Please help. I'm due to appear in court in March, but have no money for a lawyer. A family member tells me legal aid is free. Is this true, and how do I know if I qualify?
Conviction Expert says:
As of April 1, 2024, Legal Aid SA considers what applicants earn after tax, as well as what they own.
Applications for legal aid in criminal/civil cases – applicants must earn less than R8,700 a month.
With regards civil cases, applicants must earn less than R9,500 month. If an applicant owns movable assets, they must not be worth more than R160,800.
If an applicant owns immovable assets, they must not be worth more than R754,400.
In criminal cases, children – minors below the age of 18 – automatically qualify for legal aid. However, if it is a civil case, the family of the child will need to take and pass the Means Test.
Legal Aid SA contact details
0800 110 110 (Monday to Friday 7AM - 7PM)
079 835 7179 (Please Call Me)
communications2@legal-aid.co.za
Fraud and Ethics Hotline 0800 153 728
