU's affiliate directory.

Because the ACLU of Missouri is a private and non-profit organization with limited resources, we can accept only a small percentage of the very large number of matters brought to our attention. Please note that our provision of information regarding legal intake does not mean that we will be able to assist you in your particular situation or represent you.

How Do We Choose Cases?

The ACLU of Missouri is a public-interest law firm that principally addresses issues arising only in Missouri that involve challenges to a government law, policy or practice affecting the constitutional rights – that is, the civil liberties and civil rights – of a significant number of people. Almost all of our cases involve constitutional issues, and because the United States Constitution and Missouri Constitution protect only against unlawful government action, we rarely take on disputes involving private companies.

Generally, the ACLU of Missouri only takes on issues that can affect a large number of people, either directly or by setting a legal precedent. We are especially interested in issues that may break new ground in interpreting constitutional rights. 

 

Issues that the ACLU of Missouri Generally Does NOT Accept

  • individual criminal defense;
  • complaints about an individual's attorney in a criminal case;
  • claims of innocence by prisoners;
  • individual employment disputes;
  • disputes involving private companies;
  • landlord-tenant disputes;
  • obtaining green cards/visas for immigrants;
  • and only monetary damages.

When will the ACLU Respond? 

The ACLU of Missouri reviews complaints on a regular basis. The average response time for complaints submitted online is 8 to 10 weeks (Non-COVID 19 environment 6-8); the average response time for complaints submitted by U.S. Mail from prisons and jails is 10-12 weeks (Non-COVID 19 environment 8-10 weeks). However, additional time may be required. Please do not call to check on the status of your complaint until at least 6 weeks after it was submitted.