Do I need a lawyer if I’ve been charged with a crime?

Do I need a lawyer if I’ve been charged with a crime?

If you have been charged with a crime and need legal assistance, please call us today at (619) 746-8879

The fastest answer is yes. But it is not that you need a lawyer but that you will be best served by obtaining one. It is not only challenging for someone to handle their own criminal case, but a trained attorney will also know better how to navigate legal waters.

Can I represent myself?

Many people often choose to represent themselves legally in criminal cases, also known as Pro se legal representation. According to California Courts, you can choose to do so if you feel you can handle your case better on your own. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will appoint one for you, but only for criminal cases.

In California, you have the right to represent yourself, but it doesn’t mean you should. A very difficult part of self-representation is that not everything is explained in books; some things are learned by practicing criminal law.

In which cases do I not need a lawyer?

There are some situations in which you are not required to have a lawyer, such as:

• Your case is straightforward, and there is no opposing side. An example can be when you are petitioning to change your name.
• You truly understand all of your options and can make informed choices about your case.
• You’re willing to learn and understand the law and the rules that apply to your case.
• You can spend time preparing your case on your own.

Are there any risks in representing myself?

The most significant risk is losing your case because you did not know how to bring it to trial, so it gets dismissed, or you fail to meet all the technical requirements to prove your case in court.

But that’s not all. If you lose, you may be ordered to pay the other side’s costs, which can be more than the amount sued.

An attorney can help you

Even if you are very competent and well-educated, having a professional represent you is ideal. Not only is every case unique, but infinite variables can come up in any one of them. 

For justice to occur, having a criminal lawyer by your side is the best situation. Their job is not only answering questions in court; they can negotiate deals with prosecutors and arrange reduced charges and lesser sentences, they can help defendants cope with their feelings and emotions, and they can offer an objective perspective on their situation.

Attorneys are also in charge of gathering information from prosecution witnesses and doing the necessary investigation, which defendants usually don’t have the time to do.

Don’t assume you can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer before deciding to represent yourself. Before making this important decision, please speak with a professional criminal defense attorney in San Diego, California. You can contact us at Kannan Law.