Legal aid
Legal aid
Information about legal aid
Trials and managing other legal matters often require using a legally trained assistant.
Principally, the party involved pays for the legal aid they need. If they cannot afford to get the help they need, it can be paid for them with state funds, either partially or entirely. However, legal aid is not usually granted if the applicant has legal aid insurance from which the expenses can be reimbursed.
The state has public legal aid offices for granting the legal aid. In them, the legal aid is provided by public legal aid attorneys. In trial matters, legal aid is provided by, in addition to public legal aid attorneys, lawyers and licensed trial counsels. In other matters, legal aid is primarily provided by public legal aid attorneys.
In certain situations, the defendant in a criminal trial is guaranteed an advocate at the state’s expense, regardless of their financial situation.
The victim of serious violent crime or sexual crime may be provided with a trial counsel at the expense of the state, regardless of his or her financial status.
The victim of serious violent crime or sexual crime may be provided with a trial counsel at the expense of the state, regardless of his or her financial status.
Call a legal aid office
You can book an appointment or ask for advice from Monday to Friday at 8.00 –16.15.
E-services
You can use the e-services at your convenience.
In the e-services, you can make a preliminary calculation of whether you are entitled to legal aid and submit an application for legal aid.
Chat with a legal aid expert
Click on the chat button and discuss anonymously with a legal aid expert.
Service in English on Wednesdays at 10–12
Service in Finnish from Monday to Friday at 10–12
Service in Swedish on Fridays at 10–12
Service in English on Wednesdays at 10–12
Service in Finnish from Monday to Friday at 10–12
Service in Swedish on Fridays at 10–12
Book an appointment
If you wish for an appointment, please contact the office of your choosing to book an appointment or a remote meeting.
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Instructions for clients during the COVID-19 pandemic
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we provide our services on weekdays at 8.00 –16.15.
Please contact us by phone or using the e-services.
A face-to-face meeting at the office can be arranged if necessary. If you suspect you have been infected with coronavirus, have any flu symptoms or have been exposed to coronavirus, you should not arrive at the meeting.
Meetings can also be arranged as remote meetings via video connection.