The state promises legal aid to the poor and refugees
As reported by Radio Prague, those whose average income over the last six months does not exceed three times the subsistence minimum – currently 4,300 crowns per person (172 euros) – can count on free legal consultation.
“It often happens that a person receives a final administrative warning before a court complaint or a court order for debt recovery, and they are unsure how to proceed. The free legal aid system should help the client navigate a specific issue,” says Robert Němec, Deputy Chairman of the Czech Bar Association.
Under the new law, low-income individuals are now entitled to four half-hour consultations per year. Some lawyers provided free legal aid before, but now they will receive 150 crowns (6 euros) from the state to cover costs.
“Those wishing to receive free advice must fill out a form, which can be downloaded from the bar association’s website, confirm their income, and send it all to our office. Currently, we help about a thousand people a year. I don’t think the number will increase much,” says Irena Schejbalová, head of the bar association in Brno.
There is a one-time fee of 100 crowns (4 euros) for submitting an application. Processing the application takes several days, depending on the applicant’s place of residence.
“The main advantage is state assistance in life situations where it was not previously available. Starting July 2018, it is guaranteed in the form of consultation before court proceedings, before administrative proceedings, and also in the case of appeals to the Constitutional Court,” clarified Lucie Machálková from the Ministry of Justice.
Foreigners in refugee camps are also now entitled to free legal aid. Previously, they were helped by volunteer lawyers and employees of non-profit organizations.
The innovation will cost the state 34 million crowns per year. Seven million will go to consultations with clients, and the rest will be paid to lawyers for defending low-income clients in administrative proceedings or appeals to the Constitutional Court. Such a guarantee was not previously available to citizens.