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Representing Yourself
It is often said that representing yourself (going pro se) is never the sane thing to do. While it’s true that there are many types of cases where representing yourself is not a good idea, there are some cases in which it is a viable option.
In many types of proceedings, such as small claims court, traffic court, and certain administrative hearings, the system is specifically designed to be accessible to non-lawyers. In some of these situations, going pro se is not only a viable option, it is the only option, as some of them do not even allow representation by lawyers.
Some lawyers will represent you for free (pro bono) if you qualify as very low income. This is an option you should always consider, as any lawyer, at the very least, can navigate the legal system far more efficiently than a layperson.
Additionally, many lawyers offer their services as trial coaches, that is, they will advise a party acting pro se on how to navigate the legal system, how to develop an overall trial strategy, and on some of the finer points of the law, while the party actually conducts the trial. This often costs 10-20% of what it would cost for the same lawyer to actually represent you.
In criminal cases, it is almost never a good idea to go pro se. Even if you cannot afford a lawyer, you will almost certainly be entitled to the counsel of a public defender. While they are not always held in high regard, the vast majority are dedicated, hardworking, and competent. It’s true that they are often overloaded with cases, and cannot give your case the same level of attention as a high-priced criminal defense attorney, but they are certainly better than nothing.
If you decide to represent yourself, it is always necessary to gain an understanding of the basic workings of the legal system in your jurisdiction. There are many books available written specifically to assist parties going pro se. All of these resources warrant your consideration.
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