What To Do If You Cannot Afford A Defense Attorney
Being accused of a crime can make a dramatic impact on one’s life, especially if one is not financially stable. While there are court-appointed attorneys assigned to cases where money is an issue, it is not guaranteed you will work with someone who offers the best possible representation.
The first thing you need to understand is the fact that just because you are assigned an attorney by the court, you are not required to work with this person. Once you have met with them at least once, it is typically possible to ask for someone else, especially if you think this person is less than professional. While you may not necessarily get top-notch assistance for free, this does not mean that you are forced to settle with just anyone.
Another good idea would be to check into charities in your area that have attorneys willing to offer their services free to specific clients. For instance, if you have been convicted of harming someone while defending yourself in a domestic dispute, some agencies offer pro bono legal help. This type of resource can vary greatly depending on the area you are from, so you will have to do your homework to see what options are available to you.
Seek out attorneys that have a sliding-fee scale. These are not always easy to find, but they are out there. Some attorneys believe that people should have access to great help, even if their income is lower than others. Again, this is not universal, so you will have to do a bit of digging to see what you can find that will fit your specific situation.
Talk to those you know, as well as some you don’t. These days, many people are using fundraising sites to help them pay for legal fees. While this is not feasible for all, it can be an invaluable resource for some. Keep in mind that it can be a bit uncomfortable having to share your negative situation with others, but it can be well worth it if it helps you afford top legal representation.
If all else fails, get a loan. Depending on your credit score and several other factors, you may be able to borrow enough to cover at least a portion of the cost of hiring an attorney. Do not worry if you do not have the world’s best credit, there are loans available out there for people in all types of situations. If you have regular income and you are hoping to build credit while paying for legal assistance, this would be the best way to go. Another option that is really beneficial is to purchase Personal Tradelines.
Whether you are innocent or guilty, you are still entitled to the best possible defense. If money is an issue and you are worried about how you will afford it, this information should be more than enough to get you started. In the end, the fact that you will be able to defend yourself against all of the charges against you is more important than the source of the funds.