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3 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULDN'T REPRESENT YOURSELF IN COURT

Admin • December 27, 2017
Judge Holding Gavel — Eau Claire, WI — Cohen Law Offices
Whether you have been accused of a crime that you know you didn't commit or you simply don't have the funds to hire an attorney, you might be tempted to represent yourself in court. Unfortunately, acting as your own attorney, also called working pro se , is a notoriously bad idea. Here are three reasons why you shouldn't represent yourself in court and what might happen if you do.

1. YOUR FREEDOM, SAFETY, AND REPUTATION ARE AT STAKE

Depending on the type of crime you have been accused of committing, you could be risking anything from fines and time away from work to time served in prison. When you really think about it, are you willing to risk your own freedom, safety, and reputation to save a few dollars on legal costs?

Although the statistics vary by state and case, research has shown that pro se defendants typically aren't as successful in court as individuals represented by attorneys. In fact, one study showed that people who requested things like protective orders were only successful 32 percent of the time when they acted as their own attorney, while individuals who opted for legal counsel received them 83 percent of the time.

Because the quality of your life is at stake, working with an attorney is always best. In addition to understanding your rights and the laws you are accused of breaking, attorneys can also help you to preserve your reputation throughout court proceedings, which can be beneficial if you are found innocent.

2. YOU HAVE LIMITED TIME AND RESOURCES

How much time will you have during your criminal trial to read up on the current laws and recent judgments? If you are behind bars while you wait for your court dates, you might have less time and access to resources than you think, which significantly alters your ability to study for your next court appearance.

In addition to having assigned times to read and conduct phone calls, people who wait behind bars during their trials typically have more on their mind than winning their case. It can be incredibly stressful to be faced with a criminal charge. When it comes down to it, you might not be emotionally prepared for the long journey of proving your own innocence.

On the other hand, professional lawyers understand what they are up against and are prepared to fight on your behalf. While you focus on staying calm and protecting your family, your lawyer can conduct research, interview witnesses, and focus on succeeding in court - giving you the best chance of success.

3. JUDGES AREN'T ALWAYS WARM AND FUZZY

A TV judge might be more than willing to slow down and explain things to a motivated pro se defendant, but the judge behind the desk in real life might be a lot less patient. Although many people assume that the courtroom will adjust to accommodate your learning curve, judges and lawyers will do their best to treat you just like any other legal counsel - which can be incredibly difficult.

In addition to making it hard to keep up, judges might also comment on your lack of experience or personal struggles behind the podium - contributing to your personal stress load. Also, if you happen to say the wrong thing or become emotionally distressed during your statements, you could be held in contempt of court.

If you have been accused of committing a crime, don't risk representing yourself and losing in court. Instead, work with Cohen Law Offices. In addition to having experienced lawyers with an innate understanding of the law, our team offers a wide range of practice areas - including drug offenses, OWIs, sex offenses, and internet crimes.
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