I've written here before about how low income Coloradans (and criminal defendants everywhere) can get free legal help on their criminal charges. However, even though I'm a Denver criminal defense lawyer, peoople still ask me about how to solve many routine civil matters for cheap. Obviously, the best option is still to hire an attorney. Even though they are expensive, they will understand your problems better than you can, and will have more time to devote to your individual case than a legal aid lawyer would. However, not everybody can afford that. So here are a few options for clients who need a civil lawyer, not a Denver criminal defense lawyer, and can not really afford it.
(1) The first option is always going to be legal aid. In Colorado, this is called Colorado Legal Services (google it). To qualify for this program, you must be at or near the poverty line. Even if your income is below their threshold, certain services will still cost money. For example, Colorado Legal services charges $400 for a bankruptcy, I believe. However, this is still a significant discount from market rate. If you are technically indigent, legal aid is the way to go, even if the intake process takes some time for them to ensure you meet their standards.
(2) The Bar Association also offers clinics for a number of areas of law that affect regular people. (you can find these on the Colorado Bar Association's website). At a clinic, attorneys instruct folks on how to fill out forms and answer a few questions about the legal system. Although they can't go very far in helping because they aren't your lawyer, it is better than nothing.
(3) As a final resort, there are books that can help with a variety of legal topics. Even if books are not a substitute for the real advice of a lawyer, they can be better than nothing. Nolo's books can also help you understand the process even if you have an attorney.
Next on the Denver criminal defense lawyer blog I will continue the crime of the day series.
No comments:
Post a Comment