3 ms·
Not even when the price of legal representation is above my means to pay?
by kefka 11y ago
Not even when the price of legal representation is above my means to pay?
- pc86 11y agoIf you need an attorney and cannot afford one, one is appointed. If you can afford one, you can't really say "I'd rather not pay that." In this context "afford" typically means you can still keep your home/apartment and go grocery shopping.
- gknoy 11y agoNote that "Cannot pay" is often interpreted to mean "Has already mortgaged the house and liquidated all things", not "has an empty checking account".
- bhickey 11y agoStates establish indigence standards. Generally if your income exceeds 200% the federal poverty line, you aren't entitled to a court appointed attorney. Even then, if you're above 125% the poverty line, you can be forced to pay for your court appointed attorney. You can claim financial hardship, but the court isn't obliged to accept your claims.