How do I become a legal aid lawyer in NY?

How do I become a legal aid lawyer in NY?

The Legal Hotline is available Monday – Thursday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM and on Friday from 9:00AM to 1:00PM at or you can apply online for assistance by filling out the online intake application.

How can I get a good lawyer with no money?

Here’s how to find legal help if you can’t afford a lawyer:

  1. Contact the city courthouse.
  2. Seek free lawyer consultations.
  3. Look to legal aid societies.
  4. Visit a law school.
  5. Contact your county or state bar association.
  6. Go to small claims court.

What does pro bono mean?

The term “pro bono,” which is short for pro bono publico, is a Latin term that means “for the public good.”

What is it called when a lawyer only gets paid if he wins?

Answer. In a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyer who represents you will get paid by taking a percentage of your award as a fee for services. If you lose, the attorney receives nothing. This situation works well when you have a winning lawsuit.

What is a free lawyer called?

Someone who is extremely in-need (i.e. poor) and receives legal services as charity (these free lawyers call this kind of work ‘pro bono’) Someone who is assigned a free lawyer by the criminal courts (these free lawyers are called Public Defenders)

How do lawyers get cases dismissed?

An order to dismiss a case can occur when the appellate court, having reversed the conviction on the grounds of a bad search or arrest, examines what’s left of the case and determines that there is not enough evidence to warrant another trial.

What is the maximum income to qualify for legal aid?

To qualify for civil/family legal aid, you can’t earn more than the following amounts: $23,820 per year for a single applicant. $37,722 per year for an applicant with a spouse or partner; or with one dependent child.

How can I get a legal question answered for free?

Ask A Lawyer is a free offering on Lawyers.com where consumers can ask legal questions and seek answers from our extensive network of attorneys. For attorneys, it is an effective marketing tool linking you to prospective clients who may be in need of legal counsel.

What is a legal question?

Definition. An issue that is always resolved by a judge, not a jury, including: 1) An issue regarding the application or interpretation of a law. 2) An issue regarding what the relevant law is.

What questions do lawyers ask?

Below are five questions that you should expect from your lawyer during your first meeting….What Questions do Lawyers Ask Their Clients?

  • What is your case about?
  • What do you hope to accomplish?
  • How do you want us to communicate?
  • Why did you choose me?
  • Are you comfortable with my rates?

What questions do witnesses get asked?

Sample Questions to Ask the Witnesses:

  • What did you witness?
  • What was the date, time and duration of the incident or behavior you witnessed?
  • Where did it happen?
  • Who was involved?
  • What did each person do and say?
  • Did anyone else see it happen?
  • What did you do after witnessing the incident or behavior?

What questions do Defence lawyers ask?

Essential Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Attorney

  • Can You Tell Me About Your Background And Experience?
  • Do You Focus On Criminal Law Or Also Engages With Other Areas Of Practice?
  • How Much Do You Charge For Legal Fee?
  • What Do You Think About My Case?
  • Conclusion.

Who can give evidence in court?

Section 118 of the Evidence Act, states that any competent person can be a witness unless the same has been barred by the Court or any law. They need to understand the questions that are being put to them. They need to give rational answers to the questions.

What questions will be asked in divorce court?

What Kind of Questions Might the Judge Ask at My Uncontested Divorce Hearing?

  • Please state the name(s) and date(s) of birth of your child(ren).
  • Where does each child currently live?
  • Is there any previous order—from any court anywhere—about the custody, visitation, or support of the child(ren)?

Can you refuse to give evidence?

A person can be compelled (forced) to attend court and give evidence if they have been deemed competent to do so. The exceptions to this rule are the accused themselves, the accused’s spouse or civil partner and those not deemed competent to give evidence.

Do I have to go to court if I give a statement?

Just because you’ve given a statement doesn’t mean the police will ask you to give evidence in court. They’ll contact you if you have to go to court to give evidence – this can take some time. This is because court cases can take a long time to prepare.

Can a spouse be forced to testify?

The spousal testimonial privilege (set forth in California Evidence Code sections 970 and 971) means that no one can be forced to testify in court—including in a criminal case—against his or her husband or wife.

Can I be forced to testify?

As a general rule, a court can force you to testify after sending you a subpoena informing you what testimony they need. Criminal defendants can never be forced to testify. The witness is married to someone involved in the case: Communication between two spouses is considered privileged by courts.

Can a victim refuse to go to court?

Yes, there are legal reasons to refuse to testify. The reasons should be presented to the court at the time of refusing.

What happens if you are subpoenaed and don’t want to testify?

“If you’re served with a subpoena or you waive service and you do not show up, then you will be held in contempt of court,” says Eytan. Even if you don’t want to testify—say, against someone you know, like a family member or friend—and you go to court but refuse to answer questions, you can also be held in contempt.

Can I refuse to go to court as a witness?

Can I refuse to be a witness? Yes, if you are asked to be an expert witness. You must decide whether you can spare the time from your work or business to prepare a report and, perhaps, go to a court hearing. If you are asked to be a witness of fact, you can also refuse.

What should I do if I don’t want to testify?

You have to go to court unless the lawyer who subpoenaed you tells you don’t have to be there. Call him or her up and find out why you were subpoenaed. If you don’t agree with their reasoning, you can always ask the judge to be excused, but don’t just not show up. You may risk getting thrown in jail.

Can a witness statement be used in court?

You cannot have people present their testimony as evidence at trial unless they are subject to cross-examination. Any out-of-court statement offered as evidence is not subject cross-examination in this way, and so is considered “hearsay,” and so is probably not admissible as evidence.

What happens if a witness lies in court?

A witness who intentionally lies under oath has committed perjury and could be convicted of that crime. The crime of perjury carries the possibility of a prison sentence and a fine (paid to the government, not the individual wronged by the false testimony).