How to Find a Pro Bono Lawyer While Incarcerated

If you are in jail and broke you need to find a pro bono lawyer. Pro bono lawyers work for free or may be appointed by the court. Court appointed lawyers are paid by the government to represent poor criminal defendants.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Telephone
• Yellow Pages

1. Wait for your arraignment. The court will appoint a free lawyer if you are charged with a felony.

2. Contact the state bar association if you are charged with a misdemeanor or are unhappy with the court appointed lawyer. Ask for a list of pro bono or free programs.

3. Telephone local law schools. Law schools offer free clinics. Law students are supervised by a professor. The students provide advice and may even appear in court on behalf of clients in simple matters.

4. Telephone your automobile insurance company if the charges involve driving. Auto insurance policies usually provide lawyers for driving offenses.

5. Canvas your friends and family. Ask if they know of an attorney who would be willing to take your case on a pro bono basis. Contact your church and ask the pastor is there is a member who would be willing to represent you pro bono.

Tips & Warnings

• If there is any way you can raise the money to hire an attorney, do it. Pro bono and court appointed attorneys are likely to carry large case loads and may not give your case the individualized attention it deserves.
• Do not speak to anyone about the facts of your case without your attorney present.

Resources

• Description of court appointed lawyer system in the United States.
• American Bar Association for nationwide lawyer referrals

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