# Can the government help me sue a local public facility if I'm too poor to afford a lawyer? - Jurisdiction: United States - Practice area: Small Claims Law - Published: 2026-10-31 - Last updated: 2026-10-31 - Canonical: https://lawasked.com/us/small-claims/can-government-help-me-sue-local-public-facility ## Question I live in Georgia and I am facing a really difficult situation regarding my rights. About three months ago, in early January, I tried to use the local municipal swimming complex owned by my county. When I showed up with my family, the manager told me that people of my national origin aren't allowed in that specific area of the facility during certain hours, even though I have a valid membership that cost me $150. I tried talking to the supervisor and even sent a formal written complaint to the city council last month, but they just ignored me and nothing has changed. I want to fight this and make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else, but I am currently unemployed and have less than $50 in my bank account. I can't afford to pay a private lawyer thousands of dollars to take this to court, and I am honestly terrified that if I make a big scene, I might lose my chance at getting a new job in this small town. Is there any way the federal government or the Attorney General can step in and file a lawsuit on my behalf if I can't afford to pay for a legal team myself? ## Summary Yes, the Attorney General may be able to file a lawsuit for you. Under federal law, the government can step in if you are being denied equal use of a public facility based on your national origin and cannot afford a lawyer or fear for your job. ## Analysis Based on the situation you described at the municipal swimming complex, you may qualify for help from the federal government. Under 42 U.S.C. § 2000b, the Attorney General has the authority to take legal action if they receive a written complaint from someone being denied equal use of a public facility owned by a local government due to their national origin [1]. Because you are currently unemployed with less than $50 in your bank account and are worried about your future employment in a small town, you meet specific criteria for government assistance. The law states that the Attorney General may consider a person unable to handle a case if they are "unable, either directly or through other interested persons or organizations, to bear the expense of the litigation or to obtain effective legal representation; or whenever he is satisfied that the institution of such litigation would jeopardize the personal safety, employment, or economic standing of such person or persons, their families, or their property" [1]. This means the government can step in if you cannot afford the costs or if suing might hurt your ability to get a job. For the Attorney General to actually start the lawsuit, they must believe your complaint is "meritorious" (meaning it has legal merit) and certify that the lawsuit will "materially further the orderly progress of desegregation in public facilities" [1]. It is uncertain whether the Attorney General will decide your specific case meets the threshold of "materially furthering desegregation" or if they will deem your complaint meritorious enough to pursue. The decision to intervene is at the discretion of the Attorney General. ## Statutory citations - Civil Rights Act & Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 2000b - Civil actions by the Attorney General [in force] (https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section2000b) > Whenever the Attorney General receives a complaint in writing signed by an individual to the effect that he is being deprived of or threatened with the loss of his right to the equal protection of the laws, on account of his race, color, religion, or national origin, by being denied equal utilization of any public facility which is owned, operated, or managed by or on behalf of any State or subdivision thereof... the Attorney General is authorized to institute for or in the name of the United States a civil action - Civil Rights Act & Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 2000b - Civil actions by the Attorney General [in force] (https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section2000b) > The Attorney General may deem a person or persons unable to initiate and maintain appropriate legal proceedings... when such person or persons are unable... to bear the expense of the litigation... or whenever he is satisfied that the institution of such litigation would jeopardize the personal safety, employment, or economic standing of such person or persons --- General information only, not legal advice. See https://lawasked.com/disclaimer