Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: Free Help!?!?

In California for civil matters there is Legal Aid. This is a non-profit organization. It is supported by government grants and other charitable funding. Legal Aid offices are generally not at the court house or its environs. For criminal matters there is the Public Defenders Office. The attorneys and staff members are government employees. The Public Defender's offices are usually at the court house or very close. When accused of a crime on the first court appearance, arraignment, you'll receive information on how to apply to have the Public Defenders Office appointed to represent you. If there is more than one person charged. There are conflict attorneys who are appointed to represent the others. To have a Public Defender appointed you may have to prove financial need by being required to see one or more private attorneys to inquire as to their fees, and/or then be required to fill out financial application to show your income and expenses. Being charged with a crime takes up a lot of your time and money. And when you don't have any money. It takes a lot of your time. So that you can't go out and earn some money.