Hiring a Lawyer
September, 2010
If you are accused of a crime, you will probably face the possibility of going to jail. This fact alone will most likely drive you to look for a good lawyer. Unfortunately, private criminal defense lawyers don't come cheap, and you may not be able to afford one. This doesn't mean you'll be completely at the mercy of the government, however. The Charter provides that you are entitled to be represented by an Lawyer if the state is trying to deprive you of your liberty. This means that Legal Aid may be required to appoint a lawyer to represent you for free.
This section of the website looks at some of the common questions in obtaining a lawyer:
- How can I find a private lawyer and what do they cost?
- How does Legal Aid work?
- Can I represent myself?
Most importantly, if you are serious about obtaining a lawyer you are encourgaged to download the following legal resources. They provide more comprehensive information that you will want to study in detail:
Quick reference guide: Hiring a Lawyer (PDF)
