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IF you can't find a lawyer to help you in court, here are some options for you...

IF you do not make much money, you might be eligible for legal aid. Prairie State Legal Services has a toll-free telephone advice line at 800/531-7057. This service is available Monday through Friday from 9:05 - 11:45 a.m. and 1:05 - 4:00 p.m. You will be able to speak to a lawyer about your legal problem. Prairie State's website is www.pslegal.org.

IF you are a victim of domestic violence, you are encouraged to contact YWCA of Sauk Valley at 815/288-1011 during regular business hours. After hours and on weekends, call the 24 Hour Hotline at 815/626-7277 to speak with domestic violence legal advocates who will help you with an Order of Protection, shelter, counseling, referrals and other services. The YWCA website is www.ywca.org/saukvalley. Click on "Programs" to find more information.

IF you have some money to pay a lawyer, you might want to contact the Illinois State Bar's Lawyer Finder service at www.illinoislawyerfinder.com. This service gives you the name of a local lawyer with whom you can discuss your legal problem for a very low fee. After the initial consultation, you can decide whether or not to hire the lawyer.

And if you still can't find a lawyer to help you, the Lee County Circuit Court has established a new, free Lee County Legal Self-Help Center. This free, internet-based legal self-help center will provide information about your legal problem.

The Lee County Legal Self-Help Center has two locations. It is located at the Circuit Clerk's Office in the Lee County Judicial Services Center at 309 S. Galena, Suite 320 and at the Dixon Public Library, 221 S. Hennepin. Deputy circuit clerks and librarians will show you how to use the legal self-help center and find the information that you need. The center does not provide any legal advice. You can access the Legal Self-Help Center from any computer with an internet connection.  You can find it at:  http://lee.illinoislegalaid.org.

Having a lawyer in court can make a real difference. If you cannot find an attorney to represent you and you need to go to court alone, one of these options might help. Take time to prepare for your court hearing. Preparation can make a big difference in the outcome.

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