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Do you need to hire a lawyer but lack the financial resources to do so? People need lawyers for many reasons--from family law and criminal issues to immigration and criminal issues. Unfortunately, many people who need legal assistance are low-income persons and struggle to find an attorney willing to accommodate their needs at a price they can afford. Luckily, there are legal aid services in Daphne, AL, that can help low-income clients. Types of Free and Reduced-Cost Legal Services Some legal aid is entirely free. Other services are provided on a sliding scale. Sliding-scale legal services are the rate you pay based on your income. Here are a few examples of income-based/free legal services: Public defenders: If you’ve been accused of a crime, you need a lawyer to represent your interests in a court of law. While it’s legally possible to defend yourself, it’s not advisable. Many people take advantage of the public defender program offered in their jurisdictions. With this program, a court-appointed lawyer is assigned to your case and the state absorbs the cost. Pro bono services: Are you being sued? If so, this is a civil matter and you will not qualify for a public defender. In a case like this, if you don’t have the money to hire a lawyer the traditional way, you may need to find an attorney willing to take on your case as a pro bono case. Finding an attorney who will take on your case for free (which is what pro bono means) isn’t going to be easy. Attorneys often limit the number of pro bono cases they accept to one or two a year. In addition, they usually only take pro bono cases that have a media appeal. Cases that may be accepted on a pro bono basis include immigration cases and some high-profile criminal/civil cases. Legal aid clinics: Most people who cannot afford a lawyer will find that legal aid clinics are their best option. These clinics are usually not-for-profit and handle a variety of cases. However, don’t expect to speak with a lawyer every time you call. The majority of your case will be handled by legal professionals such as legal assistants, law students, and recently graduated law students who have not taken the bar exam yet. Qualifying for Legal Aid Does everyone qualify for free legal services? The answer depends on the situation. If you’ve been accused of a crime and request a public defender, you can’t be denied. When your personal liberty is at stake and the threat of imprisonment is just around the corner, you have a right to free legal aid. One of the most influential qualifying factors for free assistance is your income. Individuals receiving government assistance such as food stamps, disability, etc., may have an easier time qualifying. It is usually middle-class individuals who may have a harder time finding affordable services. In cases like these, it’s best to find legal aid services in Daphne, AL, that are offered on a sliding scale and will provide reduce-cost services.
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