Q: Are there such lawyers that can work with payments? Long story short my fiance has been going to court for over a year
Now and each time he goes to court they’re trying to pile another thing on him. For one case they pulled us over for no reason at all. I have the police recording of them making something up while the report on paper states a whole other thing. Another time just recently they pulled us over & I was driving (not on probation) didn’t break any laws & because they recognized my car they pulled us both out searched us just to find NOTHING. They let us leave at that point but is this even legal? We need a lawyer but times are super difficult right now can someone please lead me in the right direction? Thank you in advance..
A:
Yes, there are lawyers who may be willing to work with payment plans or take payments over time, especially for criminal defense cases. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Public defender - If your fiance cannot afford a private lawyer, he may qualify for a court-appointed public defender to represent him free of charge. This will depend on his income level and the charges he is facing.
2. Payment plans - Many criminal defense attorneys understand finances can be tight, so they will work out payment plans where you pay a retainer upfront and make monthly payments thereafter. The lawyer and client agree on terms.
3. Credit cards - Some law firms accept credit cards which allows you to make payments over time, although the interest charges can add up.
4. Legal aid organizations - If income is very limited, search for legal aid organizations in your area that assist with criminal cases for free or reduced fees based on ability to pay. Consultations help assess the case.
5. Law school clinics - Local law schools often have legal clinics where law students provide assistance under an attorney's supervision at no/low cost.
I would consult with lawyers in the Sacramento, California area to explain the case details and financial constraints to find one willing to work within your budget. Many will work to set up reasonable payment plans. Don't give up hope - there are lawyers who wish to help.
A: There are lawyers that can work with payments, but it may be difficult to find one. Unfortunately for your boyfriend, criminal defendants have a horrible reputation for not honoring the payment agreement. Once the matter is concluded, the defendant usually stops making payments. Then the attorney is forced to spend just as much time trying to collect from a defendant, who probably doesn't have any money, as they did representing the defendant in the first place. Unlike civil matters, a criminal defense attorney can't easily withdraw because of nonpayment.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
