Legal Help
Many lawyers and legal organizations provide pro bono work. In common usage pro bono refers to volunteer work done for the public good. In the legal field, lawyers who do pro bono work take cases for those who are disadvantaged and unable to secure legal assistance. Additionally, legal advocacy organizations (organizations that take on cases) usually provide pro bono representation for their clients.
Generally speaking, pro bono is done for civil cases. For criminal cases, the court appoints attorneys to represent indigent criminal litigants.
What is Available?
There are a number of nonprofit institutions and other organizations that may be able to represent you or provide other legal assistance.
Legal Aid Agencies
Legal aid agencies are non-profit organizations that provide free legal services to people below a certain income level. Before you can get help from a legal aid agency, you usually have to qualify for their help based on your low income. Because there are so many people in need of legal help, your income has to be fairly low to qualify and the services are generally limited to civil or family cases.
Non-Profits
Non-profit public interest organizations, like groups concerned with civil liberties or housing discrimination, may be able to help you. These groups sometimes have staff lawyers who might be able to handle your case. Others provide legal help only to groups of people rather than to individuals.
Government Agencies
If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford a lawyer the General Division may appoint an attorney or make a referral to the Public Defender on your behalf.
Lawyer-Referral Services
The local, state and national bar provides a lawyer referral service to help you identify an attorney that is right for you. Other programs like “Find a Lawyer” also provide the ability to search for attorneys.
Law Schools
Law Schools, often provide Pro Bono Services for eligible people. In the Miami Valley, the Universtiy of Dayton School of Law School provides a Criminal Law Clinic for indigent clients fo misdemeanors in Dayton Municipal Court. Generally, clients are accused of offensives like assault, prostitution, theft, criminal damaging and drug possession. Contact the University of Dayton Law School if you have any questions.
Mediation Programs
The Montgeormy County Common Pleas – General Division provides a Mediation Program to settle cases out of court. The Court recommends you learn more about mediation to see if it is a possibility for you.
Prepaid Legal Service Plans
Prepaid legal plans allow a person to pay a monthly stipend for general legal services. Think of it like you would a health plan but instead of medical services you pay for legal services. The American Bar Association provides a standing Committee on Group and Prepaid Legal Services that provides a wealth of information of prepaid legal plan.
Use the Quick Links section tab below to find free or low-cost legal services or an attorney for your case.
Quick Links
- Legal Aid of Western Ohio – Dayton| 937.228.8088 | Directions
- The Law Office of the Public Defender | 937.225.4652 | Directions
- Advocated for Basic Legal Equality – Dayton | 937.228.8104 | Directions
- Dayton Bar Association – Lawyer Referral Service | 937.222.7902 | Directions
- Ohio Public Defender | 800.686.1573 | Directions
- American Bar Association
- Ohio Legal Aid
Court Programs
The Montgomery County Common Pleas – General Division provides many programs to help you. Please see the tabs below to access the links so you can learn details about them:
Court Services
Criminal Justice Services
Specialty Courts
Court Hours
Monday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Tuesday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Wednesday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Thursday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Tuesday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Wednesday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Thursday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Phone: 937-225-6000