Free Criminal Defense help in California
Misdemeanor defense, expungement, post-conviction relief, restoration of rights. Pro bono help is free for people who qualify — eligibility typically depends on income and case type.
Pro bono criminal defense attorneys
none yetNo pro bono criminal defense attorneys listed for California yet. The other sources below may still help.
California legal aid organizations
5 resultsLegal aid programs serve income-eligible clients across a range of practice areas — coverage varies by org.
Free civil legal services for over 100,000 low-income people annually across Greater Los Angeles — housing, family, immigration, and consumer.
Visit siteFree civil legal help for low-income people in the San Francisco Bay Area — housing, public benefits, family, and consumer rights.
Visit siteFree civil legal assistance for low-income individuals, families, and communities across central California.
Visit siteStatewide legal information portal in seven languages with self-help resources and referrals to local legal aid providers.
Visit siteJudicial Branch self-help portal with step-by-step guides, court forms, fee waiver information, and legal aid referrals.
Visit siteCalifornia bar association pro bono
1 resultMost state bars run lawyer-referral programs that include reduced-fee and pro bono panels. Contact directly for current intake.
Mandatory state bar regulating 190,000+ California attorneys — admissions, discipline, MCLE, and public protection.
Visit siteLaw school clinics
coming soonLaw school clinics handle real cases under faculty supervision — typically free, with eligibility set by each clinic.
Law school clinic listings are coming soon — clinics in this state will surface here once catalogued.