Justice Reach, a new web-based tool from Charleston attorney Olubunmi “Bunmi” Kusimo-Frazier, is taking aim at the problem of legal deserts by offering step-by-step, plain-language information about criminal charges, rights and court processes in West Virginia. The app is in a research beta and is free to use through Sept. 30, 2026.
The initiative targets what the American Bar Association identifies as a widespread challenge across the state: more than half of West Virginia’s 55 counties qualify as “legal deserts,” areas with fewer than one attorney per 1,000 residents. For people facing criminal allegations or trying to help a family member navigate an arrest, basic information can be hard to find, inconsistent or buried in legal jargon.
“People really don’t understand just the basic fundamentals,” Kusimo said, pointing to situations where a child is removed from a home or a loved one is arrested. “You’re trying to navigate a system that you don’t understand.”
Plain language, not legal advice
Kusimo-Frazier’s approach is focused on legal education, not representation. While the tool uses artificial intelligence to guide users through structured pathways, it does not interpret the law, provide personalized legal advice or create an attorney–client relationship. The project is connected to the Kusimo-Frazier Law Firm but stands apart from legal counsel.
That distinction is central to the design. Unlike generative AI platforms that sometimes produce speculative or inaccurate responses, the app keeps to verified, procedural information and practical explanations—what to expect next, which options typically exist at different stages, and how to locate and understand forms and processes. The goal is to equip people with fundamentals before they talk to a lawyer, appear in court or make time-sensitive decisions.
What the app offers
Justice Reach is designed for users in crisis and for those planning ahead. It sets out concrete next steps in plain language and emphasises clarity over complexity.
- Step-by-step explanations of criminal procedure and common decision points.
- Definitions of key terms, such as bond and release conditions, in accessible language.
- Guidance on where to go and whom to contact during the first hours and days after an arrest.
- Always-on access so families can find information at any hour.
Kusimo-Frazier says the tool is built to serve people whether they are dealing with an immediate emergency or trying to learn the basics before a problem arises.
“People need the basics,” she said. “You need to know what bond is if your son is arrested so you can go bond him out. You need to know where to go to get him bonded out.”
Why legal literacy matters
Legal deserts affect more than professional capacity; they shape how families experience the justice system. In counties with few lawyers, people may face long travel times, fewer choices for counsel and limited access to in-person legal education. When procedures are unfamiliar, even routine steps—such as understanding charging documents, court dates or release conditions—can feel overwhelming. Tools that offer consistent, plain-language guidance can help users avoid common pitfalls and prepare better questions for a lawyer or a court official.
Justice Reach positions itself as a practical bridge. It does not replace legal advice but aims to reduce confusion so that when users do connect with a lawyer or appear before a judge, they have a clearer sense of what is happening and why. That can be especially important in the early stages of a case, when timelines are tight and choices—made without context—can have long-term consequences.
Key details at a glance
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| State context | West Virginia |
| Total counties | 55 |
| ‘Legal desert’ threshold | Fewer than 1 attorney per 1,000 residents |
| Availability | Free research beta until Sept. 30, 2026 |
| Scope | Plain-language information on criminal charges, rights, and next steps |
| Not provided | Legal advice, legal interpretations, or attorney–client relationship |
How this fits a wider trend
While focused on West Virginia, the effort reflects a broader turn toward education-first, technology-enabled tools meant to demystify complex systems. The emphasis on clarity, guardrails against overreach and 24/7 access is consistent with how educators and advocates increasingly deliver foundational information—especially in regions where professional services are scarce.
For students of law, social work and criminal justice, the app’s structure presents an example of how to translate statutes and procedures into everyday language without straying into advice. For families, it offers a starting point to understand terms, timelines and options before taking the next step with a qualified professional.
Justice Reach underscores a simple premise: when people grasp the basics, they can make more informed decisions. In areas marked by lawyer shortages and long distances to services, a plain-language guide available any time may not solve every barrier, but it can make the first, hardest hours a little clearer.
