Can i represent myself in court?

Question

Can i represent myself in court?

If yes, am i allowed to have copies of the statement/s from the witness and the photos of the car that i am supposed to have crashed into?

Cheers Alan

I am not entitled to legal aid as its not a prison sentence if im found guilty.

Answer 1

You do not tell us what the charge is, or the state, or even if this is a criminal case. If this is a criminal case, you are entitled to appointed counsel if you are unable to afford counsel if the offense with which you are charged carries the possiblity of custody unless the government agrees that you will not be sentenced to custody (that is ANY kind of custody, not just prison). Scott v. Illinois, 440 U.S. 367.

From your addition, it appears that the government is not seeking any kind of custody, which would indicate that this offense is pretty minor, and may be one you could handle yourself if it is burdensome to hire counsel (although you will always have a better chance with a lawyer). Of course, if you cannot afford counsel and one will not be appointed, then you are going to have to represent yourself. If this is a civil case, whether you wish to hire counsel may depend upon how much money is a stake, etc.

Whether it is a civil or criminal case, it is most likely that you are entitled to obtain witness statements, real evidence, and such, prior to trial.

Answer 2

yes you can. I crashed my car pulling out of a junction, the other car sped round the corner+we crashed, it was clear when i pulled out. I went to court for driving without due care and attention and represented myself. Basically I wrote a letter of mitigation, stating what happened from my point of view, sayin that I wouldn't drive wrecklessly, am a cautious driver and i had a mate an her 10mnth old baby in car. Pleaded guilty, had to. It was pretty damn scary but I did it and came out with 3 points and £35 court costs thankfully. You can go to a local solictor and ask for help or go to citizens advice if you need any help.
Also, the police should send you copies of the statements and all notes made my police before you go. If not, go to your police station and ask for them.
Good luck.

Answer 3

Yes, you can but it is not a good idea.

For several reasons:
1) You will not approach your defense in a un-emotional point of view
2) You may not be fully aware of all of the technical processes of court
3) The judge may not want to spend time teaching you how to behave in court and that may be bad.
4) As the old English saying goes "A man who defends himself in court has a fool for a client"

You can request copies of all witness statements etc from the police during discovery.

Get legal assistance.

Answer 4

In the UK then yes certainly you may. Whether it's advisable is another matter entirely - an experienced solicitor will probably be able to run rings around us mere laypeople. As to whether you'd be allowed to have the same information: statements, copies of evidence etc as a registered solicitor I don't know I'm afraid. I suggest you ring the Clerk of the Court to find that out.

Answer 5

Yes, you can represent yourself in court. If you want to lose. You will be up against professionals who know the way the proceedings work and what is admissible evidence and what isn't.

The defence is entitled to see prosecution evidence, unless there is a concern that witnesses might be intimidated.

Answer 6

Yes, but there's an old legal saying that goes "the man who represents himself in court has a fool for a client."

Good luck, anyway.

Answer 7

Why do you not just get a lawyer. I mean if you are comfortable representing yourself by all means, but I have a way you can get top representation at a low cost!

Answer 8

Beware - an old pal from a Solicitors firm once told me 'A person who takes his own advice is listening to a fool.

Answer 9

it can work sometimes, representing yourself is better than falling for a useless lawyer, like these duty soliciters. i defended myself several times some to no avail, once a judge banned me from driving, so i made a citizens arrest against the judge, he was using his power to destroy my ability to work. my act caused some special negotiations in which i got my licence back only a few minuts after i lost it. no lawyer would have done that for me, i would have stayed banned.

Answer 10

Yes you can but i'd get some free legal advice about the rest...citizens advice.
Good Luck! Hope you proove the b*st@$d a liar!