2006-12-05 11:23:23 · 6 answers · asked by me 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Occasionally, they will accept a pro bono case if it's really worthwhile, like someone being railroaded, and not just some jerk whining about a DUI or reckless driving.
Most good lawyers are very busy, however, and don't have time for pro bono cases. A good lawyer charges $1000.00 to glance over your paperwork, and 5K as a retainer, or more, depending on the case. They can make 100s of thousands on one case.
So, to waste their time for no money, the pro bono case would have to be an exceptional case, with either some great injustice, or the possibility of national publicity for them, or both. And there aren't a lot of cases that interesting, in the eyes of the law.
Some organizations will do cases pro bono that are gross violations of Const. or civil rights, but they also have to be very choosy, because everyone that gets arrested feels their rights have been violated.
Good luck to you.
2006-12-05 11:43:06 · answer #1 · answered by His Old Lady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask. But lawyers are people; they live, they eat, they deserve to get paid. If your case is high profile, some private attorneys might take your case for free for the publicity of it all. But that's unlikely You're entitled to competent free counsel if you're charged with a crime that involves the actual possibility of imprisonment. Generally, PDs are better than you think because they're in the system, they know the players, and they can get you a good deal. If you get free criminal defense help from the private sector, that will generally be younger attorneys who are doing it for the experience (and may not be seasoned in criminal law) or people doing it for the publicity. The Johnny Cochranes of the world don't come cheap. Neither do their local equivalents.
2006-12-05 19:28:20 · answer #2 · answered by Perdendosi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good lawyers handle criminal cases for free all the time. Through a court appointment. Most court appointed lawyers have private practices and the court contracts with them for a fee. So, do your homework before you go asking questions which will offend the very people from whom you seek help.
Besides, if you are in trouble or in jail and you are broke, count your blessings that anyone is available to help you, at all.
2006-12-05 19:28:38 · answer #3 · answered by Liligirl 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Careful here... Most local court appointed attorneys have lunch BBQ's and evening drinks with the judges and prosecutors. the larger percentage of death row inmates now deceased had court appointed attorneys, and they are finding since DNA was invented that one in ten were actually innocent. No magic bullets here, unless your name is O.J.
2006-12-05 19:45:03 · answer #4 · answered by Gunny T 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, for free you get what you deserve, a free lawyer.
2006-12-05 19:25:55 · answer #5 · answered by Yo it's Me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm...a black man who is in trouble with the law and can't afford a lawyer. Gee, what a surpise!
2006-12-05 20:21:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋