What is it Called When You Can’t Pay for a Lawyer?
For many people, the cost of legal representation can be a major barrier to justice. When a person cannot afford to pay for a lawyer, they may be eligible for legal aid. But what is it called when you can’t pay for a lawyer?
The answer is indigence. When a court decides someone is “indigent” – with few assets and no funds to pay an attorney – generally either a private lawyer will be appointed by the court and paid with county funds, or a public defender program will be appointed to represent the person.
Indigence is a legal term that refers to someone who is too poor to pay for their own legal representation. This is a situation that can arise in criminal cases, family law matters, and other civil cases. When a court determines that a person is indigent, they may be eligible for legal aid.
Legal aid is a form of assistance provided to those who cannot afford to pay for a lawyer. This assistance may come in the form of a public defender program, or a private lawyer appointed by the court and paid with county funds.
In some cases, the court may also order the defendant to pay a fee for legal aid. This fee is usually a percentage of the defendant’s income and is used to cover the cost of the legal representation.
The goal of legal aid is to ensure that everyone has access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. Without legal aid, many people would be unable to defend themselves in court and would be unable to access the justice system.
When a person cannot afford to pay for a lawyer, they may be eligible for legal aid. This assistance is provided to those who are deemed indigent by the court, and may come in the form of a public defender program or a private lawyer appointed by the court and paid with county funds. Legal aid is an important part of the justice system, as it ensures that everyone has access to justice, regardless of their financial situation.
