If you’re facing serious criminal charges and heavy fines, we understand that your financial situation may be a little tight. You don’t want to shell out extra money if you don’t need to, but at the same time, it’s also not a good idea to start pinching pennies if you’re facing significant charges.
You may have heard the term “pro bono” and are wondering if any lawyers would consider taking your case free of charge. After all, the state encourages defense lawyers to perform 50 hours of pro bono work a year, and it can also provide them with Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits. We give back in a number of different ways throughout the year, but you’re going to be hard pressed to find a defense firm that will take your standard case free of charge. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options, but you should know what you’re getting into when you’re comparing lawyers by price if you’re facing criminal charges.
Finding A Free Lawyer
We’re working under the assumption that you’ll be unable to find a private law firm to defend you in court for free, but that doesn’t mean your out of luck. One of the rights guaranteed by our constitution ensures that if you cannot afford legal counsel, a lawyer will be provided for you. The state can provide a free attorney to defend you against the charges, but you may have to prove financial hardship in order to qualify for one of these lawyers.
A public lawyer can be a godsend for those in dire financial situations, but if you have the means to pay for a lawyer, it’s generally in your best interest to do so for a number of reasons:
Overburdened – Public lawyers are often overburdened by their caseload and will not be able to devote as much individual attention to your case.
Experience – While they may have years of general court experience, they may not have a lot of experience defending people against assault or DUI charges. You may want to look into a lawyer who has tried dozens or more cases involving the charges you’re facing.
More Attention – A private lawyer can provide you with more individualized attention, and they can devote more time to developing a defense or working to secure a favorable plea deal.
Communication – It’s much easier to get a hold of a lawyer that you are paying than one that has multiple cases and who may view you as low priority.
All of these factors also add up to one big point, that you’re more likely to secure a favorable conclusion to your case if you have a private attorney by your side. You may have to pay more money up front, but a private lawyer can help save you money in the long run.
With all that said, we want to help everyone get a taste of what we can bring to the table without committing to a fee schedule. That’s why we offer free case reviews to any person who requests it. All you have to do is pick up the phone and give our team a call at (952) 224-2277. You can also learn more about scheduling a free strategy session by clicking here.
