Four quick questions. A free urgency check, plus a free match with a criminal defense attorney.
Takes about 2 minutes
Your case urgency score
0
Out of 100. Higher means act sooner.
A general signal, not a prediction. Not legal advice.
This score is built from your charge level, custody status and how recent the arrest was. It never predicts a sentence, a plea outcome, or a court decision, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Only an attorney who has reviewed your case can advise you on it. See the full disclosures.
TheLegal.Team is a lawyer matching and referral platform, not a law firm. Nothing on this site is legal advice, and using it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorneys in the network are independently licensed and solely responsible for their own advice and representation.
Right now
What to do before you talk to anyone.
Do not do this
Do not explain yourself to police.
You have the right to stay quiet and the right to a lawyer. Politely say you want a lawyer and stop talking, even if you think you can explain your way out of it. Do not discuss the case on social media or with anyone but your attorney.
Do this instead
Write it down while it is fresh.
As soon as you can, privately write down everything you remember: times, names, what was said. Keep any paperwork you were given. Find out your next court date if you have one, and get matched with a defense attorney before that date, not after.
How it works
Three steps.
1
Answer 4 questions
About two minutes, and every answer can be changed before you see the result.
2
See your urgency score
A plain read on how fast to move, out of 100.
3
Get matched free
A criminal defense attorney in your area, at no cost to you.
The questions people actually ask right after an arrest.
How is the urgency score calculated?
It starts from your charge level, adds weight if you are still in custody, adds a bit more depending on the type of charge, and adds urgency in the first week or two after arrest, since evidence and deadlines are freshest then. It is a signal for how fast to act, not a legal judgment.
Does this tool predict what will happen to me in court?
No, and it never will. It does not estimate jail time, fines, or a plea outcome. Only an attorney who has actually reviewed the charging documents and the facts of your case can speak to that.
Should I talk to the police without a lawyer?
Generally, no. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Clearly stating that you want a lawyer and then staying quiet is almost always the safer move, even if you believe you have nothing to hide.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
Broadly, felonies are the more serious tier and can carry longer potential sentences and more lasting consequences, while misdemeanors are less serious. The exact line between them, and what each one actually carries, depends on your state and the specific charge.
How fast do I actually need a lawyer?
If you are still in custody or have a court date coming up, as fast as possible. Even for a summons with no arrest, having representation before your first court appearance almost always puts you in a stronger position than showing up alone.
What happens at arraignment?
It is usually your first appearance in front of a judge, where the charges are read, you enter an initial plea, and bail conditions may be set or reviewed. Having an attorney with you at this stage matters.
Can I get my case dismissed or expunged later?
Sometimes, depending on the charge, the outcome and your state's rules. This is a question worth asking directly once you are matched with an attorney, since eligibility varies a lot by state and by case.
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost?
It varies by attorney, by charge, and by how far the case goes. Every attorney in the network will explain their fee structure to you directly before you agree to anything, so you know the cost before you commit.
What if I cannot afford a lawyer?
If you cannot afford one and are facing the possibility of jail time, courts are generally required to appoint one for you. It is still worth talking to an attorney in the network about your options, since a public defender's caseload and a private attorney's approach can differ.
Will this affect my record permanently?
It depends on the charge, the outcome, and your state's expungement or sealing rules. Some records can eventually be cleared or sealed, others cannot. An attorney can tell you what applies in your situation.
I was only given a citation, not arrested. Is this still serious?
A citation still means you are formally charged and will need to appear in court. It is generally less urgent than an in-custody arrest, but it is not nothing, and missing the court date can make things much worse.
What is bail and how is it decided?
Bail is the amount or condition set to let you stay out of custody while your case is pending. It is usually decided by a judge based on the charge, flight risk and other factors, and rules vary a great deal by state and county.
Can charges change after the initial arrest?
Yes. Prosecutors can add, reduce or drop charges as an investigation continues, which is another reason having an attorney early can matter, since they can advocate for you throughout that process.
Does using this tool tell the police or a prosecutor anything?
No. Nothing you enter here is shared with law enforcement or a prosecutor. It is a private estimate for you, and it only becomes a lead the team can act on once you choose to join free.
Is using this the same as hiring a lawyer?
No. This is a free, private tool. No attorney-client relationship exists until you and a specific attorney agree to it directly, usually in writing.
How do I reach a real person right now?
Use the intake bot at /start immediately after your score, or join free and post in the community. If this is an emergency, contact a licensed attorney directly without delay.
Showing 5 of 16 questions
Free to check. Free to join.
Check your urgency score, then get matched with a criminal defense attorney. It costs nothing either way.
