chicago lawyerA Chicago Lawyer will explain, that if you are charged with a crime which may result in jail time, and if you cannot afford a Chicago lawyer, the court will usually appoint a lawyer at no charge. The lawyer who will represent you in criminal cases is either a public defender or an attorney in private practice who has experience in criminal cases and is paid through a separate fund.

Your right to a fair trial includes the right to be represented by an attorney. If you cannot pay, the court will supply you with one who is well qualified to give you a competent defense. If you can afford an attorney, on the other hand, you may employ a private attorney of your choice at your expense.

In a civil suit, the general rule is that you do not have a “right” to an appointed lawyer. Therefore, if you have a case other than a criminal case you need to obtain a lawyer of your choice.

There are cases that a private attorney will handle without charging you a fee for his services. These are cases in which the attorney believes that fees can be obtained from the other party to the lawsuit. This arrangement is known as a “contingent fee” and does not depend on your ability to pay. In addition, a Chicago lawyer may arrange for fees to be paid over an extended period of time.

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