When Should I Represent Myself in a Criminal Case?
Even lawyers don’t represent themselves. Recently, the former Attorney General for the State of Utah had lawyers represent him at trial.
Would you trust your electrician to perform heart surgery? Probably not…no matter how many episodes of Grey’s Anatomy he’s watched.
Chances are that you are not an attorney and you did not attend law school, so you’re not trained to examine fact patterns and deal with the judicial process.
But you’ve watched Law & Order for ten years and feel like you’ve got the hang of it…
I like Law & Order too, but are you sure you know the difference between Class A, B, and C Misdemeanors without using Google? Do you know how to file necessary forms and paperwork? Do you know where to find those forms?
If you don’t want the expense of hiring a private attorney, ask the court to appoint a public defender. You need someone trained and experienced to help you through the court system.
Representing Yourself In Court
Can I Negotiate My Own Plea Deal?
More legal self-help:
Benefits of Hiring a Private Attorney as Opposed to Retaining a Public Lawyer
Utah Modest Means Service
Also:
Contact Shawn Condie Law Firm, PLLC