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 This section tells you about:
Also, in the Traffic Court section of this website, look up:
Do I have to use a lawyer?
You don’t have to use a lawyer, but a lawyer can be very helpful. A
criminal case in court can be very complicated. There are many rules you
have to follow, and some courts have different procedures.
In many cases, there are things you must do right away. If you don’t know
the law, you may lose important rights.
For example, if you are in a car accident, you should interview witnesses
and gather
evidence as soon as possible.
Can the court clerks help me with my case?
Court clerks can give you copies of your court's local rules and forms. Or
they can tell you where to get them. They can also tell you about important
information, like courtroom hours and locations, and filing fees.
Note: Court clerks cannot give legal advice.
Will the Court give me a free lawyer?
If you say you can’t afford to hire a lawyer, the Court can appoint a lawyer
from the Public Defender's
office or another court-appointed
counsel. Then, the court will look at your income and may
order you to pay all or part of the costs if you make enough money.
Where can I find a lawyer?
Look up "Lawyers" or "Attorneys" in the yellow pages of your phone book. Or,
use the Lawyer Referral Service, below.
How does the Lawyer Referral Service in Santa Clara
County work?
The Santa Clara
County Bar Association has a Lawyer Referral Service. They may also
have free legal advice clinics.
Call (408) 971-6822, Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Or, visit their website at:
www.sccba.com.
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This is a non-profit public service. They will charge you a small
administrative fee to connect you with a lawyer. You can pay with a credit
card or mail them a money order.
When you call, they will ask you about your problem. Then, they will set up
an appointment for you with a qualified lawyer, at a time that is convenient
for you. They can usually get you an appointment within 24 hours of your
call.
Your first 30 minutes with the lawyer are free. You don’t have to use that
lawyer for your case. And, it’s possible the lawyer can help you resolve
your case during your 30-minute consultation.
If you need more help, you can negotiate the fees and payment during your
consultation.
What is the Modest Means Panel?
If you meet income eligibility requirements, the court can refer you to a
lawyer on the Modest Means Panel who will charge you reduced fees.
The Modest Means Panel has lawyers who can help you with these kinds of
cases:
- Bankruptcy
- Consumer
- Criminal
- Family
- Immigration
- Juvenile
- Landlord/Tenant
For more information, call (408) 971-6822
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Or, visit their website at:
www.sccba.com.
Can I get free legal services?
Legal Aid Society and Legal Services Foundation help people who are
accused of a
crime and cannot afford an attorney.
If you think you qualify, ask the Public Defender's Office to refer you when
you make your first court appearance.
For more information, call the Public Defender's Office in Santa Clara
County at: (408) 299-7700.
Local Legal Aid links
Other useful links
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