A criminal arrest is scary enough without having to worry about the potential conviction and jail sentence. However, scarier still is the concern over adequate representation. Many private criminal defense attorneys can cost thousands of dollars by the time the trial is complete, and unfortunately, many defendants cannot afford private lawyers. What do defendants do who cannot afford the extravagance of a private firm? Thankfully, a high price tag does not necessarily equate to a better or more capable defense. For those facing criminal charges who cannot afford thousands of dollars for a defense strategy, they can look to three possible options for acquiring a qualified attorney.
Pro Bono
One option is to seek out an attorney who is willing to work pro bono, or free of charge. While it may seem unlikely, many lawyers offer so much time annually to representing clients for free. However, attorneys who provide such services will likely be very picky about the trials they are willing to argue, meaning they are more likely to fight for cases that help build their reputation.
Court-Appointed
Next, depending on your financial situation and your state’s rules, you may qualify for a court-appointed attorney. While many people brush off public defenders as overworked and low-level lawyers, nothing could be further from the truth. Public defenders are some of the most experienced and skilled attorneys around. Also, because they spend a significant among of time in the same building, these defenders establish strong professional relationships with prosecutors, which may benefit your case, possibly securing a plea arrangement and avoiding a criminal trial altogether. Unfortunately, the financial restriction governing access to these attorneys may be quite strict, meaning that even some low-income defendants may not have access to free representation.
Partial Indigency
Some states do allow for partial-indigency, meaning that if an individual does not meet the requirements to access a free attorney, they may still be eligible for a court-appointed attorney, but at a small fee. There are times when a defendant makes too much to qualify for a free public defender, but they make too little to pay for a private attorney. In these instances, a judge may allow a defendant to pay part of the court-cost for a public defender, which will enable them to hire a public defender at a fraction of the cost of a private firm.
Everyone has a right to a defense. Lack of money does not mitigate that right. Therefore, if you have been arrested, you can either seek a court-appointed attorney or contact a criminal defense attorney in San Mateo, CA about taking your case pro bono.
Thanks to The Morales Law Firm for their insight into criminal law and what to do if you can afford a defense lawyer.
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Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was facing a charge of Reckless Driving for speeding on I66 at midnight. This is considered a Class 1 Misdemeanor in the state of Virginia. Having something like Reckless Driving on your record is on par with having a DUI. This charge also carries a chance for jail time (up to a year). I was incredibly scared because I had never faced such a charge. And looking into Virginia Law, my speed exceeded 90mph, which is quite serious. I retained Dave Albo to help me with this case. Since my record was clean, Dave had advised I do the following before my trial. * Take a DMV Driver's Improvement Course * Take a Behavior Modification Course * Do 100 hours of community service * Print my DMV Record one week before the trial On the day of my trial, Dave got my Reckless Driving charge REDUCED to a regular Speeding charge. This was the absolute best case scenario for me. No criminal record. No jail time. No suspension of license. I did receive 6 demerit points and had to pay a fine of $250 (plus court fees). But that's a slap on the wrist, compared to what I could have been facing. Thank you Dave Albo for helping me through this ordeal!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dave albo it's a fantastic lawyer. He has helped me twice now with great results both times with minor traffic tickets. I would recommend him to anybody including my family. He has great ethics and honesty which is what I look for in a lawyer .Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dave was my attorney recently for a car accident where I needed someone to represent me in court. After exchanging all necessary information he reassured me when the court date came that there wouldn’t be anything to worry about. On the day of court a couple problems arose and Dave was able to rectify them quickly, told me everything I need to say if needed and when it was all over he got my violation reduced significantly. I hope to never go to court again but if I do I will being calling Dave again.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Retaining the services of Mr. Albo for traffic court was probably the best decision I made. He is very responsive to emails, knowledgeable, and punctual. He provided excellent advice that eased the panic of having to go to the court house and stand before a judge. I am very happy with the outcome of my visit to traffic court and highly recommend Dave Albo.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr Albo was very professional and I was pleased with the outcome.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. David was incredible to work with from clear communication and next steps. To showing up to traffic court early to walk over all steps, making case in court as experienced/intelligent/well spoken lawyer. Lastly, he even followed after case in writing to confirm the outcome outlining everything that happened in lamen terms (in my case the best outcome we could ask for). I’m so appreciative to David.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely top notch representation. Can't thank Dave enough for his knowledge and expertise.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks to Dave Albo for a fantastic job representing me and ensuring the best possible outcome for my case. I highly recommend him - you will be in good hands for sure. From start to finish he provided expert counsel and kept me well informed. He simply could not have done a better job.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am THRILLED with the outcome of my case, all thanks to Attorney Albo's superb expertise, excellent advice & sharp negotiating skills! I am extremely relieved and grateful; I highly recommend retaining his services. Well beyond worth it!!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dave did a great job representing me for my traffic court infraction! I wanted the best and his name came up as I searched for an attorney. Highly recommend him on all levels including a successful outcome to my case.
