I have to be in court regarding a legal matter. I do not have an attorney. How do I prepare?

Question

Thank you for your time. It's very much appreciated.

It's tomorrow. Serious answers only. Not "get an attorney". I know that much. There are other factors. Can someone answer.. How do I prepare, meaning, what do I take besides documented proof. Meaning Legal Paperwork.

Answer 1

Tell the judge that you are do not have proper legal representation and that your lawyer advised you to ask for a postponement for a future court date so you can be represented.
Then you should get your attorney retained as if you act as your own counsel you will have no recourse for appeals. There is a saying that a individual who represents themselves in court has a fool for a lawyer.
If you must represent yourself and you feel confident. Then have all your evidence and signed notarized affidavits in order and dress for the occasion as you will be judged by your attitude, deamoner and dress. Good Luck..

Answer 2

You haven't told us what your "legal matter" is. It makes a HUGE difference. Are you going to small claims court? It's a lot like Judge Judy -- most judges will just ask you questions to determine facts and make a ruling. Then, you just need to have good documentation for your side of the story and why you think you should win.

Is it a regular, district (or county or circuit, or whatever they call it in your state/province/district) court case? If so, this can be very very different. You might have had to submit a legal brief arguing points and authorities in your favor (including case statutes, case law, etc.). You may be in default and the judge is going to rule in the other side's favor. SInce it's tomorrow, it's going to be pretty hard to gather any further information, unless you ask for a continuance to do so and/or get a lawyer to enter a last-minute appearance. If that's the case, once again bring all the documentation you have related to the claim (especially if it's related particularly to a motion or sub-part of this overall claim).

Most importantly, speak calmly and clearly. If you don't understand something, TELL THE JUDGE what you don't understand and why. TELL THE JUDGE what you've done to prepare -- if the other side has an attorney, tell the judge what communications you've had with him. Oftentimes judges are patient with pro se litigants and will give you a fair shake, so long as you don't get emotional, you try hard, you're logical and reasonable.

Is this a criminal matter? That's a whole different kettle of fish. If you're going in on a charge that may result in your imprisonment, you have a right to request that counsel be appointed for you. If not, then I don't know what to tell you because you haven't said what this "legal matter" is.

Answer 3

right things clearly and read them clearly. Court is scary and intimidating but all you can do is write it out and re check it a thousand times. If its cos u are being charged with something, you can say to the judge im having trouble speaking but i have prepared my statement( then hand him the paper). Thats what i did and it worked for me.
Know what you want to say, and what you want the judge to consider and you cant go wrong.
Wishing you the best of luck!
P.S If you really dont know what to do, ask fora adjournment and get some legal advice.

Answer 4

I presume by your question that you are in the USA. However, my advice remains the same.

I worked in the Court of Appeal for England and Wales for six years and saw the end-product of much litigation. What might appear to be a simple observation seems to totally escape most people before they embark on a legal journey. On EACH side are very talented and well-informed lawyers, one for one party, one for the other.

EACH lawyer is firmly convinced that he is right. In reality, only ONE of them is.

Of course, this matters not one jot to the lawyers - they get huge amounts of fees whether they win or lose. But ALWAYS there is a losing litigant, and in many cases they have accumulated huge debts because of the legal expenses.

If you are embarking in civil litigation, my advice is think very hard before you do, and consider ALWAYS what the cost to you is going to be if you lose.

Finally, most people without lawyers are without them because their case is so weak no lawyer will take it on. If that is you, STOP NOW.

Answer 5

Easy. Get an attorney.

Answer 6

Stop wasting time and GET AN ATTORNEY

Answer 7

actually, you need one. If you do not have the capacity to pay for an attorney, the state can provide you one. you can be a pauper litigant.