What to Do If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer

If you’re charged with a crime and can’t afford to hire an attorney, that doesn’t mean that your case will be handled poorly.

This article will explain your rights, how the court system works without an attorney, and how you can still win your case if you can’t afford one.

You may be thinking of pleading guilty or just paying the fine as a result of not having access to an attorney, but there are options available to you that don’t require you to spend money on legal services.

1) See If You Qualify for Legal Aid

Legal Aid is an organization that helps people with low income and who are in need of legal representation. You can see if you qualify by filling out a form on their website.

They will then review your information and determine if you qualify for their services. If you do not qualify, it’s time to look into other options.

You can try searching for pro bono lawyers which help those who cannot afford  and charge them nothing or at a reduced rate, or have certain criteria such as the type of crime committed, or the number of years served before the conviction date.

It may also be possible to get some help from friends and family, talk to your employer about how they handle situations like this or ask for assistance from social service agencies.

Finally, you could find a free legal clinic in your area where someone can give you general advice about what steps to take next.

The first thing to do when you don’t have money for a lawyer is make sure that you qualify for legal aid, but don’t worry if you don’t because there are other ways to go about getting legal help.

One option would be finding a pro bono lawyer, who works for free or at discounted rates to provide access to justice for those who can’t afford it otherwise.

There might also be resources available through friends and family, employers or social service agencies.

2) Consider Hiring a Paralegal

If you can’t afford an attorney, you might consider hiring a paralegal. Paralegals are less expensive and will be able to help you with more basic tasks than an attorney.

Plus, they may be able to steer you in the right direction when it comes to getting legal representation.

For example, if your case is relatively simple, or if you don’t want a lawyer because of their high prices, then maybe that’s not necessary.

Your best bet would be to contact several attorneys to get an idea of how much each one charges for their services.

There are many different variables which go into determining what a lawyer’s fees will be, including: whether the lawyer has been practicing for five years or twenty years; whether he/she has done work on cases similar to yours; and what area of law you need them for.

Some lawyers charge by the hour, some charge by the task, some have flat rates depending on what kind of service they provide–the bottom line is that you should ask questions before signing any contracts so there won’t be any surprises down the road!

If you find yourself running out of options and money at the same time, look up public defenders or pro bono lawyers who will represent people without paying a fee.

Remember that just because you cannot afford a lawyer doesn’t mean that no one will help.

3) Speak to a Law Professor

The first thing you should do is try to find one who will take your case and represent you for free.

Some lawyers will offer this service if they are not busy with other cases or if they feel that they can help you out.

In some instances, the Legal Aid Society might be able to provide you with a lawyer too.

Another option is to go talk to a law professor at the school where you go and see if they know any pro-bono lawyers in your area.

They may be able to recommend someone from their own network of friends who would be willing to take on your case for free.

It never hurts to ask around! Find somebody who specializes in defending clients like you—someone who knows all about the ins-and-outs of immigration law!

If you’re unable to find an attorney right away, contact an organization called NILC (National Immigration Law Center) .

They might be able to help you out by telling you how to get started on your own and providing resources.

4) Try Negotiating Without a Lawyer

If you can’t afford to hire an attorney, try negotiating with the other party yourself.

This is especially useful if you’re trying to come up with an agreement without any legal protection.

If you are uncomfortable doing this, or don’t feel confident in your ability to negotiate, it may be worth looking into some resources that teach negotiation skills.

Your local bar association often has clinics where attorneys teach basic negotiation tactics.

There are also websites and books available online on how to negotiate as well as apps for mobile devices that give tips on how to make sure both parties get what they want and deserve.

If the other person isn’t interested in negotiating then

-You could call or send a letter to their lawyer asking them if they would like to speak

-Try sending them a letter explaining your situation and asking for their help.

They might have time to work with you pro bono (free). Call Nolo:

The company Nolo publishes inexpensive self-help law books and provides free information about consumer rights and legal topics through its website, including help on family law matters like divorce, child custody and adoption.

5) represent Yourself in Court

If you cannot afford an attorney, you can represent yourself in court.

The court will provide you with a list of rules that you must follow when representing yourself.

There is no guarantee you will win your case if you represent yourself because judges have discretion to decide cases.

If the judge decides against you in your case, it is possible for the other side to appeal the decision and ask for a review by a higher level of court such as an appellate or supreme court. 

However, the chances of success are lower on appeal than at trial.

Asking a friend or family member who has some legal experience to help you could be helpful but don’t forget they are not lawyers so there are limitations to what they can do.