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Legal Aid is a program set up by the government and its purpose is to pay for legal costs, including lawyer fees, for low income citizens. You first have to be eligible to benefit from the program and then the services required must be covered. EligibilityThe financial situation of the citizen wanting to benefit from the Legal Aid program or that of his family, are analyzed in order to determine elegibility. Annual income, whether one owns a residence or not, cash assets, family situation and the type of services required are considered to determine eligibility. Since January 26th, 2006, Quebec’s government has increased the (eligibilty maximum income.). If the citizen is eligible, he or she can get free legal aid or the government may ask that person to contribute to the costs for an amount between 100 and 800 $. What services are covered?Legal Aid is usually granted for cases related to Youth Protection Act, to represent young offenders or to represent individuals charged with a criminal offense, IF THESE PERSONS ARE FINANCIALY ELIGIBLE. On the other hand, if a person is charged with a lesser crime, legal aid will be granted only if there a risk of incarceration. Family law cases, (divorce, custody, alimony) and cases related to welfare, to automobile insurance and to workmen’s compensation are also generally covered. In the end, if your freedom or your means of subsistence are threatened, legal aid coverage may be granted. Please note that Legal Aid is NEVER granted for libel cases or to contest parking tickets. Furthermore our services are very inexpensive and thus we can maybe provide you a complement of information. Two heads are better than one, you know. In cases of representation for incarcerated citizens, legal aid covers hearings and preparation for parole or a dispute over a jail transfer when the security level is increased. Legal aid can also be granted for representation before a disciplinary tribunal for more serious offenses. You may read a government pamphlet called "LEGAL AID, Ongoing Expertise". How to get Legal Aid ?A citizen wanting to be declared eligible to Legal Aid must ask for it at the Legal Aid office nearest to his or her residence. You should phone first to set up an appointment before showing up at the office. You will find the nearest to your residence Legal Aid office phone number in your local phone book. If you are incarcerated pending trial of after having been sentenced, you can reach the Legal Aid office at (514) 842-2233 and reverse the charges because all the phone calls out of a detention center go through long distance. Legal Aid accepts these charges. For more information you may reach the Legal Aid representatives at : Commission des services juridiques RevisionIf you are denied coverage, it is possible to contest this decision by applying for a revision within 30 days. This must be made in writing and you must invoke sufficient cause for revision. This letter must be sent by registered or certified mail in care of: Président de la commission des services juridiques
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