Alameda County Superior Court
Criminal Court Self Help -
Resources and Referrals

Filing or defending a criminal case in court can be very complicated. There are many rules and procedures to follow, and the courts differ in how some things are done. Also, many cases require immediate kinds of actions that a person with little or no legal training may be unaware of. For example, anyone involved in an auto accident should interview witnesses and gather evidence as soon as possible.
The clerks are prohibited by law from giving legal advice. If you are provided legal assistance through the Public Defender's office, or any other court-appointed counsel, the court will make a determination of your ability to pay all or part of the costs. If the court finds that you can pay, it may make an order for you to pay the costs. This order has the same force and effect as a civil judgment. The court may also order that you return for additional hearings to determine your ability to pay the cost of a court appointed attorney after your case is concluded.

1. Where Can I Find Legal Help?
   
   Timely legal advice can stop small problems from becoming larger ones. If you need legal help, look in the Yellow Pages of the phone book under "Attorney Referral Services," "Attorneys," or "Lawyers." In addition, many local bar associations sponsor free legal advice clinics.
   California State Bar Association
   American Bar Association
   Alameda County Bar Association
   
    
2. How Does the Lawyer Referral Service in Alameda County Work?
   
   To contact "The Lawyer Referral Service" in Alameda County, call (510) 893-8683. This is a non-profit public service of the Alameda County Bar Association, certified by the State Bar of California. When you call the Lawyer Referral Service, you will be asked to briefly explain your problem. The staff member will arrange a half-hour consultation for you with a qualified lawyer who is experienced in the area of law involved, at a time convenient for you. Arrangements for your consultation with a lawyer will be made quickly and efficiently, usually within 24 hours of your call.

   The Lawyer Referral Service charges a $25 fee. This is an administrative fee payable to the ACBA, to cover the costs of arranging these consultations. Some areas of law do not require the payment of a referral fee. Once they have identified the type of lawyer you need to speak with, you pay the $25 placement fee, either by credit card over the phone, or by mailing a money order or personal check to:

               ACBA-LRS
               360 22nd St., Suite 800
               Oakland, CA 94612 
   

   Payment for further services would be arranged between you and the attorney.
   
    

3. How Do I Find Out Whether I Qualify for Free Legal Services?
   
   Free legal services for qualified people are available from the National Legal Services Corporation (e.g., Legal Aid Society and Legal Services Foundation). People accused of a crime who cannot afford an attorney may request or apply for free help from the Public Defender's Office. If you think you qualify, you may request a referral to the Public Defender's Office when you make your first court appearance. For further information, you may contact the Public Defender's Office in Alameda County at: (510) 272-6600.
   
4. Local Leagal Aid Links
   
    
   1. Legal Aid Society of Alameda County
      

      Need a lawyer? Check out our Lawyer Referral Service.

      You may qualify for free clinics given by our Volunteer Legal Services Corporation.

      Having a fee dispute with your lawyer? We offer a Fee Arbitration Program.

      Get Small Claims Court help from our Small Claims Advisor.

      Find low-cost mediation and arbitration in our ADR Placement Service.

      California Courts Self-Help Center. This site is intended to help you find learn about California law, work better with an attorney and represent yourself in some legal matters. This site does not provide legal advice.
       

   2. BayArea Legal Aid
      
       
   3. Free Volunteer Legal Services
      
       
   4. East Bay Community Law Center
      
       
   5. California Rural Legal Assistance

   
    

5. Other Useful Links
   
    
   1. The Judicial Council
      
       
   2. The Equal Justice Network - List of national sources for free legal services.
      
       
   3. Legal Services Corporation - National list of legal services programs and locater.
      
       
   4. Legal Services of Northern California - California's website for poverty law issues includes links to an extensive list of legal referrals
      
       
   5. Legal Aid Society - California website with "I-Can" program (a self-help type program)
      
       
   6. Public Interest Clearinghouse - California clearing house on public interest issues.
      
       
   7. Find Law - Free legal research on full range of legal issues.