If you waive your right to an attorney can you call yourself to the witness stand on your own behalf, and if you do... how do you ask yourself questions?
2006-08-08 00:43:07 · 11 answers · asked by SpikeBoy.com 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I'm not an attorney, but I'm being represented by the public defender who wants to see me thrown in jail, so that's why I'm considering defending myself.
2006-08-08 00:51:20 · update #1
With all due respect, representing yourself in CRIMINAL court is not wise unless you have experience....
It may seem straight forward but it's not. Most of the dealings happen behind the scenes between a lawyer and the prosecutor... and the prosecutor will not be able to deal with you much as you are also the defendant.
The best scenario is for you to do all of the ground work and figure up a plan of attack BUT take the free lawyer and let their expertise and trial court experience work for you.
2006-08-08 00:50:29 · answer #1 · answered by Lee S 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Representing Yourself In Criminal Court
2016-12-28 07:25:40 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is an old saying that the lawyer who defends himself has a fool for a client. When you defend yourself, you put yourself at risk because you don't understand how the court system works. You won't know the court procedures, and it will tick off the judge if he/she has to continually educate you on the rules of procedure.
Whether or not you defend yourself or have an attorney, you don't have to take the stand. If you take the stand, you open yourself up to cross-examination by the prosecution. They can ask you a lot of questions, and could cause you to say things you don't really want to say. You won't have an attorney who knows when to object to a line of questioning.
Good luck, but I think you need to keep the public defender or find the money to hire a different attorney.
2006-08-08 07:37:01 · answer #3 · answered by Mama Pastafarian 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well if one is stupid enough to waive his/her right to an attorney and self represent... I don't suppose it really matters what you ask yourself. Attorneys get attorneys to represent themselves in criminal court. Look at F Lee Bailey as ONE example.
A novice self representing is like a person with constant stomach aches doing gall bladder surgery on themselves.
2006-08-08 00:56:57 · answer #4 · answered by charles a 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you dont. it's a conflict of interest. in addition, its a REALLY bad idea to represent yourself in court, in any setting. unless you're a lawyer specializing in the law you may have broken, you will not be able to do a job close to what a lawyer could. you might even break court policy and get yourself thrown in jail for contempt of court.
2006-08-08 00:47:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't. You would not "cross-examine" yourself. You may testify on your own behalf - I assume by telling a narrative rather than asking yourself questions.
The prosecutor would cross-examine you.
Lawyers are familiar with the process and do it all the time - PLEASE get an expert to help you, if you are facing prosecution.
2006-08-08 00:46:09 · answer #6 · answered by American citizen and taxpayer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Criminal Records Search Database : http://CriminalRecords.InfoSearchDetective.com
2015-02-09 18:48:23 · answer #7 · answered by Kathleen 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is where the phrase "a lawyer who defends himself has a fool for a client" comes from.
2006-08-08 00:49:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not completely sure about this one
2016-08-08 08:52:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
thoroughly
2006-08-08 00:46:08 · answer #10 · answered by Footy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋