Getting free legal help if you can't afford a lawyer
Legal aid programs are available to help those who need legal help but cannot afford to pay for the services of an attorney.
People who are charged with a crime which might lead to imprisonment, and who cannot afford a lawyer, are guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution to receive free legal counsel. People in this situation should request the appointment of a lawyer when they first appear in court.
In non-criminal or "civil" cases, a person does not have the right to a free lawyer; however, there are many legal aid and pro bono programs which can provide them with legal help at no charge. Individuals or families with an annual income below the federal poverty guidelines are generally eligible to receive free legal assistance. In addition, people who are elderly, disabled, the victims of domestic violence, enlisted in the military or in other special circumstances, may be eligible for help, regardless of their income.
Legal aid offices employ staff lawyers to provide help to low-income clients. The lawyers are usually experienced in the types of problems that poor clients often encounter. In addition, there are community-based programs that provide legal assistance. Some of these operate with small budgets and do not have the resources to serve all eligible people. Therefore, they may turn away some applicants.
Federally-funded organizations in Illinois which provide free legal services to the poor are the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation, serving the southern half of Illinois; Prairie State Legal Services, serving the northern half of the state except Cook County which is served by the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago; and Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation.
Those unable to obtain assistance from a legal aid office can turn to the pro bono programs that are often sponsored by local bar associations, where lawyers in private practice volunteer to take on cases free of charge for those who cannot afford to pay. Most legal aid offices make referrals to pro bono lawyers.
Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations.
© Illinois State Bar Association
If you have questions about the application of the law in a particular case, consult your lawyer. The law is constantly changing. Information on this site or any site to which we link does not constitute legal advice.