Can i get free legal advice?

by **gervaso81** » Mon Dec 19, 2011 1:27 am

im having some legal problems right now and i might need a lawyer the problem is all lawyer of course say yes i need a lawyer cause they want to get paid is there any way i can call for free legal advice that isnt a law office that will tell me if i need a lawyer or not? and im in charlotte NC if that matters. i heard the goverment offers free legal adive but ive been searching for info on that and cant find any

by **jerrick** » Mon Dec 19, 2011 1:31 am

Hi, DWI citations/charges are handled in magistrate's Court. Since this is your first DWI charge, Read this code regarding the penalties etc., for first offender DWI cases: http://www.drivinglaws.org/resources/dui-dwi/dui-laws-state/first-offense-dui-north-carolina
As far as acquiring an attorney, you can ask for a court appointed one. Here is the information for North Carolina, and the site I got the information from: http://www.ncsu.edu/stud_affairs/legal_services/legaldocs/DWI.htm
HIRING AN ATTORNEY: Because of the serious nature of a DWI arrest and the potential for jail terms, loss of license, heavy fines, and a criminal record, it is advisable to be represented by an attorney during the court proceedings. You always have the right to hire your own attorney. The attorney's fee will vary according to the attorney and the seriousness of the offense. The advantage to hiring your own attorney is you get to choose who that attorney will be. You also have the option to request a court appointed attorney. To qualify for a court appointed attorney, you must complete an Affidavit of Indigency (you can get the form from the clerk of courts) showing your income and your expenses. If after completing this form, the judge decides that you cannot afford an attorney, he can appoint one from a list of attorneys that do court appointed work. You have no voice in who the judge will appoint to represent you. (However, the attorney's are all licensed, practicing attorneys in your area).
Some counties have a Public Defenders Office who will be appointed to represent you if you so request and qualify for that service. If you use the services of the court appointed attorney or a Public Defender and you plead guilty or are found guilty, the judge will order you to reimburse the State of North Carolina for using a court appointed attorney. The amount that you have to pay varies according to how many hours your attorney worked on your case. Generally speaking, the judge will order you to pay $100.00 - $250.00. This amount is normally less than what you would have to pay for a private attorney.
You can read more in this site because it gives you ranges of a field sobriety test and other really good information. Good luck!! JOSA

by **adamka** » Mon Dec 19, 2011 1:35 am

Not the government. Work the phone book. Most small law firms and lawyers will set up a no charge initial consultation; or at a minimal cost.

So...you got free legal advice; and you don't like it?

Try another lawyer. The government specifically avoids giving you legal advice. That is a conflict and the lawyer's job.

by **burt** » Mon Dec 19, 2011 1:50 am

Don't go to criminal court without a lawyer.

The judge has extreme power. You need someone who knows how to talk to the judge, and the prosecutor.

Without a lawyer your likely to miss some very important things.

by **shen86** » Mon Dec 19, 2011 1:59 am

email me I can help [email protected]

by **vohkinne** » Mon Dec 19, 2011 2:07 am

yes

Advertisments:

Sponsor Links: