It’s a question we hear a lot:
Should I try to represent myself in my criminal case?
Pros
The pros are relatively obvious—you won’t have to pay for a lawyer to represent you, you won’t have to spend time going to speak with your lawyer, and you can show the world what an independent person you are.
Cons
But the cons are pretty intense. If you decide to represent yourself in a criminal case, there can be serious ramifications.
For example, those who decide to represent themselves often feel completely lost during their case. Just the amount of legal terms and jargon that get tossed around court rooms, clerks’ offices, and official documentation can make defendants’ heads spin. There are many important reasons lawyers are required to graduate from law school and pass their states’ rigorous bar exam—and the process of learning all the legal terms is one of them. You can’t wing it when it comes to legal terminology.
The complex procedures that are involved in every court case can often be too complicated for people who haven’t had the solid training and experience lawyers go through in law school and throughout their careers to understand and wield to their advantage.
There are so many forms that need to be filed out, important dates and times to remember, fees that need to be paid in specific locations at certain dates, and paperwork to juggle that the task can feel absolutely herculean on your own.
No one there to fight for you
Plus, there’s no one there who understands exactly what’s going on and fights for you every step of the way. When you get tired and frustrated, who will be there to lift your spirits and make sure all practical tasks are taken care of in the meantime? So many defendants have missed out on opportunities like accepting plea bargains because they got stressed out and didn’t file the proper paperwork in time.
When the weight is all on your shoulders in your criminal case, it can feel absolutely overwhelming at times. You’ll probably start out strong, but then the going might get tough, and you could end up with a stiffer sentence just because of your decision to represent yourself. Don’t risk it!
What to do instead
Now that you’ve probably decided against representing yourself, here’s what you should do instead. Find an experienced criminal defense lawyer you can trust—Dan Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm.
He practices throughout Southern California, and has offices in Beverly Hills, Irvine, Los Angeles, Rancho Cucamonga, San Diego, and Temecula. Though he has a rather large practice, he values and respects every single one of his clients. Phones and emails from clients are almost always returned within 24 hours. When you call 714-760-4088 or email dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation, you will meet with Attorney Chambers himself, and he’ll give you specific legal advice for your case.
He will be there for you, not just during the initial consultation, but throughout your case, no matter how long it takes and how complex it becomes, to devise and implement a fantastic legal strategy to defend you successfully. Hire him to represent you, and you will have chosen one of Southern California’s most distinguished, tenacious, and wise criminal defense lawyers.
Call 714-760-4088 or email dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation today.
