What should I do if I have a conference coming up for an assault charge and can’t afford a lawyer?
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What should I do if I have a conference coming up for an assault charge and can’t afford a lawyer?
I was denied a public defender at the first pretrial conference based on the Probation departments questionnaire. I could not believe this, as I make just enough to live check-to-check. I priced a private attorney and it was way out of my ability to pay ($3,000 was the best price I could find). I delayed the pretrial conference for another 2 weeks. This should be very defendable, as the other party was very intoxicated at the time, we’re on good terms and they do not want to testify. There is no evidence except for the complaint itself.
Asked on February 11, 2013 under Criminal Law, Massachusetts
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
If you have been denied a public defender via the court system and want one for your upcoming criminal matter, I suggest that you contact your local legal aid clinic, county bar association or local law school to see if there is a program that can afford you the legal assistance that you need. You are wise to try and get legal counsel as opposed to appearing in court on your own.
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