I’ve been charged with a criminal offence and I’m worried about using Legal Aid because it is run by the Government. Will they really act in my best interests?
Lawyer Answers (1): Answers from lawyers are general preliminary responses. They are not formal legal advice and cannot taken account of all your circumstances. They do not create a lawyer–client relationship.
Answer by Lisa Wulfsohn, Malvern 3144 VIC
- Yes. Legal Aid will act in your best interests.
- Your lawyer may be an in-house Legal Aid lawyer or a private lawyer funded by Legal Aid. In either case the lawyer is still your advocate and will act in your best interests. This includes maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
- All lawyers are strictly bound by ethical duties towards their clients and work independently from the government.