What to do if charged with criminal acts and can’t afford an attorney?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

What to do if charged with criminal acts and can’t afford an attorney?

My brother was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and 2 counts of cruelty to children. He held his girlfriend at gunpoint because he want her to leave the apartment. Her kids saw and called the police. She does not want to prosecute. What is the most likely outcome for his acts? What about a public defender vs private attorney? Any advice on how I should evaluate which way to go. He cannot afford an attorney. I might be able to. Any suggestions on how to proceed? In Fulton County, GA.

Asked on April 5, 2011 under Criminal Law, Georgia

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

First of all, it's not up to your brother's girlfriend whether or not to prosecute the case; it's up to the DA.  As for obtaining legal counsel, any time criminal charges are involved it should absolutely be done.  To have a PD appointed, your brother must be certain income requirements.  If he does, then know that while PD's are overworked they are typically experienced in handling these type of cases.  However, a private criminal defense attorney will be as well but perhaps not quite so busy.  It's really a personal decision which way to go.  Just know that if these charges are serious and so are the consequences of conviction.  If the charges can be reduced or outright dismissed, having an experienced lawyer will be well worth it.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption