What am I supposed to do if I have no money for a lawyer?

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What am I supposed to do if I have no money for a lawyer?

I am a mother of 2 boys. On Mother’s day, my husband and I got into a fight. He had called the cops. They arrived and put me in cuffs. He had told the cops that I throw something and hit my 9 year old son in the face. They kept telling me that I was only being detained. When I finally got let out they had informed me that no charges were being filed against me. Yesterday, I found out that I have a pending charge for domestic abuse battery and child endangerment. I didn’t hit anyone. My kids lives were not in danger. My husband went to the detective’s office and signed a waiver saying he does not want to press charges and he does not want to testify against me.

Asked on May 21, 2019 under Criminal Law, Louisiana

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 4 years ago | Contributor

Whether or not to press criminal charges is up to the state and not the alleged victim (or parent). Accordingly, if there is sufficient enough evidence to support the chatge then the case will go forward. At this point, you need to consult with an attorney. If qualify, you can be appointed a public defender. If not, then you can contact legal aid and see if the can represent you or you can see if your city/county  bar association has a list of attorneys who will represent you "pro bono" (i.e. for free) or at least for a reduced fee based on your income/circumstances. 

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 4 years ago | Contributor

Whether or not to press criminal charges is up to the state and not the alleged victim (or parent). Accordingly, if there is sufficient enough evidence to support the chatge then the case will go forward. At this point, you need to consult with an attorney. If qualify, you can be appointed a public defender. If not, then you can contact legal aid and see if the can represent you or you can see if your city/county  bar association has a list of attorneys who will represent you "pro bono" (i.e. for free) or at least for a reduced fee based on your income/circumstances. 


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