If i can't afford a lawyer and i'm not eligible for a public defender due to income and assets.. what are my options? my probably cause hearing is coming up and i don't know what i'm going to do... a couple lawyers suggested that i come up with half and they'll give me a couple months to finance the rest.. but i won't be able to come up with that much money in time...
2007-05-16 02:34:56 · 4 answers · asked by anonymous001 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I think you can defend yourself.
Although, if you'd like to see a favorable outcome to the case, I'd suggest you sell some of your assets or work very hard at saving as much of your income as possible.
Look at it this way: what will it cost you if the court's decision is NOT in your favor? Huge fines? Jail time? Both of those will only worsen your financial situation. I'd do everything in my power to get a lawyer. Even if the decision isn't in your favor, a lawyer will still be able to help negotiate a better sentence for you.
2007-05-16 02:43:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Probable cause hearing? Are you sure that is what it is? If so, then you shouldn't have to pay for an attorney. If you are being prosecuted for a crime, then you have a RIGHT to an attorney. Call the court and ask for one. Either your income and assets mean you CAN afford one, or they don't. There is no middle ground here where you have money, but you don't have money. Which is it? They literally and legally CAN'T deny you an attorney if you cannot afford one. But if you really do have income and assets, then maybe you need to start doing some creative accounting and come up with the money.
2007-05-16 09:46:56 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. Taco 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Call the local PD office and as for referrals for low cost or free attorneys. You should also call your local State Bar association and ask if they can refer you to pro bono (free) attorneys. Do some research and see if you can find large corporate law firms and ask to speak to their pro bono coordinator. Many firms will do cases for free because attorneys have to do so many pro bono cases a year to keep their license, as well as they may have new attorneys that need court experience.
If you happen to need an attorney from the Minneapolis area, I can point you in the right direction. Email me via my profile.
Do not defend yourself as someone suggested. The prosecutor will not give you a good deal and will railroad you because they know you don't know the system. Also, they CAN deny you a public defender if you have assets, a job, or simply don't meet income guidelines your state set.
2007-05-16 10:25:12 · answer #3 · answered by Lisa S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi friend. I can understand your problem. I think I can help you. USALegalCare.com has got the best lawyers in US. And for this you have to just pay $1 a Day very affordable.
Try once: http://www.usalegalcare.com/Default.htm
All the best
2007-05-18 03:15:24 · answer #4 · answered by james 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋