Can’t afford to hire an attorney? There may be help available.

If you meet certain income and financial eligibility requirements, the organizations below may be able to provide free legal advice, representation, or help connecting you with a volunteer attorney. Eligibility and the types of cases accepted vary by organization.

Legal Aid Society of Evansville, Inc.

The Legal Aid Society of Evansville provides free civil legal advice and representation to eligible low-income residents of Vanderburgh County. Assistance is based on household financial eligibility and the type of legal matter involved.

Legal Aid does not handle criminal cases, bankruptcy, or fee-generating matters. In some cases, eligible applicants may be referred to the Volunteer Lawyer Program for possible assistance from a volunteer attorney.

Apply by phone: 8:00–11:30 a.m., Monday–Friday

Office: Civic Center, Downtown Evansville

Phone: (812) 435-5173

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday

For more information go to vanderburghgov.org/LAS

Indiana Legal Services

Indiana Legal Services (ILS) provides free civil legal assistance to eligible individuals in Southwestern Indiana. Assistance may be available for matters involving family law, consumer issues, senior law, housing, and public benefits.

Service Area: Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Knox, Martin, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick Counties.

Apply by Phone: (800) 852-3477 - Monday-Thursday, 9:00am-1:00pm Central Time

Apply anytime online at https://www.indianalegalservices.org/applyonline/

Volunteer Lawyer Program of Southwestern Indiana

The Volunteer Lawyer Program (VLP) connects eligible individuals with attorneys who volunteer their time to provide legal assistance at no charge.

Individuals do not apply directly to VLP. To be considered for assistance through the program, you must first apply through the Legal Aid Society of Evansville or Indiana Legal Services. If eligible and appropriate for the program, your matter may then be referred to VLP for possible placement with a volunteer attorney.

Service Area: Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Knox, Martin, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vigo, and Warrick Counties.

Need an Attorney for a Criminal Case?

If you have been charged with a crime and cannot afford an attorney, you may ask the court to appoint a public defender to represent you.

Requests for a public defender must be made through the court where your criminal case is pending, typically at your arraignment. If you have already attended your arraignment, contact the court listed on your case paperwork for information about requesting appointed counsel.