Law Library | Attorney Advertising | Financial Services | Affiliate Program | Blawg
Find the Right Lawyer Now:
Self-representation in Criminal Cases
What is self-representation in Criminal Cases?
Representing yourself in court is called appearing pro se. If you want you can hire a lawyer to act as your pro se coach. This lawyer can help you review documents and prepare for the hearing where you represent yourself.
If I Represent Myself Can I Pay a Lawyer for Advice?
If you are thinking about representing yourself, you might want to seek help from an attorney that is willing to serve as a "legal coach" that you only pay for from time to time. Not all attorneys are willing to do this; some are worried about liability on giving wrong advice; some don't want to be involved unless they have full control. Try to find your "legal coach" before you make a final decision to represent yourself.
Why Do Some Defendants Choose to Represent Themselves?
Some who can afford to hire a lawyer don't do this because they feel that the likely punishment isn't severe enough to justify the expense, or they feel they can do a better job themselves. Many defendants that for example are charged with minor traffic violations represent themselves.
Should I Represent Myself or Not?
The more severe punishment you can get the more important it is that you get a defense lawyer. First time offenders of non-violent crimes are usually offered the same standard deal by the prosecutor. You should be aware of that jail time is sometimes a possibility and with a conviction comes hidden costs, such as higher insurance rates. For second time offenders it is wise to hire a lawyer since the punishments for a second and a third conviction is more severe. (link to page about three strikes law)
Can I Find Out What my Punishment Is Likely to Be?
If you are considering representing yourself you need to find out what the likely punishment is for your crime. It can be difficult to learn about judges' common sentencing practices since it is not listed in statutes or court rules (unless you are being sentenced in a federal court). One way to find out what your likely punishment will be if you're convicted is to pay for an hour consultation with a private lawyer or talk to a lawyer at the public defender's office.
Consult a Lawyer - Present Your Case Now!
Find the Right Lawyer Now:
Did you find this article informative?
