Frequently Asked Questions

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You can find programs in your county by checking the Legal Services Directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Listed below are answers to questions about us and our web site. If you have a question not answered below, please Contact Us.

Who are Dakota Plains Legal Services and East River Legal Services?
What do Pro Bono and Pro Se mean?
What's the difference between Civil and Criminal legal services?
What kind of cases do legal services programs handle?
What is the difference between a legal services/legal aid program and the public defender program?
What are the eligibility requirements for legal services programs?
How can I find out if I need a lawyer?
How do I find a lawyer?
What if a legal services program will not help me?
When should I seek legal advice?
Why can't I ask legal questions through this web site?
How do I find out more about legal services programs?
How do I send suggestions for adding items to this web site?

Detailed Questions and Answers:

Q:	Who are Dakota Plains Legal Services and East River Legal Services?
A:	Dakota Plains Legal Services and East River Legal Services are the two legal aid programs that serve low-income people in South Dakota.
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Q:	What do Pro Bono and Pro Se mean?
A:	Pro Bono organizations pair people with lawyers who volunteer their services for free. Pro Se organizations/clinics help people represent themselves.
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Q:	What's the difference between Civil and Criminal legal services?
A:	Civil Service organizations represent people in cases which are not criminal in nature--such as landlord/tenant issues, used car issues, domestic relations, public benefits, etc. Criminal Service organizations represent people in cases which are criminal.
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Q:	What kind of cases do legal services programs handle?
A:	Dakota Plains Legal Services and East River Legal Services each have separate case acceptance guidelines and priorities. Contact the program that serves your county to get more information.
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Q:	What is the difference between a legal services/legal aid program and the public defender program?
A:	A legal services or legal aid program generally handles civil cases (divorces, consumer, landlord/tenant, etc.) while a public defender program assists people in criminal matters.
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Q:	What are the eligibility requirements for legal services programs?
A:	In addition to financial elibigility, a case must also be one in which the legal services program is allowed to accept.
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Q:	How can I find out if I need a lawyer?
A:	You may be able to handle some matters on your own but if you are unsure please try to at least get some advice from a lawyer about your problem.
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Q:	How do I find a lawyer?
A:	Go to the legal services directory tab on the homepage and select the county in which you reside to find a program that serves your area.
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Q:	What if a legal services program will not help me?
A:	If a legal services program can not help you they may know of another program that could possibly assist you.
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Q:	When should I seek legal advice?
A:	You should always seek legal advice if you are unsure about what your rights and responsibilities are or if you need help initiating or answering a matter that has been (or may be) filed in court.
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Q:	Why can't I ask legal questions through this web site?
A:	There are many facts and other issues that attorneys must consider before offering anybody legal advice. It is impossible to get all the information that is needed to assist you through this website.
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Q:	How do I find out more about legal services programs?
A:	Contact the legal services program that serves your area for more information.
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Q:	How do I send suggestions for adding items to this web site?
A:	Enter your suggestions on the "feedback" form provided on the website.

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The Legal Services Corporation Technology Initiative Grants are intended to improve access to justice and legal information through the use of technology. The Legal Services Corporation provides federal financial support to organizations that assist low-income individuals and families with legal problems.