The idea of representing yourself in a criminal case can be tempting. You may thinking you’ll be able to save money or that you’re innocent and have nothing to hide, so why would you need a lawyer?
There are many reasons why you should always ask for a criminal defense lawyer if you are being charged with a crime. The cost of representing yourself may end up being more than you realize.
Knowledge of the Law
The first – and foremost – reason you never should represent yourself in a criminal case is knowledge of the law. Lawyers spend years learning the law so they can represent you to the best of their ability. This includes:
- Case Law
- Common Law
- Statutory Law
- Regulations & Ordinances
The law may not be what you think it is, and there may be defenses of which you are not aware.
Understanding the Rules of the Courtroom
When should you object? When can you object? What are the rules of evidence? How can you get evidence suppressed? What evidence is prejudicial and inadmissible? These are just a few of the rules of the courtroom you would need to understand if you want to represent yourself in a criminal case. Your lawyer will be familiar with all of them.
Ability to be Objective
Stress and personal biases affect our ability to be objective; this is never truer than during a trial. Losing the ability to be objective can lead to oversights, missteps and miscalculations.
When it comes to criminal case representation, who you choose to represent you can make a difference.
Want to learn more about working with a criminal defense lawyer? Request a free initial consultation with Adam.