Why does he have to pay this attorney back?

Question

My boyfriend, who is now 27, and an upstanding citizen, got into some trouble between 1998 and 2002. He was always in the wrong place at the wrong time. Well, he has 4 incidents where he was arrested, and was told an attorney would be provided if he couldnt afford one. Well, he wasnt working during some of these times, so he filled out the paperwork for the attorney, assuming it was free. Well, 10 years later, we have a family and a home with full time jobs, and he's getting letters in the mail saying that he owes these attorneys for almost 1, 500$! I cant believe it! He doesnt understand why they say one will be appointed if you cant afford it, then they charge you anyways! We cant afford this! Now I'm angry at him for doing stupid things when he was 17 to 20 years old! Even though he's  a hard worker and a great provider now! How can the courts do this? Is there a way around it?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

He will have to pay.  If they can prove he know has money (or say a house) they can make him pay them back.  I would tell you to fight it, but you would have to hire a new lawyer and that would cost you way more than $1,500, and you would most likely lose.  Most states are good about payment plans, so talk to them any the will probably let you pay $200 or $300 a month until it is paid.

sensible_man · Answer

This is a situation most people do not understand. That "free" attorney is only free if you can prove you cannot afford one and this includes selling things you own to be able to pay. Now that he is "able" to pay, they are billing him.

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Why does he have to pay this attorney back?

2 Answers