What If I Can’t Afford a Mesa Attorney?

Unfortunately, the circumstances that bring about the need for an attorney are also often those times when you can least afford one, such as the death of a loved one, personal injury, illness or job loss. The good news is that due to hard won court battles that began in 1963, the right to an attorney has been deemed a fundamental part of the right to a fair trial.

In the early 1960s, a man named Gideon Wainwright was charged with a felony in the state of Florida. When he appeared in court he requested that the court appoint an attorney for him since he could not afford one. His request was denied since according to Florida law, a poor individual was only entitled to a court appointed attorney when they were charged with a capital offense.

At his resulting trial Gideon was found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison. Gideon took his case all the way to the United States Supreme Court declaring that the judge’s refusal to appoint an attorney to represent him violated his constitutional rights.

In the end, the United States Supreme Court ruled in a unanimous decision that the right to legal representation in a court of law is a fundamental right, as it is necessary to a fair trial. The high court recognized that in order for every defendant to stand equal in a court of law it is necessary that every defendant have the right to legal counsel, regardless of their ability to afford an attorney.

The laws of our land can be extremely complicated, that’s why years of education and training are required to become an attorney. In addition, a Mesa lawyer is not emotionally invested in your case, therefore he can keep a cool, clear head in situations where you may not. It is a well known fact that if an attorney is called into court, he will hire another attorney to represent him. Remember the old adage “One who represents himself in court has a fool for a client and an idiot for a lawyer.” This is especially true in Mesa criminal proceedings where your freedom is at stake.

If you are in need of an attorney and cannot afford one there is helpful information available on The Arizona State Bar Website!

My AZ Lawyers offers free consultations, and payment plans and financing are available if needed. The field of law is just too vast and complicated for anyone to be an expert in every area, so at My AZ Lawyers, our attorneys are required to have additional specialty training in their areas of practice. Our attorneys have years of courtroom experience in their specialized fields, including criminal defense, bankruptcy, divorce and family law. If you feel we can be of assistance to you call to schedule a free consultation.

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My AZ Lawyers

Mesa Location:
1731 West Baseline Rd., Suite #100
Mesa, AZ 85202
Office: (480) 448-9800

Glendale Location:
20325 N 51st Avenue Suite #134, Building 5
Glendale, AZ 85308
Office: (602) 509-0955

Tucson Location:
2 East Congress St., Suite #900-6A
Tucson, AZ 85701
Office: (520) 441-1450

Avondale Location:
12725 W. Indian School Rd., Ste E, #101
Avondale, AZ 85392
Office: (623) 399-4222