If you or someone you know is charged and arrested with a crime, you may be thinking, are there any pro bono West Palm Beach criminal attorneys who can help you? Well, of course there are, but your options may be limited and you cannot find them by yourself. 

Think about this, in many part of the US, at least one in ten divorce cases does not have a lawyer. Also, not all people can afford to hire a criminal lawyer. This happens in many cases involving illness, job loss, injury, divorce or a death of a significant other. However, with a little legwork, you will certainly find free or low-cost legal help. 

In most states like Florida, the state/county/city where the crime was committed may provide an assistance program in which a criminal lawyer will be appointed to your case free of charge as long as you can prove that you belong to low-income group, and if the crime has a possibility for jail time. Usually, the West Palm Beach criminal attorney is assigned during your first appearance or at the arraignment.

The state will shoulder the payment for your lawyer. Although this is not completely pro bono since the attorney gets paid, it is still pro bono for you since the state is directly paying the lawyer. Many young lawyers begin their practice by offering pro bono services until they have built up a reputation for giving good legal services. 

PRO BONO PROGRAM IN WEST PALM BEACH

The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach is the only pro bono program in Palm Beach County. Located in West Palm Beach, this program is committed to giving top quality legal advice, education and representation to the underprivileged in Palm Beach County to increase their opportunities, protect their safety and promote self-sufficiency. 

The types of cases that they offer legal services to include adoption, consumer, community economic development, child custody, bankruptcy, dissolution of marriage, domestic violence, elder law, education, housing, employment, immigration, juvenile, individual rights, real estate and wills. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

Just like any other type of West Palm Beach criminal attorney, make sure you consult with a number of pro bono lawyers before choosing one. Feel comfortable with the lawyer because you’ll be sharing plenty of confidential information with him depending on the nature of your case.