Is legal aid the same as public defender?

Public Defenders are available to represent clients charged with serious criminal offences anywhere in New South Wales, if they have been granted legal aid.

Do public defenders work for free?

Contrary to what most people think, public defenders are not usually free. You may be required to reimburse some of your court costs and attorneys fees based on the charges, the verdict, your ability to pay, and even as a condition of parole (Defendants’ Rights to a Court Appointed Attorney).

Can a public defender help you with a criminal case?

Most public defenders are experienced with criminal cases and will donate whatever time that they have to helping you. There are several drawbacks to relying on legal aid or a public defender. Defendants worry that a public defender or an attorney who works for legal aid won’t have the same motivation to help them.

What are the hours of public defenders in NSW?

Learn more about Public Defenders. We do not provide general legal advice to the public. If you need legal help, contact LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529. The Public Defenders office hours are now 8:30am – 5pm.

When is the National Legal Aid and Defender Association annual conference?

The 2021 NLADA Annual Conference will take place November 10-13 in Nashville, Tennessee. Stay tuned for updates.

When is the public defenders conference in Ultimo?

If you need legal help, contact LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529. Latest News The Public Defenders Criminal Law Conference will be held on 14 and 15 March 2020 at the Aerial UTS Function Centre, Ultimo. For further information, visit our event website.

Most public defenders are experienced with criminal cases and will donate whatever time that they have to helping you. There are several drawbacks to relying on legal aid or a public defender. Defendants worry that a public defender or an attorney who works for legal aid won’t have the same motivation to help them.

Who are the clients of Legal Aid and Defender Association?

Our client, a child born at Beaumont Hospital with abnormal birth weight, had parents seeking to obtain supplemental security income (SSI) benefits on behalf of the child. Fighting cancer is difficult enough when one has access to quality treatments.

What kind of cases can legal aid help with?

They also don’t help with medical malpractice suits, car accident or personal injury cases, or traffic violation cases. They can, however, assist you with cases involving family law, domestic violence, housing benefits, or other public benefits. Some legal aid offices will also help you with immigration, disability, and other similar cases.

How does Legal Aid Queensland get its funding?

We are funded by the Queensland Government to undertake state law matters (ie criminal law and civil law matters). Other sources of funding for state law matters include solicitor trust fund interest, client contributions and interest on invested Legal Aid Queensland funds.