If I want to bring charges against someone in court, do I need a lawyer or can I represent myself?
2006-10-03 10:34:38 · 2 answers · asked by Oguz Z 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It depends on what you want to charge them with.
Courts generally fall into two categories, Civil and Criminal. Civil cases are between private parties, such as you versus your neighbor, or you versus a corporation. You don't need a lawyer to pursue "small" matters, but you do if it's a big case like a car accident with significant injuries.
Criminal matters are between the government and the defendant. The individual who was the victim doesn't actually bring the charges, they go to the police or prosecuting attorneys, and they bring the case. You don't need a lawyer, and once you've filed the complaint, you don't even really have to do much, including show up in court in many cases.
Only rarely does a victim have or need a lawyer, usually cases like rape or with children, to protect the defense from giving them a hard time.
2006-10-03 10:41:35 · answer #1 · answered by open4one 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends, if it is under $10,000 you can take them to small claims. Anything over I would get a lawyer.
2006-10-03 10:41:28 · answer #2 · answered by momof467309 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋