Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Finding Representation

my 14 year old son made a stupid mistake, he has 5 charges against him ,at juvenile intake he is the only one that gave the whole story about what happened,there were 3 other boys involved but they wont talk without a lawyer,they suggest I get a lawyer to help reduce the charges etc,the problem is my husband doesnt want to help (he's not his real father),he says we can't afford a lawyer and says we probably earn too much for a public defender,I can't send the papers in for a public defender without his information ,since he lives with us, and I don't know if I can afford a lawyer by myself ,could you please give me a suggestion what to do,thank you for your help


Asked on 9/19/06, 8:19 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Charles A. Pascal, Jr. Law Office of Charles A. Pascal, Jr.

Re: Finding Representation

The client here (the person who needs a lawyer) is your 14 year old son, without any resources, so he should be eligible for a public defender.

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Answered on 9/22/06, 4:33 am
Brian Zeiger Levin & Zeiger LLP

Re: Finding Representation

The supreme court has ruled that in most instances, you have the right to an attorney in criminal cases. If you explain to the judge or the public defender your situation you should be able to get a public defender. The judge cannot force you to go forward without a lawyer. You should always have a lawyer in a criminal case, so whether the lawyer is free or you pay them, get one asap!

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Answered on 9/19/06, 10:54 pm


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