I am representing myself in a small legal matter, how would I receive a copy of the discovery?

Question

I live in new jersey

Answer 1

I'm not a lawyer and this is not meant to replace the advice a lawyer would give you...

But you should put your request, AT THE VERY LEAST, in writing and mailed to the other attorney (you can even send it by certified mail and by regular US mail so you have proof of the date sent) and make sure that you ask for the discovery to be produced by a certain date. Make sure your request is comprehensive: all electronic data, written documents and things, police reports, photographs, digital images, etc. You may want to review Zubulake (google it) to understand how detailed your request should be.

You may think about contacting your local clerk's office and asking the proper format so that you can file the request with the Court as a Petition or Motion. Your local clerk's office should be able to help you and they may even have a 'form' or copy of something they hand out to people representing themselves.

But here is my question to you, why don't you get an attorney. Surely the peace of mind of knowing that the paperwork is being filled out properly would be worth the price.

GOOD LUCK.

Answer 2

In a Motion for Discovery you must justify your reasons for making certain requests for information and the court will decide if your request has merit. If the Court determines that your request is legitimate and the information is needed for your defense, it will order that the information be given you. The prosecution can object to your motion and the court could order a hearing to argue the Motion for Discovery.

Answer 3

Either send a formal letter or make telephone contact with the opposing attorney and request any and all information citing "discovery" as your basis for the information!