Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

How do I find a lawyer that will take on a pro bono case? I have heard that lawyers are suppose to do a certain amount of these cases a year, but I am not sure if this is true. If it is true, how/where do you find such a lawyer? The reason is because my boyfriend is fighting a criminal case right now with a public defender and he needs new council. Assuming its not to late to get a new attorney to fix the damage that the current public defender has done. I'm not looking for an attorney who will completely get him out of trouble, I just thought everyone is entitled to have a fair trail and competent council.

FYI: My boyfriend is charged with felon in possession of a handgun & receipt of stolen property and also prowling & driving on a suspended license & they are saying 5+ years


Asked on 1/24/11, 10:03 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

No criminal defense attorneys work pro bono, because indigent defendants have public defenders to represent them.

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Answered on 1/27/11, 1:23 pm
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Mr. Stone is not entirely correct. Many private criminal lawyers take pro bono cases now and then, but only when there is something unusual about the case that makes it attractive. For example, your boyfriend might be able to get a lawyer pro bono if his case presents intriguing legal issues, if he is being treated in a grossly unfair manner or if there is compelling reason to believe he is innocent.

Merely being dissatisfied with his public defender will not make your boyfriend's case attractive to private attorneys.

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Answered on 1/27/11, 1:44 pm


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