How do I hire a good lawyer if I don't have the money?

The government will give you one.
You have a right to a lawyer! =]

Get one who will take your case on a contingency-basis, meaning, that if you win, they will collect their fee. Be aware that most law firms won't do it unless they are 100% certain that you would win and the winning$ is good and worth their energy and time.

If you can't do that, there are companies out there that for a monthly fee would give you bare-basics of legal advice. Examples are prepaidlegal.com or www.tlpp.org/difference.asp

You don't know if the fees would really be unaffordable till you get some info.

Call your county bar association (or go to their webpage) and get the number for the "Lawyer Referral Service."

What a lawyer referral service does is this: You tell them basically what type of legal matter you've got (real estate, will, marital relations/divorce, elder law, traffic accident, etc. etc.) They will refer you to a lawyer who has experience in that area (or give you a couple of names of lawyers so you can pick one). You call the lawyer and for a small fee (it tends to be $25 or $30 or so) he will do a simple consultation with you. At that meeting you also can talk about: Whether it is something you may want to hire a lawyer on, and what would be involved, and how much it might cost.

For generally helpful information on commonly asked legal questions, you could go to www.lawhelp.org. It has free and typically very good information They may have a page specific to whatever state you live in.

In a civil matter, if you're either 1) below or near the Federal poverty line or 2) elderly or disabled you might be eligible for Legal Services (civil legal services for the poor; tend to have somewhat higher income guidelines for elderly and possibly for disabled). To find a Legal Services program in your area go to http://www.lsc.gov/about/grantee_links.php and click on your state.

In a criminal matter, if you're indigent (very poor) and charged with a jailable offense, you can ask the judge to appoint an attorney to represent you if you cannot afford one. This only applies to cases where the accused, if convicted, would face jail or prison time -- NOT to cases where a fine would be the only punishment.

hope that's of some use.

"good lawyer"..... isn't that an oxymoron ? :^) ummmm, yeah, you can't....unless its a big time case and they want to make a name for themselves......

Check with the County Social Services department.

If you don't have any money you may qualify for a public defender or legal aid lawyer. Despite popular belief...thes people are real lawyers and they do a good job. YOu have to stay informed about your case.

A lot of attorneys will work out a payment plan. I would suggest finding one who will work with your financial situation.

You're hosed. Only the wealthy can afford justice.

Sometimes lawyers will take a case on a pro bono or free basis. Different law firms have different criteria. check with several.

YOU don't. Good lawyers are hard to come by to began with, and They all over charge.
It's according to what you need it for:).

If you committed a crime let the government pay for it.

If it's abuse or soemthing the local welfare may help you. There are agences which aid people in abuse cases.

Maybe you can give them your car title, promise to sell your blood and give them the proceeds for the next 20 years, sell your body to a pervert lawyer.

Lawyers are a strange breed. Most good ones require money. Lots and Lots of money.

Not sure you can...you can throw yourself on the mercy of the court...

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