Public Interest Attorney in Miami, FL, Providing Pro Bono Criminal Defense and Post-Conviction Advocacy for Clients in South Florida and Nationwide
Legal support shouldn’t be reserved only for the wealthy and powerful. As a Miami pro bono lawyer and public interest attorney, I remove the barriers that keep people from getting help by providing legal support without charge or according to flexible fee arrangements.
At Forge Litigation Group, my pro bono and public interest work fit directly into my firm’s commitment to standing up for the proverbial “little guy” against powerful opposition. I’ve helped defendants fight back against prosecutors’ criminal allegations against them, individuals and small companies take on large corporations, and clients plagued by unfairly negative media coverage manage crisis communications successfully.
While hiring an attorney can be costly, no one should put off retaining legal counsel because of a lack of resources. There are options available for low-cost legal representation under certain circumstances, as well as the availability of contingency-based services and flexible fee models. To find out how a public interest attorney in Miami, FL, can assist you, contact me today. The consultation has no obligation to move forward with legal action if it isn’t in your best interests.
My Pro Bono Practice and Commitment to Serving the Public Interest
The term “pro bono” is, in fact, an abbreviation of the Latin phrase “pro bono publico,” which translates to “for the public good.” This emphasis on public service reflects that pro bono legal work is undertaken without charge or at a very low cost to benefit people who need legal assistance but are unable to afford it.
Like many attorneys, I recognize the critical need to give back to my community. While I have worked on a number of projects and sat on the boards of multiple community organizations over the course of my career, the form of community involvement that I find most fulfilling is providing pro bono legal services for people in desperate situations. This work ensures that those most in need of legal guidance can receive it without a lack of financial resources compromising their access to skilled representation.
I focus my large pro bono practice on representing criminal defendants. Among the cases I have handled as a Miami pro bono lawyer are:
- The representation of a young man charged with triple homicide in a widely publicized case in Miami
- Advocacy on behalf of a gentleman who has been in prison for thirty years for a crime he did not commit
There’s no justice if only the wealthy and influential have the guidance needed to navigate the legal system successfully. The public interest and pro bono work I do reflects my fundamental commitment to representing the least powerful and least moneyed person in the room.
How to Get a Pro Bono Lawyer in Florida
If you’re looking for no-cost or low-cost legal services in Miami or throughout Florida, you need to be proactive about finding a suitable attorney and providing information.
Seek an Attorney Who Provides the Kind of Pro Bono Legal Work You Need
For example, at Forge Litigation Group, I have a large pro bono practice in which I focus on representing individual criminal defendants in trial and post-conviction matters. I primarily concentrate on helping people charged with serious offenses, such as homicide, and those who have been imprisoned for crimes they did not commit.
Have the Facts of Your Case Thoroughly Evaluated During a consultation
Before an attorney can seriously commit to providing pro bono legal services for you, they need to gain a thorough understanding of your legal matter. During your initial consultation, bring all information and evidence you have available with you to review with an attorney, just as you would do if you weren’t seeking pro bono assistance.
This initial analysis of the facts allows an attorney to assess how the case may proceed, what needs to be done to make the case as strong as possible, and how they may be able to help.
Establish Your Eligibility for Pro Bono Legal Services
Because the focus of pro bono legal services pertains particularly to the public interest of representing those who can’t afford to pay attorneys’ fees, you may need to meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify. These requirements may pertain to the facts of your case as well as to income guidelines.
What If I Don’t Qualify for Pro Bono Services?
Not everyone will qualify for very low-cost legal services, but even those whose income exceeds eligibility limits may find that they struggle to afford qualified legal help at standard rates. You should know that you may have options that meet your needs even if you don’t qualify for pro bono services, including:
- Access to a confidential consultation: During your consultation with Forge Litigation Group, I will review the facts of your case, provide initial feedback and advice for moving forward, and answer your questions.
- Flexible approaches to legal fees: In my practice, I am comfortable working with clients under a variety of different fee arrangements to ensure that legal help remains within reach. Depending on the type of case, you may be able to move forward with your case on a contingency-fee basis (in which no upfront fees are charged), traditional hourly fees, flat-rate fees, or even success fees.
- Recovery of legal fees: In certain circumstances, such as civil rights claims, you may be able to recover the costs of your attorney’s fees and litigation expenses as part of your legal action. I can help you understand when that may be the case and whether it’s an option to consider in your circumstances.
- Availability of legal knowledge: There is a great deal that the public and even the media get wrong about the legal system, and misinformation is both widespread and often difficult to identify. I’m committed to correcting those misconceptions not only for paying clients but also for the public good. During your initial consultation, I’m here to provide valuable information about the legal process as it pertains to your unique circumstances. That information can empower you, no matter how you choose to move forward.
Before you assume that you can’t afford professional legal guidance, take the time to explore all of your options during a no-cost case review with a knowledgeable public interest lawyer at Forge Litigation Group
My Commitment to Serving the Underserved as a Public Interest Attorney in Miami, FL
My focus in legal practice has always been on representing the underserved, especially those who are going up against an opposing side with more resources, more influence, or the benefit of the press on their side. I’ve never shied away from representing clients like the following:
- Individuals against whom powerful government prosecutors are pursuing serious criminal charges
- People and small businesses taking on large corporations backed by an army of lawyers in matters of civil litigation
- Anyone who has been thrown into the media spotlight and is under attack for their views or who is facing extremely negative publicity due to the allegations against them
- People who have spent years in jail after being wrongfully convicted of a crime they didn’t commit
For me, public interest is an important part of legal practice. My focus as an attorney has always been on representing the proverbial “little guy,” whether in civil litigation, business disputes, or criminal defense work.
How Forge Litigation Group Can Help
As a Miami pro bono lawyer, the services I provide may include the following:
- Advice on a one-off basis or an ongoing basis
- Legal document preparation or filing
- Representation during specific court appearances or legal proceedings
- Full-service representation for all stages of the legal process
Every case is unique, especially when it comes to public interest and pro bono work. If you’re interested in getting legal help for a situation that may qualify for pro bono services, I’ll work with you to set expectations and develop a plan for what my support during your case may look like.
Why Choose Forge Litigation Group as Your Miami Pro Bono Lawyer?
Having Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A. as your Miami pro bono lawyer or public interest attorney means having on your side an experienced attorney with a background in various areas of law and genuine concern for your well-being.
Decades of Legal Experience
As an attorney with 25 years of experience, including serving as a former Assistant Public Defender in Miami-Dade County early on in my legal career, I bring to every case I handle an extensive background in legal practice.
Comprehensive Knowledge of Criminal and Civil Law
I practice at the intersection of criminal defense and civil litigation, including handling cases that involve both criminal matters that lead to civil claims for damages and matters in which civil disputes encompass criminal components.
Legal Representation With Compassion
I recognize the challenges you’re facing during difficult legal matters, and I approach every case with care, empathy, and a thorough understanding of everything you’re going through. Once I agree to represent you, whether on a pro bono basis or under a standard fee arrangement, I become a devoted advocate for your cause.
Contact a Miami Pro Bono Lawyer at Forge Litigation Group Today for a Case Review
It’s time to seek out the help you need for the legal issues you’re facing. While you may fear that you can’t afford legal assistance, options like pro bono services, public interest work, and flexible fee arrangements can put the support you need within your reach. Take advantage of a consultation to discuss your case and your possible options.
For help from a public interest attorney in Miami, FL, contact Forge Litigation Group online or call 786-933-8794 today.