No matter how old you are, what your gender is, or how affluent you are, you may need a lawyer at some point during your lifetime. If you have little to no money to use towards hiring an attorney, you may be wondering how to get help paying for a lawyer. Maybe you just want to pay for a lawyer with no money. Limited finances does not mean that you are just out of luck. For example, if you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony that could result in jail time, you are entitled to representation.
If you demonstrate financial hardship, then the court will assign appointed counsel — a public defender — to represent you. The Miranda Rights officers read to you when they arrest you are no joke; they were created (from a case called Miranda v. Arizona) to protect your constitutional rights. The Miranda Rights state: “You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.”