how to get lawyer help in criminal cases

Get Legal Help with a Criminal Law Matter

• Finding a Criminal Law Attorney. If you or a loved one have been arrested or made the subject of a criminal...
• If You Can't Afford a Lawyer. At most steps in the criminal justice process, the U.S. Constitution guarantees the...
• Take the Next Step: Contact a Local Defense Attorney. Getting legal help with a criminal matter early...

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer for my criminal case?

The key to deciding if you need a lawyer is to look at the punishment you'll face if convicted. The harsher the potential punishment, the more important it is that you are represented by counsel.

What do I do if I don't have a lawyer?

Still, whether it's a divorce or you're being taken to court for something else, if you don't have a lawyer, a logical move would be to call the courthouse and ask who they would suggest going to. You think you're the first person who couldn't afford a lawyer?

Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney?

If you've been charged with a crime, you're entering the world of the criminal justice system. In this world, an experienced attorney is critical to help manage your case and obtain the best possible outcome.

How do I get a lawyer for a civil case?

In a civil case, generally described as a dispute between two private parties, to get legal representation, you have to get creative. Here's how to find legal help if you can't afford a lawyer: Contact the city courthouse. Seek free lawyer consultations. Look to legal aid societies. Visit a law school. Contact your county or state bar association.

What to do if you don't have a lawyer?

The first time you go to court, if you do not already have a lawyer, be sure to tell the judge that you cannot afford a lawyer and that you need one. You should NEVER talk about what happened in your case with anyone including the police, a judge, or a prosecutor until you have had a chance to speak to your own lawyer.

What is the National Legal Aid and Defender Association?

The National Legal Aid and Defender Association is an organization of lawyers and other organizations that help people with criminal or civil legal problems. They do not provide direct legal help themselves, but may be able to assist you in finding one.

What are the two types of law?

In the United States the law is generally divided into two categories – criminal and civil . There are Public Defenders or court appointed attorneys in every state and in federal courts that can help people who cannot afford a lawyer and who are charged with serious crimes – usually any case in which you could possibly go to jail.

Is a public defender a legal aid?

Public defenders and court-appointed lawyers are different than legal aid attorneys and in most states they are completely separate organizations. Unfortunately, none of the legal services organizations funded by the Legal Services Corporation can help with criminal cases.

Why do lawyers not give legal advice?

The reason for this is due to special ethical and professional rules that lawyers and those providing legal advice have to follow. In fact, most of them cannot provide actual legal advice. They can only offer free legal information (e.g., where to find a particular court form, etc.). Thus, if an individual needs actual legal advice ...

Who can be appointed as a free legal representative?

In criminal cases, those who cannot afford a lawyer will be appointed a free legal representative by the court. These representatives are usually selected from the local public defender’s office. The main purpose of appointing a public defender is to ensure that people who cannot pay for legal assistance in a criminal case will still receive fair ...

What is a legal clinic?

A legal clinic is a service that allows current law students to gain experience by working on real-life cases under the supervision of a faculty advisor (e.g., usually a law school professor who is also a lawyer).

Who is Jaclyn from LegalMatch?

Prior to joining LegalMatch, Jaclyn was a paralegal and freelance writer.

Can the government refuse to pay for a lawyer?

So long as a person qualifies for free legal representation, the government cannot refuse to pay for their lawyer because it would violate ...

Do lawyers have to discuss fees before hiring?

While each lawyer may have different conditions for this fee arrangement, a person should be sure to discuss all of the terms of the agreement before they hire them. Lastly, though a person may be responsible for minor costs like filing fees or expert witness fees, the outcome may be worth the smaller expenses.

Do lawyers get paid for contingency fees?

On the other hand, if a lawyer has agreed to take a case on a contingency fee basis and they do not prevail, they will be paid nothing for their services.

What to Look for in a Lawyer

Before looking for an attorney, decide what kind you need. Common fields include:

Find Free and Low-Cost Legal Help

These programs offer a variety of ways to get legal aid. Some limit their services to people with low incomes.

Find Legal Resources for Specific Groups

Stateside Legal - Find free legal help for military members, veterans, and their families.

Do you have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

What happens if you can't afford a lawyer?

In a criminal proceeding, if you can't afford legal assistance, a court will appoint an attorney for you. In a civil case, generally described as a dispute between two private parties, to get legal representation, you have to get creative. Here's how to find legal help if you can't afford a lawyer:

What is legal aid?

Legal aid societies are nonprofit organizations found in almost every corner of the country that provide free legal services to low-income people. While this is certainly worth exploring, the problem for many households is that the individual or couple makes too much money to qualify for help.

What does it mean to spend time in court?

And to add fuel to the fire, spending time preparing for a court case can mean losing wages or part of a salary. In short, if you don't have the time to self-educate, and if you can't find enough free legal advice to help you have your day in court, it's a wise decision to seek out a competent attorney.

What time does the Akron Bar Association answer legal questions?

The Akron Bar Association, in Akron, Ohio, is an example of what's out there. You can call the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 9 to 11 a.m., as part of their Ask an Attorney Service, and they'll answer legal questions for free.

What happens if you lose a case?

That is, if you lose your case, you won't pay money, but if you win, the law firm will take a portion of the money awarded to you. However, it's important to tread carefully before picking a lawyer. Choose a reputable attorney and make sure the rate is agreed upon before the lawyer takes your case.

Can a lawyer represent you on contingency?

It's risky for lawyers to take cases on contingency, and they need to be confident a judge or jury will side with you, and that there's going to be something sizable awarded to you. While no legal expert will suggest you represent yourself, it is an option if you're in a financial bind.

Can you go to small claims court after divorce?

For instance, you can't go to small claims court if you're trying to work out your financial affairs after a divorce. But if the stakes are fairly low where someone owes you money or is trying to collect money from you, and it isn't worth risking lawyer fees, you might consider small claims court.

How Do You Know if a Criminal Lawyer Can Help With Your Case?

Many attorneys specialize in specific types of crimes. For example, some may only handle drug charges, violent crimes, federal charges, or sex crimes. By specializing in particular types of cases, a criminal lawyer will have the additional experience and extensive knowledge needed to defend specific charges.

How Can a Criminal Lawyer Help You?

If you’ve been arrested or the victim of criminal activity, you need to find the best criminal defense Austin has to provide. The attorney you choose to defend you will have a significant impact on the outcome of your case.

A criminal defense lawyer can

A criminal lawyer will start by investigating the charges against you, examine or conduct witness statements, and evaluate the evidence that has been collected against you. He will collect any additional information to get a better understanding of the case, including video evidence and social media posts.

Choose the Best Criminal Lawyer in Austin

If you need a criminal lawyer in Austin, Texas, choose a firm that has the expertise you need, with a proven track record. Steven Bowling, DWI, and Criminal Defense Attorneys have three convenient locations to serve you—Austin in Travis County, Georgetown in Williamson County, and San Marcos in Hays County.