I have a friend incarcerated at the Bulloch County Jail and he is needing representation. He is in there for 2 probation violations which entail not keeping up with his fees and being unable to visit his probation officer due to no form of transportation. He also has not had a phone for several months. His charges that led him to prison a few years ago were for supposedly assaulting an officer. You can listen to his 911 call from then and will hear him calling for help because he had smoked a joint and it was apparently laced with something which caused severe adverse effects. From my understanding you can call for help for this and will be helped but no charges will be brought upon you. Well when the police arrived, along with the ambulance, they began attacking him and beating him up. Now mind you this is a person who had called for help and when the first responders got there they said he needed to go to the emergency room because he was that bad but the officers refused this request. He sat in the bulloch county jail for a year, never seeing a doctor (he has mental issues), nor getting a date to talk to the judge.
Again, he is now there again for 2 probation violations which he was unaware of having and if he doesn't get the proper representation he could sit in there for months to years. This jail has numerous lawsuits against them and I am afraid he will not get the proper medical care he needs nor the opportunity to go in front of the judge for any time soon.
Please advise me as to what to do, who can help, etc because I am at a loss and am the only one he has any support from.
Possible Solutions for Getting a Pro Bono Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bulloch County
It is commendable that you are seeking help for your friend who is incarcerated at the Bulloch County Jail. It is essential to get a competent criminal defense attorney to represent your friend adequately. However, not everyone can afford a lawyer, especially those who are incarcerated, like your friend. Fortunately, there are options available to help those in need of legal assistance.
Here are some potential solutions to getting a pro bono criminal defense lawyer for your friend in Bulloch County:
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Public Defender's Office: In Bulloch County, the Public Defender's Office provides legal representation to indigent clients charged with criminal offenses. Your friend can apply for a public defender by filling out a financial affidavit and submitting it to the court clerk's office. The affidavit will determine whether your friend is eligible for a public defender.
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Pro Bono Programs: Several pro bono programs provide legal assistance to low-income individuals who cannot afford a lawyer. The State Bar of Georgia has a pro bono program that connects low-income individuals with volunteer lawyers. Additionally, the Georgia Legal Services Program provides free legal services to eligible clients in Georgia.
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Non-profit Organizations: There are non-profit organizations that specialize in providing legal assistance to indigent individuals. One such organization in Georgia is the Southern Center for Human Rights. They provide legal representation to people facing the death penalty, individuals with mental health issues, and those in need of criminal justice reform.
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Law Schools: Some law schools have clinics that provide legal assistance to low-income individuals. The clinics are staffed by law students under the supervision of experienced attorneys. One such clinic is the University of Georgia School of Law's Legal Aid and Defender Clinic.
Relevant Links and Resources
- Bulloch County Public Defender's Office
- State Bar of Georgia Pro Bono Program
- Georgia Legal Services Program
- Southern Center for Human Rights
- University of Georgia School of Law Legal Aid and Defender Clinic
Legal Services Rates in Bulloch County
Legal services rates in Bulloch County can vary depending on the type of case and the attorney's experience. Here is a table showing average rates for various legal services in the area:
| Service | Average Rate |
|---|---|
| Criminal Defense | $250-$500 per hour |
| DUI Defense | $2,500-$5,000 flat fee |
| Traffic Violations | $150-$300 per hour |
| Personal Injury | 33% of recovery |
| Divorce | $250-$500 per hour |
| Child Custody | $250-$500 per hour |
Please note that these are average rates and may vary depending on the attorney and the complexity of the case.
Legal Disclaimer
This response is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. This response does not create an attorney-client relationship, and you should consult with an attorney for specific legal advice.
A criminal defense lawyer is a lawyer (mostly barristers) specializing in the defense of individuals and companies charged with criminal activity. Some criminal defense lawyers are privately retained, while others are employed by the various jurisdictions with criminal courts for appointment to represent indigent persons; the latter are generally called public defenders. The terminology is imprecise because each jurisdiction may have different practices with various levels of input from state and federal law or consent decrees. Some jurisdictions use a rotating system of appointments with judges appointing a private practice attorney or firm for each case. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_defense_lawyer
If you're facing criminal charges (You were detained and imprisoned by the police), You have the right to remain silent. You should remember, that anything you say can and will be used against you in a court. You have - just like anyone else - the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an criminal defense attorney, you may qualify for a court-appointed lawyer.
- How to Become a Criminal Defense Lawyer? - wikihow.com
- Tips on how to find the right lawyer to handle your criminal case - nolo.com
- Various ways that private criminal lawyers charge for their work - nolo.com
How to find and compare top criminal defense law firms that provide legal aid for DUI and other criminal cases? Search Super Lawyers directory, compare criminal attorneys on Justia or browse detailed Avvo reports on Criminal Defense Attorneys across United States.
