Is a public advocate free?
Public advocates are lawyers who work in juvenile court for people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. It costs a lot of money to hire a lawyer.

Usually, when the court orders the services of a public advocate for a person younger than 18, the court also orders the parents to pay $400 to help the county for the cost of legal representation.

However, the Office of the Public Advocate does not receive the money and does not know if the money is paid or not. The public advocate will work hard on the case no matter what. Also, if the parents cannot afford to pay, they can participate in a financial review process that can result in reduction or waiver of the fee.

Show All Answers

1. What is a public advocate?
2. How will my public advocate help me?
3. How can I get a public advocate?
4. Is a public advocate free?
5. Why is a probation officer calling me? I’m not on probation!
6. What happens at juvenile court?
7. Can the juvenile court take away my driver's license?
8. What is an appeal?