I am a single father, college student that need responsible and professional legal representation is a criminal matter. Its an easy case, to me at least, but I lack the legal knowledge to represent myself to a judge/jury. How can I request/beg/barter for legal representation "pro bono" in the state of New Jersey.
2006-07-30 13:15:47 · 7 answers · asked by dorianmw 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Just ask them. The worst they can do is say no.
2006-07-30 13:21:46 · answer #1 · answered by cognitively_dislocated 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would be surprised how possible it is to get your way in court "pro se". Assuming that the case is an easy one as you say. I've represented myself many times and succeeded... Try using http://www.Lawguru.com http://www.Law.com http://www.JurisDictionary.com http://www.LexisNexus.com - this one can help you get some case law on the subject. If its a criminal matter, Felony or Misdemeanor.... I believe that you can prevail... Chances of finding a pro bono lawyer - I don't know, a decent possibility is talk to a college law school professor or Dean of Law, etc... E-M me, I may have a perfect defense, based on the details... Check out the County or City website where your case jurisdiction will be heard, You may get an idea or two from there. The legal aide people, generally want to see your tax returns, employment details, etc. and they are limited to the scope and type of cases they will take on. Generally lawyers take on pro bono cases in Landlord/Tenant situation (indigent) If you qualify and were arrested, you can ask for or be assigned a public defender- you may have to qualify financially for that too. There are many variables... some are ... is it State vs. You ... an Individual vs. You, a Company vs. You...
2006-07-30 21:08:21 · answer #2 · answered by ••Mott•• 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are charged with a crime, and jail is a possibility, then most states require the court to appoint you an attorney if you can't afford one. If you don't believe you can afford one, then contact the clerk of the court where you are charged and ask them to supply you with the necessary forms to fill out. You will have to list your assets and income to determine if you qualify. Most judges would rather have someone have a free lawyer than try and defend themselves. Pro-se defendants create unnecessary chaos in a criminal court (intentional and otherwise).
I apologize if I seem to be harping on you, but I will say this here just to get this off my chest.
I get so tired of people coming on here, (and into my office, etc) expecting my collegues and I to defend them and give them advice for free. Most attorneys have been to school at LEAST 7 years, and guess what...the government does not pay for school for most of us. We paid for it either with loans or out of our pocket. In addition, we have continuing education requirements which are NOT cheap.
Criminal defense is a specialty area. Although any attorney has had the basics of criminal procedure, relatively few choose to do any significant practice in the area, due to its complexity. Some of the best criminal defense attorneys I know are public defenders. These men and women try very hard to give their clients the best possible representation, often to have scorn heaped upon them when they don't miraculously spring their client.. (who just happens to be guilty). If the state has a solid case, and there are no technical issues involved, NO attorney is going to be able to just waltz into court and obtain an aquittal. Even in one of the most celebrated cases, (People of California v. O.J. Simpson), the defense won less because of their brillance, but because the prosecution was ... incompetent...at best.
Ok.. I am off my soapbox now. Go and apply for a public defender, and be glad you are in a country that believes that lawyers should be available for everyone in a criminal proceeding.
2006-07-30 21:43:54 · answer #3 · answered by Phil R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
look in the phone book. They have these HUGE ads that will say 'no fee UNLESS you win' also try a web search for 'free legal services' in your area. Or simply "free legal" might do it. Or try "low income legal serives" Keep searching, changing words ect. Ask neigbors, police, the town hall - not everyone will be willing to help you so keep going till you get an answer
In my state(Maine) we have Pine Tree Legal that represents low income.
2006-07-30 20:24:38 · answer #4 · answered by helpme1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the Court determines if u qualify for free legal help. its called a public defender, if you had your rights read to ya you know that, only recourse u have, you can't go lawyer shopping without money, have to let the courts pick one, and as bad as that sounds, most public defenders give 100% in the cases they deal with.
2006-07-30 20:23:25 · answer #5 · answered by DAVID L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try legal aide
2006-07-30 20:17:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can ask, but I don't think they'll tell.
2006-07-30 20:17:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋