For years, television has been crowded with crime shows and court shows. From Perry Mason to Columbo, Law and Order to NCIS, there are plenty of examples to choose from. Because of these shows, some people think that they are well informed and educated about the law and how it works, even though they have never been to law school.
They believe that if they are ever in court, they can defend themselves and win, just like the movies and television suggest. Unfortunately, it is not that easy, but should you ever consider representing yourself? Or should you hire an attorney instead?
Do you have any experience?
The courtroom can be a daunting place sometimes, especially if you are the one they are scrutinizing. However, it is more than just being comfortable in the courtroom environment; it is also about knowing the legal procedures.
You may read all the law books in the library, but it will not make up for the training a criminal defense lawyer would undergo. There are certain ways the court process works and knowing how is a great advantage.
It may be true that an attorney will not know your case and your circumstances as well as you do, but they will know how to use the court system to your benefit.
The Intricacies of law
It could be that you do have experience of being in court, for whatever reason. You may feel totally comfortable and able to stay calm under examination. However, do you know enough about the law to give yourself a good chance of winning?
Even if you do know enough, would you be able to get the decision you want? The internet is littered with examples of people, some famous, some not, who decided to represent themselves. In some cases, such as divorce settlements, they have won, but haven’t been given the sum they wanted.
Would this have been different with a lawyer? It is hard to say, but chances are it would have given them a greater chance.
Could you be objective?
In many ways, you will know your case inside and out; you may have been fighting for a while and know in detail what happened. Sometimes, this can be a bad thing when you appear in court. Your lawyer will be there to help you with the case, but sometimes they are also there to give you the news you do not want to hear.
If they believe that you will not win the case, they may give you options to get the best result possible. You might not see those things as you are too close to the subject, and it is your life and family at stake.
Also, having someone trained to represent you in court allows you to be taken more seriously and seen as less arrogate. Infamous cases include Ted Bundy, who not only represented himself, but also referred to himself in the third-person. Although he was guilty, this approach could distort your image and assume arrogance.
Representing yourself in court is a brave thing, and if you truly believe you can do it, then, of course, you have the right. However, you might want to think about it carefully before you decide.
