The state guarantees free legal aid — and not only to people on low incomes. Anyone can get a consultation and help with a complaint, and around thirty categories of people are entitled to a lawyer in court: those under arrest, internally displaced persons, veterans and the families of fallen Defenders, victims of domestic violence and others. Below is who exactly is entitled, where to apply, and how a free lawyer differs from one you choose yourself.

Two levels of aid

The law distinguishes between primary and secondary free legal aid. The difference lies in what exactly you get and who is entitled to it.

Primary aid — for everyone

Everyone under Ukraine's jurisdiction is entitled to it, regardless of income. It covers legal information, consultations and explanations, help drafting an application or a complaint (but not a procedural document for court), and help accessing secondary aid. It is provided by free legal aid centres and by state and local authorities.

Secondary aid — for defined categories

This is a lawyer's work: defence in a criminal case, representation in court and before authorities, drafting procedural documents — claims, appeals, applications. Only the categories expressly named in the law are entitled to it.

Who is entitled to a free lawyer

The most common categories:

• People on low incomes — if average monthly income does not exceed two subsistence minimums; likewise persons with disabilities whose pension or social assistance does not exceed two subsistence minimums for an able-bodied person.
• Children, including orphans and children deprived of parental care.
• People under arrest — administrative or criminal — and people in custody: defence and procedural documents.
• Suspects and accused persons for whom a lawyer is appointed under the Criminal Procedure Code — in particular in cases of especially serious offences, where a defence lawyer is mandatory, and for minors.
• Convicted persons sentenced to imprisonment or restriction of liberty.
• Internally displaced persons — all types of aid.
• War veterans and families of fallen (deceased) veterans and Defenders of Ukraine — all types of aid.
• Victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual violence or torture during the war — in matters of protecting their rights.
• Persons deprived of liberty as a result of the armed aggression — all types of aid.
• Corruption whistleblowers — in matters of protecting their rights.

This is not the full list: the law has almost thirty categories in all, and for some of them aid is limited to specific matters — for example, establishing facts to restore documents or obtaining veteran status.

How to get a free lawyer

People under arrest, and those for whom an investigator or court appoints a defence lawyer, do not need to apply: the centre decides immediately, on the basis of the notice of arrest or the decision or ruling to engage a defence lawyer.

A free lawyer or your own

Both routes are lawful, and in both cases you are defended by an advocate. The difference is who chooses the lawyer and how the work is organised.

• Free legal aid is paid for by the state. The lawyer is appointed by the centre from the register — you cannot choose a particular defence lawyer yourself.
• Your own lawyer is someone you choose and agree the scope of work with; the fee is set by the legal aid agreement.
• If, in a case where a free defence lawyer has been appointed, you engage your own, free aid in that case ends.

Whatever you choose, the worst option is the third one: being left without a lawyer in the first hours after arrest or at the first questioning. That is when the mistakes are made that are hardest to put right later.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a free lawyer in Poltava?

Yes, the free legal aid system works across the country, including in Poltava. The easiest place to start is the hotline 0 800 213 103: they will tell you whether you fall into a category and where to go.

Can I get a free consultation if I do not fall into any category?

Yes. Primary aid — consultations, explanations, help drafting an application or complaint — is available to everyone, regardless of income. The restrictions apply only to secondary aid: defence and representation in court.

Can I choose a particular free lawyer?

No. The lawyer is appointed by the centre from the Register of lawyers providing free secondary legal aid. If you want to choose your defence lawyer yourself, that is an agreement with a lawyer, not free legal aid.

How long does the decision take?

The centre considers a request within 10 working days. For people under arrest and those for whom an investigator or court appoints a defence lawyer, the decision is taken immediately.

What if free legal aid is refused?

The centre sends the refusal together with an explanation of how to challenge it. Before challenging it, check whether you attached the documents confirming your category.

In short

Anyone can get a free consultation and help with a complaint. A free lawyer in court is available to the categories defined by law: people with incomes of up to two subsistence minimums, children, people under arrest, IDPs, veterans and the families of fallen Defenders, victims of violence and others. Apply to the free legal aid centre where you live; the decision takes 10 working days, and people under arrest are assigned a lawyer immediately. The hotline is 0 800 213 103. A free lawyer is appointed by the centre; if you want to choose your own, that is an agreement with a lawyer. Above all — do not be left without a lawyer in the first hours.