Defendant Aid Society

The Defendant Aid Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves individuals and families who find themselves facing the government in a court of law, or from behind prison walls.

We also teach and prepare citizens how to avoid overzealous regulators and government prosecutors.

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The Defendant Aid Society (D.A.S.) is comprised of a national network of lawyers, legal para-professionals, citizen volunteers, clients and supporters. All of these individuals work together to provide legal help. We zealously advocate for liberty and justice – particularly for those facing the overwhelming force of government.

Jewel K.S. Franklin founded D.A.S. in 2019, after her husband was unjustly imprisoned for 14 years. This took place after they had fought the case successfully for years, and a federal judge dismissed the whole case, confirming that it had been crafted by federal prosecutors engaged in a widespread pattern of constitutional and ethical misconduct.

Jewel and her husband are long-time advocates for liberty, as teachers and activists. Working with a close group of attorneys, politicians, community leaders and citizen activists, by the time of her husband’s incarceration they had already accomplished several significant legal victories on behalf of individuals who stood up against government persecution and abuse.

In 2019, with the encouragement of her husband and longtime friend and attorney Marcus R. Mumford, Jewel formally organized the Defendant Aid Society as a small network of attorneys, political leaders and activists – who understand a key principle often overlooked by average Americans. What is this principle? Freedom is under concerted attack in America, and it is only in America’s courtrooms – not her legislative halls or executive offices – that each citizen must ultimately be prepared to stand and defend his or her freedom.

For all the talk that politics and elections creates; at the end of every law – is the force of government. This force, by design, is tried and tested in courts. But, average Americans have long neglected the courts, and failed to gain an understanding of court rules, process – and most tragically the law itself. By the time an average citizen finds himself or herself in a courtroom (or has a friend or family member in that circumstance) surrender and compromise is often the only plausible path forward. The result is injustice.

When a person reaches the point where fighting – for rights, for liberty, for fairness – is their best path forward, it is a lonely place. There are simply not many resources in America that still support fighting and passionate defense in the legal system. For those who find themselves – willing and needing to fight – the Defendant Aid Society is willing to help.

Our work is on both sides of the legal fence. First, we teach and train individuals, families, and businessmen to avoid legal problems (including overzealous regulators and prosecutors). Second, we provide legal help and advocate for those who honestly and fairly need a defense. Finally, provide legal help to those who are imprisoned. We also support the family and friends of those in jails and prisons.

Faith-based Principles

D.A.S. serves individuals and families of all backgrounds and faiths. Our service is guided by the faith-based principles taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are not formally associated with The Church or any religious organization. D.A.S. leaders, attorneys, activists and volunteers come from several different faith traditions and beliefs. Nevertheless, the founding faith-based principles that motivate our charity are Christian in nature, and our pro-liberty aspirations come from the tenants and doctrine held by Latter-day Saints.

In speaking of spiritual truths, the Apostle Paul referenced “the glorious liberty of the children of God.” Rom. 8:21 (KJV). Latter-day Saints hold that spiritual freedom is also related to temporal life. “The law of the land which is constitutional, supporting the principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind and is justified before me.” D&C 98:5. Indeed it is a central matter of doctrine to Latter-day Saints that God himself “raised up” the cause of freedom in America and “established the Constitution” for the “rights and protection of all” men and women. D&C 101:80 (77).

For us, fighting for the just cause of freedom – including for those imprisoned – is as fundamental as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and administering to the sick and afflicted. See Jacob 2:19. Thus, where possible our services are free. In all cases, where payment of fees are necessary, they are minimal and substantially discounted.

Volunteers perform the vast majority of D.A.S. service and we are always looking for others who are interested and willing to join with us.