Legal aid is considered a loan. You may have to repay some or all of your legal aid, depending on how much you earn, what property you own and whether you receive any money or property as a result of your case.
Legal aid may be available for people who need a lawyer but cannot afford one, and are:
charged with a criminal offence
involved in a family dispute that goes to court (such as care of children)
involved in a civil matter (such as a dispute over money, housing, ACC or a job)
a victim of a violent offence wanting to apply for a civil non-contact order.
Criminal legal aid
Find out more about legal aid for a criminal matter:
