How long does it take for legal aid to be approved?

How long does it take for legal aid to be approved?

Applications are usually processed within 25 working days. If we agree a case is urgent, we will prioritise it and make a decision within 10 working days. You can tell us the case is urgent on the ECF1 form and in the e-mail.

How do I get a free lawyer in NSW?

Our lawyers give free legal advice at locations across New South Wales including legal aid offices, courts, community organisations, prisons and hospitals. Call the free legal help line LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529 to find a service near you or search for a Legal Aid NSW service near you.

Do I have to pay for legal aid?

Most people have to pay for legal advice and representation. However, the Legal Aid scheme can pay for all or some costs if you are on a low income and have low savings.

How long does a legal aid certificate last?

Emergency certificates now last for 8 weeks As emergency certificates only last four weeks, this has resulted, in many cases, in their expiry before the issue of the full certificate.

Do you get a free lawyer in Australia?

Unlike the USA, there is no right to free legal representation in Australia. We must either pay a lawyer to represent us, qualify for assistance such as Legal Aid or remain unrepresented. In fact, court cases have confirmed that people charged with criminal offences are not entitled to state-funded represented.

How do I pay legal aid fees?

The different ways to pay are: • through regular payments (instalments) made weekly, fortnightly or monthly • as a lump sum, either out of your savings or when you sell your house or other property • any money or property that you keep or get from your court case (civil cases).

Can you lose legal aid?

Some may lose their case because they are inadequately represented. Some may even get longer jail terms because they have no lawyer to advise them how to plea.