How is a determination made for someone that may qualify for free legal services?

Nearly ever state in the US has a non-profit legal aid type foundation where citizens can take advantage, if they qualify, of free legal services.

These services can range from civil causes of action such as elder law services, family and domestic law, farm law, public benefits and disability law, children's legal services, and cooperative programs with the private bar, which may include reduced fee agreements and pro bono work, or work done for no charge.

Legal services usually can provide representation or referrals generally for citizens meeting income guidelines for the area. Most of the free legal services fall under the Legal Services umbrella and may be restricted upon some representation but usually strives to serve the poor of their communities with “equal justice under the law.”

Obviously another qualification is that you have a problem that has a legal remedy and can be resolved through the court of law in your area. Things that most free legal services cannot help with are criminal cases, traffic cases, accident claims, personal injury or wrongful death suits or representation to prisoners.