The G20 Legal Defence Fund has reopened for its second application round and is now accepting applications for requests for financial assistance from G20 defendants, both current and past. If you have incurred legal or associated costs as a result of criminal charges you faced following the G20 in Toronto, please consider applying for assistance from the Fund. If you previously applied to the Fund, you can reapply for costs that may not have been covered in the first round.

ABOUT THE FUND:
The G20 Legal Defense Fund exists to hold and give out funds raised to support the legal defence of people facing charges stemming from the June 2010 Toronto G20 Summit – this includes legal fees for criminal charges, bail hearings, bail variations, trial preparation, pre-trial meetings, constitutional motions, trial preparation, legal fees for G20-related immigration and child custody issues, and travel costs.

We believe that building movements where we support each other strengthens the struggle for social justice. The fund is run based on the following principles:

1. All accused are presumed innocent.
2. No discrimination against accused people based on their charges, or on the outcome of their charges.
3. Money will be disbursed based on the criteria of risk, and financial need, with the recognition that some groups face oppression, prejudice, and disproportionate challenges when engaging with the criminal justice system.

ABOUT APPLYING:
The application form and submission instructions are available at:

http://g20legaldefencefund.wordpress.com

All applications will be kept completely confidential.
If you have legal aid, you can still apply but your need for funds will be less, so your application will be considered taking that into account.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
The application and all supporting documentation must be received by JUNE 1, 2011.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION:
The application form and all supporting documentation must be mailed (fax and email submissions will not be accepted) to the following address:
G20 Legal Defence Fund
c/o Paul Copeland
Copeland Duncan
31 Prince Arthur Ave
Toronto, ON M5R 1B2

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
If you have any questions or would like any additional information please email us at g20legaldefencefund@gmail.com

TO HELP OUT:
Many individuals and organizations have put countless hours into raising money for the Legal Defence Fund. If you can help out, please email the Community Solidarity Network Fundraising Committee at: events.g20solidarity@gmail.com.

To donate directly to the Fund, you can make a cheque out to “G20 Legal Defence Fund” and mail it to:

G20 Legal Defence Fund
c/o Paul Copeland
Copeland Duncan
31 Prince Arthur Avenue
Toronto, ON M5R 1B2