Can someone advise as to a free/low cost criminal legal aid/attorney for a misdemeanor offense?

Question

I am in legal trouble for a class 1 misdemeanor/ no victim involved. I was granted a public pretender who was unwilling to advance a valid defense in my behalf and only pushed for an expedited case through plea bargain. Now things have snowballed and I stand to go to jail which will cause me to lose my home, job, vehicle, community credibility, etc. I cannot find any REAL and ACTUAL local legal aid. I am not wealthy and have already spent all my savings and more on fines, etc. This is a nonviolent crime involving simple possession of about $2 worth of pot. The courts have lawyers and I don't. This doesn't seem like justice to me. I can't even get the public defender to listen or validate my side of this matter. I am being pushed along and can't seem to stop this now. Help please. Don't lecture me about pot, I need help, not sarcasm. Thank you

Answer 1

wow, i find this hard to imagine - how can such a small amount of weed carry likely jail time - i don't get it.

that said, just go online and do some research and find a lawyer service - they are out there and some are very good and very smart.

usually these guys will give you a free consultation - basically a free hour of time where you can explain your entire situation and they can try to win you as a client.

a friend of mine used one of these services to find a local attorney who he was able to pay in installments. the whole cost ended up being about $2500.00 - paid in installments of about $750.00. this guy totally got the job done and my friend got a continuance without a finding - meaning that if he stays out of trouble while he's on probation, he will not have a criminal record after his probation is up.

the whole thing came down to getting some continuances and then having the case pled before a judge that this attorney knew would be sympathetic.

go and talk to some lawyers, they will at least give you a consult for free and find someone who can get the job done.

also, start seeing a therapist - don't even ask why, just do it - it helped my friend.

good luck - the law can be brainless at times...

Answer 2

Try calling the United Way, I don't know if where you are they have a legal aid agency, but, it's worth a try. They may not take these kinds of cases as many agencies of the United Way are hurting for $$$.
Holy Cow, Can I ask what state you are in? This seems pretty severe for that small of an amount. I'm assuming it is a small amount, considering what you hear on the news that they arrest people with. They must not have problems with prison overcrowding.
If all else fails, I would tell that court, that your appointed attorney is not following your wishes and that you do not wish to plea bargain. I would very respectfully!!!!!!! request another attorney.

That would be a severe penalty to loose your home, car and so on. Is it possible, since it's a non-victim crime, to get work release?

PS
That was an excellent suggestion, Gracie

Answer 3

I've been doing background checks and records searches online for years, as it is part of my business. I am a former detective, and currently a professional private investigator by trade. What I can tell you is this: You cannot obtain these records for free. You simply cannot. For every service provided online, there is typically either a one time cost, or a fee you pay every single month. Some services are better than others.

Some more expensive, some less. In my line of work, I am signed up for a service where I am billed monthly. However, if you are just the average person needing information on a particular person or property, I would suggest http://www.echeck.pcti-system.com ... For a one time fee, they are by far the best, cheapest, and most thorough service available. If you are strictly in business like myself, and don't mind being billed automatically every single month, I would recommend E-Verify or Inteligator.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Contact your state's Bar Association. In almost every state attorneys are required to complete a certain # of ProBono hours each year. (40 hours in Arkansas.) Also, just because you THINK you have a valid defense, it may not legally be a defense at all.

Answer 6

Criminal Record Search Database : http://www.SearchVerifyInfos.com/Help

Answer 7

See if there is a local law school in your area. They may have legal clinics.

Answer 8

You can ask for a court appointed att. They tell you when they read you your rights.