What to do f my sister has been charged with breach of trust and can’t afford an attorney?
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What to do f my sister has been charged with breach of trust and can’t afford an attorney?
According to the public defender’s office, she makes too much money to be appointed a public defender (she makes $9.00/hour) but at the same time she does not have the money to hire a private lawyer. She had arraignment today and the judge told her that she has to have a lawyer by her court date (2 weeks) or they can issue a warrant for her not having legal representation. Are there any resources available to assist her with obtaining legal representation?
Asked on July 5, 2013 under Criminal Law, South Carolina
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
Your sister has several options. First, she can contact her state or local county bar association; they typically have a list of attorneys who will handle certain cases for little or no cost, depending on the defendant's income and circumstances. Second, you can see if there is a law school located in the area in which your sister was arrested; they typically run legal clinics that handle such cases.
Tricia Dwyer / Tricia Dwyer Esq & Associates PLLC
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
You sister ought to confer with an attorney licensed in the involved state. I am licensed in Minnesota and have no resources to provide but for the public defender. If this occurred in Minnesota, I myself do consider people's finances in legal fee. Some attorneys are available seven days for emergency legal needs. Many attorneys will confer initially at no charge. Then, if legal work is performed, some attorneys will provide a reduced fee for financial hardship. Some attorneys may also assist you in limited scope manner to conserve legal costs. All the best.
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