When you need an attorney, your stress levels are already high. You may have just been involved in a car accident, or you could have been charged with a crime. The cost of hiring an attorney might only add to your financial stress.
Everyone deserves to be able to hire an attorney when they need one, regardless of their income level. Thankfully, there are some ways that you might still be able to hire a lawyer even if you think you can’t afford it. Dive into all the details below to learn more about your options.
Options For Hiring a Lawyer Without a Lot of Money
Regardless of the type of case you may have, there are options that can allow you to have a lawyer without a lot of money. Your options may differ depending on the type of case you have.
Criminal Cases
All criminal defendants have a right to a lawyer, even if they cannot afford one. The Rules of Criminal Procedure in Utah state that an indigent defendant may have a lawyer appointed “if the defendant faces any possibility of the deprivation of liberty.” A court-appointed lawyer will not cost you anything, and your lawyer will be able to help you defend your rights throughout the proceedings.
Domestic Relations & Family Law
If you are facing a domestic relations issue and cannot afford a lawyer, you may still have some options. The pro bono section of the Utah State Bar has resources available to help clients find free or low-cost legal services. Some family law attorneys may also offer payment plans or other creative options allowing you to afford an attorney for your case.
Personal Injury
If you have been hurt in an accident, such as a truck accident or product liability accident, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer. The good news is that most personal injury attorneys utilize contingency fees. This means you will not have to come up with any money upfront.
When using a contingency fee, the lawyer takes their fee as a portion of any money you receive. The average contingency fee in a personal injury case ranges from 33% to 40% of the total recovery, depending on:
- Your location
- The complexity of your case
- Your lawyer’s experience level
- Your lawyer’s success rate or track record
- Whether your case settles or goes to court
Most states require that contingency fee agreements be in writing, and the agreement should clearly state how the fee is to be calculated. Even though you do not have to pay any upfront money, you should always make sure you fully understand the fee agreement before hiring a lawyer.
You might also be responsible for paying expenses related to your case from your proceeds. Any expenses that are to be deducted from your recovery should also be outlined in the contingency fee agreement. It is important to consider the total cost of the representation and not just the attorney’s fee.
Tips for Finding an Affordable Lawyer
Some lawyers charge more than others, even for similar legal services. If you need to hire a lawyer on a budget, there are some things you can do to try and find more budget-friendly options.
First, contact the State Bar in your area. Most Bar associations have resources available to help you find affordable legal representation. Next, ask your friends and family. Someone you know may have used an attorney before and can give you more information about the cost of that lawyer.
Search reviews and other information online. Former clients who leave reviews for the lawyer are likely to include information about the cost of their services.
Finally, call around. There is nothing wrong with exploring multiple attorneys before making a decision on who to hire. Explain to them your situation, and they may be willing to find a solution that will allow you to get representation without breaking the bank. Many attorneys offer free consultations, and you can use this as an opportunity to learn more about the lawyer before you make a final decision.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Parker & McConkie Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have 5 convenient locations in Utah, including Midvale, Salt Lake City, Ogden & Provo, UT. Clients can also visit our offices in Idaho Falls, ID & Rock Springs, WY.
We proudly serve Weber County, Utah County, Salt Lake County in Utah, Bonneville County in Idaho, Sweetwater County in Wyoming , and its surrounding areas:
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City Office
466 S. 500 E., Suite 100,
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
(801) 851-1202
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Midvale Office
7090 Union Park Ave, #160,
Midvale, UT 84047
(801) 845-0440
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Ogden Office
2510 S Washington Blvd, Suite 160,
Ogden, UT 84401
(385) 402-8187
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Provo Office
37 E Center St, Suite 300,
Provo, UT 84606
(801) 876-4107
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Rock Springs Office
531 N Front St,
Rock Springs, WY 82901
(307) 205-7400
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Idaho Falls Office
2235 East 25th St. Suite #280,
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
(208) 418-0633
Hours: 24/7
