The legal aide here in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. does not cover criminal defense, how can I find a pro bono criminal defense attorney

Most pro bono work involves civil issues, not criminal. Most criminal representation is handled by privately retained defense lawyers or the public defenders office (if you qualify for the PD representation). While you can retain a private lawyer in anticipation of being charged, the PD will most likely tell you that you need to be charged before they will be able to evaluate whether you are eligible, as what you are charged with is one of the determining factors in whether you are eligible for PD representation. Good luck.

DISCLAIMER I do not practice law in your State. This answer is provided solely for informational purposes only. This answer does not constitute legal advice, create an attorney-client relationship, or constitute attorney advertising.

Contact several local criminal defense firms, see what they have to say (typically, the answer may be "no", but never hurts to ask). Legal Aid does not accept criminal cases. Sometimes, you may speak with a public defender regarding your situation before your arrest, for general information, but they are SO busy, they can be tough to track one down. The best way to speak with a public defender is to show up in court one morning and attempt to grab them on a break....

Whatever you do, DO NOT talk with the police until you have an attorney! So, if you get arrested before obtaining a lawyer, DO NOT speak to the detectives until you've been appointed a PD. You CANNOT talk your way out of a criminal charge, it just doesn't work, ever....

Good Luck,

It sounds like you have a warrant out for your arrest. Go see the Public Defender and they MAY be able to get rid of the arrest warrant. I can't say for sure because I don't know which circuit or county your warrant came from.

Any issue in criminal law is very complex and has tremendous potential consequences. Because of the risk to you financially and personally, it is in your best interest to personally speak to a criminal defense lawyer regarding your issue. Most criminal defense lawyers in your area will talk to you briefly on the telephone for free or meet with you for a brief, free consultation. I encourage you to speak to someone face-to-face or on the telephone and see if there is any way they can help you. Discussing a criminal case on-line can be dangerous because you never know who may see your entry. Remember, anything you say (or type) can be used against you. I wish you the best of luck.

Legal aid chapters in Florida will not accept criminal defense cases. Those are left up to the province of the Public Defender's Office.

Most criminal defense firms cosnsist of solo practicioners therefore they are limited in the amount of free work they can handle. Our firm considers barter situations and payment plans when folks have limited finances. Most often if you do not have the funds then you should apply for a public defender.