The services of a Chicago criminal attorney, or any attorney for that matter, rarely are cheap. But even though securing the assistance of a skilled lawyer may seem like a privilege only for the rich, everyone has the right to legal counsel and options for the less-advantaged among us do exist.
Those facing criminal charges always have the option of accepting a public defender, while personal injury lawyers often don't charge unless (and until) you receive payment for damages or a settlement. Low-income individuals also can apply for legal aid from government-funded lawyers.
Many attorneys also provide what is called "pro bono" services.
Short for pro bono publico, according to LawBrain, the term means "for the public good" and basically refers to legal services provided free for those who can't afford to pay. Most lawyers donate a portion of their time to pro bono work, usually an average of 50 hours per year.
The American Bar Association provides extensive information about how to obtain pro bono legal counsel. Pro bono services often are tied to a particular cause, such as consumer advocacy or domestic violence. ABA provides a list of pro bono legal providers in the state, along with a description of the types of cases each one handles. A similar list of pro bono services in the Chicago area is available on this blog.
To qualify for pro bono legal services, your household must meet certain income requirements, as outlined by the ABA. For example, A Chicago family of four must earn no more than $27,563 per year to qualify. But the ABA guides state that there are some exceptions, depending on the case or the particular program.
It's good to know that justice, while not exactly equal, still is within reach of Chicago's poorest citizens.
Related Resources:
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Finding Free Legal Services (FindLaw)
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Do You Need Legal Help? (Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
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Find a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney (FindLaw)
