How to Get Free Legal Aid
People charged with a crime are entitled to receive free legal aid if they cannot afford a lawyer. In civil cases, a person does not have the right to a free lawyer. However, there are legal aid and pro bono programs that provide free legal help for people who cannot afford one. Assistance is also available for senior citizens, disabled individuals, domestic abuse victims and military personnel.
- Go to the website of the American Bar Association. The ABA cannot help a person directly, but their website has a consumer's guide with a state locator to find free or pro bono legal help. To use this resource, go to the Bar’s website, and click on “Find Legal Help.” Click on your state and find a lawyer in your area, either through the lawyer referral service, or by clicking on your county or city bar association.
- Call a Legal Hotline. The American Bar Association’s website has a legal hotline through which a person can receive legal advice. Many hotlines are aimed at specific people, such as senior citizens. Through the hotline a person can also request help with filling out forms or reviewing documents.
- Check out legalhotlines.org if you are a senior in need of legal help. This website is sponsored by the Center for Elder Rights Advocacy. This website has a state locator to find organizations that can provide legal help for senior citizens. This website also lists providers or attorneys who receive funding from local agencies under Title IIIB of the Older Americans Act. These attorneys provide free legal services to older persons.
- Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline if you need to talk to someone about an abusive relationship. The website of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has a directory of organizations that can provide free legal help to victims of domestic abuse.
- Visit the National Disability Rights Network website to find out about legal advocacy organizations for disabled individuals. To locate help, go to the State Locator.
- Go to the website of the U.S. Armed Forces Legal Assistance to find free legal aid available to enlisted military personnel and their families.