MenuIf you pay attention to high-profile criminal law cases – as has become a popular pastime among the millions of Americans who enjoy “true crime” television dramas, movies, and podcasts – you are likely aware that some criminal defendants opt to represent themselves when they are facing criminal charges.
If you are facing criminal charges, you may also be tempted to represent your own interests, particularly if you are facing charges that are relatively minor in nature, if you’re truly strapped for cash, or if you genuinely believe that the entire system is bogus and that there is no point in fighting your case because the outcome is probably predetermined anyway.
Many people have legitimate and understandable concerns about hiring a legal professional to represent their interests during a criminal case. However, it is crucial to understand that the stakes of your matter – no matter how seemingly insignificant the charges against you might appear – are high enough that seeking legal representation is likely going to be to your benefit. When it comes to defending against criminal charges, it is far better to be safe than sorry.
The System Doesn’t Cater To Self-Representation
One of the primary reasons why it is unwise for someone to represent their own interests in a criminal matter is that the criminal justice system doesn’t make allowances for those who opt to proceed without an attorney. The system is designed to run efficiently, which means that legal professionals who spend years earning a doctorate of law and are required to engage in ongoing legal education opportunities to stay abreast of the law are expected to understand the ins and outs of the system.
As a result, the court will not “slow down” for you. You will be expected to know how to file the required paperwork, submit motions, address the court in a certain way, and follow all procedures appropriately. If you do not have advanced legal training, you could soon feel like you’ve thrown yourself into the deep end of an Olympic-sized swimming pool without first learning to swim.
It should additionally be noted that although defendants generally have the right to represent themselves, that right may be curtailed if a defendant is declared incompetent—that is, a defendant cannot adequately demonstrate that they understand the nature of the proceedings in question. Suppose a defendant does knowingly waive their right to an attorney. In that case, a judge may still deny a self-representation request if there is a language barrier or if the defendant lacks the education and ability to self-advocate that the court deems necessary, given the gravity of the charges being levied against them.
The Stakes Of Any Criminal Defense Matter Are High Enough To Be Taken Seriously
Whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, you’re likely facing the possibility of a criminal record, fines, and even a term of imprisonment. And then there are the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction, which can include a tougher time securing employment, challenges securing housing, impacts upon a divorce or child custody case, and even the requirement to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life, depending on the nature of the charges you’re facing.
By working with an attorney now, you’ll better ensure that your rights, freedom, and future remain as protected as possible. Concerns about legal fees are legitimate. A widespread dislike of the legal profession is often well-founded. Yet, it is undeniable that when the stakes of a case are high, individuals generally need the assistance of a knowledgeable and experienced attorney who can aggressively advocate on their behalf as efficiently and effectively as possible. Trying to represent yourself isn’t a viable option unless you’ve been charged with a minor traffic ticket or an insignificant public nuisance offense. Otherwise, the stakes are too high to risk going it alone.
Read more in our blog: Are Misdemeanors Actually a Big Deal?
Prosecutors Don’t Mess Around
It is common knowledge that prosecutors like to win. Their win-loss record is important to them for various personal and professional reasons. Therefore – and not to put too fine a point on things – prosecutors often view self-represented defendants like wide receivers who have spotted a hole in the defensive line.
There are good reasons why criminal defense attorneys study for years and then usually practice with much more experienced attorneys – at least for a time – before they start taking clients without co-counsel by their side. Winning a criminal defense case is a tall order. When defending against criminal allegations, an attorney is – essentially – getting into a fight with the government. They need to know how to craft a winning strategy and effectively defend against the tactics utilized by prosecutors who are hungry for a win.
Unless you are an attorney, it is unlikely that you have the specialized professional knowledge and experience that it takes to win a case when the other side is determined to add to its win-loss record. As a result, it is generally a good idea to entrust the high stakes of your case to someone who has a track record of getting results.
Schedule A Free Consultation With A Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you are concerned about hiring a lawyer to represent your interests for any reason – from the potential cost of legal fees to the fact that you simply dislike lawyers – consider scheduling a free consultation with the knowledgeable legal team at George Law to get a better sense of what cultivating a worthwhile attorney-client relationship would entail.
Our team has extensive experience aggressively advocating for the rights of people like you. We understand that being charged with criminal wrongdoing is a stressful reality and that hiring a lawyer may feel like just one more reason to feel overwhelmed by the situation you’re dealing with. As a result, we aim to make the process of defending against criminal charges as low-stress as possible. Learn more about our approach to representation by calling (248) 247-7459 or by submitting a contact form on our firm’s website. You can also utilize our firm’s website chat feature to get started. We look forward to speaking with you.