Many people hear about legal aid and assume it works like a magic fix. But there are limits. This guide walks through what legal aid usually can’t help with — and clears up some common misunderstandings.

What Legal Aid Is — and What It Was Designed For

The type of legal aid most people talk about is civil legal aid. That means free legal help for non-criminal problems. According to the (LSC), civil legal aid helps low- and middle-income people with things like housing, benefits, family issues, and consumer problems.

Myth 1: Legal Aid Covers Criminal Cases

One of the most common myths is that legal aid includes criminal defense — that is, help if you’re charged with a crime. That is almost never true. Civil-legal aid deals with things like eviction, benefits, family law, or debt — not criminal charges.

Myth 2: Legal Aid Will Take Every Case

Even if your problem is civil and you qualify based on income, legal aid programs can’t help everyone. Here are reasons why a case may be turned away:

• The agency might not have enough staff or resources.
• The case may not fit the organization’s priorities or funding restrictions.
• There might be a conflict of interest — for example, if the office previously represented the other side.
• The issue could be too complex or outside the scope of what legal aid handles.

Myth 3: Legal Aid Always Means Having a Lawyer Represent You

Legal aid doesn’t always mean full representation. Many people eligible for aid only receive limited help. That might mean legal advice, help filling out forms, or referrals to other services — not a full-blown lawyer handling their case.

Myth 4: Legal Aid Is Only for People Below the Poverty Line

While many civil-legal aid programs serve people near or below the poverty line, some have more flexible income guidelines. That means working families with modest income — not just those in extreme poverty — may qualify.

What Legal Aid Often Can’t Help With

• Criminal or traffic matters: Legal aid is rarely the right place for criminal defense or traffic ticket representation. Courts usually appoint a public defender or you’ll need a private lawyer.
• High-income cases: If your income or financial situation doesn’t meet the program’s eligibility rules — legal aid may decline.
• Non-priority or low-urgency issues: Some legal issues may be considered too minor or outside the focus of civil-aid providers, especially when resources are tight.
• Commercial or business disputes: Legal aid generally doesn’t handle complicated business law or high-value commercial litigation.
• Large class-action or complex lawsuits: Some big or resource-intensive cases may be outside the scope of local legal aid organizations.

Why There’s a “Justice Gap” — Even With Legal Aid

Although civil legal aid is widely available, the demand far outpaces supply. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, many low- and moderate-income people still don’t receive help.

That gap means many people either represent themselves in court or give up on seeking help — even when facing serious issues.

FAQ — What Legal Aid Can’t Do (And Why)

Q: I’m facing criminal charges. Can I get help from legal aid?

A: Probably not. Most civil-legal aid programs don’t handle criminal or traffic cases. You’ll likely need a public defender or private attorney.

Q: I make a modest income — does that automatically disqualify me from legal aid?

A: Not always. Some programs serve people above the poverty line, depending on income, household size, and the type of legal issue. It’s worth checking with your local legal aid office.

Q: If legal aid can’t take my case — can they at least help me a little (forms, advice)?

A: Yes. Many legal aid offices offer limited help: advice, self-help materials, referrals to other services, or help filling out paperwork.

Q: What kinds of civil cases are too “big” for legal aid to handle?

A: Complex business lawsuits, big class actions, or high-value commercial disputes often fall outside what local legal aid providers can manage. They may lack the resources or expertise.

Q: Why does eligibility matter so much for legal aid services?

A: Legal aid groups get limited funding. They prioritize people who can’t afford private lawyers and those with serious needs — like housing, safety, or basic benefits. If your income or issue doesn’t meet their criteria, they may decline even otherwise valid cases.

Q: Can I assume my case will be handled by a lawyer if I contact legal aid?

A: No. Even when you contact legal aid, it’s possible they’ll only offer limited help or refer you to other services. Full representation is never guaranteed.

Key Takeaways

• Legal aid’s main role is civil matters — not criminal cases.
• Even in civil cases, legal aid offices have limited resources. They often can’t take every case.
• Qualifying doesn’t always mean full representation — you might get advice, help with forms, or a referral instead.
• Some civil or commercial issues are outside the scope of legal aid.
• If you reach out to legal aid, be ready for a screening process — and possibly limited help. But it’s usually worth asking, because even small support can make a big difference.