Few things in life can be as disconcerting as being charged with a serious crime. The anxiety and trepidation you feel can be extremely unsettling, especially as your day in court approaches. The situation becomes even more unsettling when you realize that you don't have a lot of money at your disposal to pay for quality defense. Although you realize that having an attorney is worth every penny, your budget might already be stretched tight and you can't seem to find enough extra money to pay for legal assistance. Rather than face your situation alone, use this information to learn more about what you can do to get a lawyer when your funds are low.

Consider Hiring A Law Student

The first place you should look when you need budget-friendly criminal defense is to a local law school. There, you'll find law students who may be certified to practice law as long as they are under the advisement of a fully practicing attorney. With their help, you just may be able to beat your case.

Understand that hiring a law student is beneficial to both of you. They'll get the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice by taking on a real world case, while you are able to receive legal representation at a price point that works for your financial situation. In addition, because the student is being counseled by a fully licensed attorney, you can rest assured that the assistance you receive from them will be in line with state and federal guidelines.

Visit A Legal Aid Society

Another resource you can use to find an affordable attorney is a local legal aid society. The mission of these groups is to equalize the justice system by making legal representation available to people of all income levels. Rather than making it seem that individuals without financial means won't be able to obtain an attorney, they use subsidies and partnerships to pair clients with attorneys at affordable rates.

Keep in mind that when you go to the legal aid society you want to be prepared. Have your wage statements ready so that the workers at the society can determine just how much you're able to feasibly pay.

Getting an attorney doesn't have to seem impossible just because you don't have a lot of money. When you need criminal defense, remember these tips so you can get the legal help that you need.