What To Do When You Can’t Afford a Lawyer

Anybody who’s ever watched a police drama has probably heard about Miranda Rights. They state that a defendant in a criminal trial has the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney represent them. It also reassures them that if they can’t pay for an attorney, a public defender will represent them at no cost to them.

This raises an interesting question, though. What do you do if you can’t afford a lawyer in a non-criminal case? Are there ways around it?

It turns out that you have a few different options. We’ll talk more about them in the paragraphs below.

1. Pro Bono Attorneys

Even outside of criminal trials, there are attorneys who work for free. These attorneys work pro bono, a Latin term which refers to public service or resources. Sweetlaw.com explains pro-bono lawyers and legal fees in more detail.

There are a few different types of pro bono attorneys. Some don’t charge any fees while others will only charge fees if you win the case. These charges are called contingency fees and usually amount to a small percentage of your winnings.

Keep in mind that many pro bono lawyers and organizations won’t take clients unless they fall below a certain income level. This helps to ensure that people don’t take advantage of the services if they don’t need them.

2. Legal Clinics

You might also consider visiting a legal clinic if you can’t afford a lawyer. These clinics don’t provide legal services themselves, but they do offer legal resources and advice so that their clients can find the best lawyer for their needs.

Keep in mind that these lawyers also have income requirements to ensure that you’re not taking advantage. It’s also important to note that these clinics will direct you to lawyers registered with them.

One thing to know about legal clinics is that they’re run by law schools. The lawyers there are professionals, but one of their main purposes is to be a resource for law students.

3. Consultations

Many law firms offer free consultations, which means that you can see a lawyer briefly to get advice on your situation. Consultations are, by definition, a one-time occurrence. They will not assign you a lawyer, and they won’t keep advising you as your case progresses.

What they can do is advise you on how to move forward in the early stages of a case. They can talk to you about what has worked in the past for people in your situation and what you should avoid.

What to do When You Can’t Afford a Lawyer

Handling legal issues is tough, especially when you can’t afford a lawyer. The good news is that there are ways to get legal counsel even if you can’t pay for a lawyer.

We’ve discussed a few of your options in this article, but there’s plenty of other legal information that we didn’t have time to cover.

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