After bumping into legal issues, many low-income people find themselves in the unpleasant situation of needing to go to court but not being able to afford an attorney to represent them. Even if all hope feels lost, there are a few ways to get the legal representation you need if you can’t afford to pay for it upfront. Read on to explore your options.
Find a Lawyer Who Works on Contingency
Many attorneys will work on a contingency, which means their clients don’t owe them any money unless they win their case. This often requires you to meet with an attorney in advance to go over the details of your case and the legal process. They will want to determine the likelihood that your case will be successful in court before they take it on.
If your case is tricky or could be difficult to win, you may have a hard time finding a lawyer to represent you on contingency. Though, eventually, you may find one who believes they can win your case for you. In addition, there is an online program operated by the American Bar Association that matches low-income clients and moderate income clients with volunteer lawyers who can assist with their case. You may also reach out to other legal aid organizations.
To apply for free, call (877) 735-0016
To apply for free, call (877) 735-0016
Find a Pro Bono Attorney
Some attorneys will take on clients pro bono, which means they offer their legal aid services for free. These private lawyers can help with various civil cases, including auto accidents, domestic violence, child custody disputes, personal injury, family law, and more. They can also answer your legal questions and provide the necessary legal assistance to people.
In some cases, the lawyer may work entirely for free and not receive payment at all, but in other cases, their legal fees may be paid by a non-profit or legal aid society. Many legal clinics and self-help centers also provide pro bono legal help, including advice, help filling out legal documents, and other legal matters.
To qualify for pro bono legal representation, you must normally meet specific income requirements. Your case may also need to be deemed “reasonably likely to win” before you can receive pro bono assistance. If you can’t afford an attorney, looking for a pro bono lawyer in your area could be worthwhile. Check out some non-profits in your area or investigate whether the local law school offers pro bono legal advice from students.
Get a Public Defender if You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
If you can’t afford an attorney, one can be appointed to you by the county or state court system. Public defenders are paid for by public funds rather than the individual they are representing. If you are appointed a public defender, you may not get to pick your attorney, but you will at least have qualified legal representation in your case.
It can take a long time to be matched with a court-appointed lawyer. Further, they may have dozens of other cases to handle, but they can represent you if you have no other option.
A potential advantage of using a public defender over a hired individual lawyer is that they might know the judge on your case and the prosecution. This could allow them to better tailor their arguments on your behalf. However, they are also unlikely to have much time to devote solely to your case.
Represent Yourself
The riskiest legal option on this list is deciding you don’t need a lawyer and choosing to represent yourself. This eliminates the lawyers’ fees, but it can also put you at a significant disadvantage in the courtroom, as most citizens don’t have a background in law and legal jargon.
However, if you decide to take this route, you may need to spend many hours studying the laws related to your case and online resources. You will also need to gather and present enough evidence to prove your case to a judge or jury. Also, if you opt to represent yourself, you likely won’t be able to collect lawsuit loans, which can help you get by financially until your case is resolved.
Complete a Free Application form now
Complete a Free Application form now
What if I Am Having Financial Problems While Waiting for My Case to Be Settled?
If your case involves personal injuries or other circumstances that have made it difficult for you or a loved one to work and bring in the income you were earning before the event occurred, you may find yourself in a difficult position financially. Cases can take a long time to settle, even if they never reach the courtroom. People can become desperate for funds to make ends meet while they wait, running up large credit card debts or making other risky financial decisions that can negatively impact themselves and their families.
You may qualify for a lawsuit loan if you are having trouble making ends meet while your case is active. Unlike other types of loans, lawsuit loans don’t have to be paid back if you lose your case. If you win your case, you can set up a payment plan that allows you to make payments back on a schedule that makes sense.
Lawsuit loans have already helped thousands of people keep the lights on while they wait for their cases to wrap up, and they can help you too.
How You Can Get a Lawsuit Loan
To apply for a lawsuit loan, you need a qualified attorney on your case. Most lawsuit loan agencies require you to submit a basic application with some information about your case, and they may ask to speak with you and your lawyer before approving or denying your claim. There are no income requirements, and you don’t even have to undergo a credit or employment check to get one!
Contact Us Today if You Need a Risk-Free Lawsuit Loan
If you are struggling to make ends meet while you deal with the legal situation on your hands and can’t afford a lawyer, we can help. At High Rise Financial, we help get you the cash you need quickly often soon after approval so you can focus on your case, not your bills.
If your case doesn’t turn out as you’d hoped, you don’t have to worry about paying us back. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today.
Call or text (877) 735-0016 or fill out our form to apply today for free.
Call or text (877) 735-0016 or fill out our form to apply today for free.