You’ve been arrested and are now facing the possibility of a criminals trial in order to prove your innocence. The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to legal counsel, and the state will provide a lawyer for you if you cannot afford one yourself. It’s surprising that some people who are accused of crimes decide they could do a better job representing themselves. Is this a good idea? The short answer is “no.” Lawyers study and train for years to learn the law, rules, and nuances of the criminal justice system. It is always in the defendant’s top interest to retain the services of someone with the credentials and experience to help them win their case.
Waiving the Right to an Attorney
There are a few potential reasons as to why, despite their top interests, someone might represent themselves in a court of law. The first is probably the most obvious: lawyers can be expensive. However, one could argue that a life outside of prison is worth the debt that might you might incur by hiring a legal professional. Another less common reason would be a general distrust of the criminal justice system. Whether you believe that this is a valid point of view or not, this line of thought could lead you to make a risky decision.
In order to waive the right to be represented by an attorney, the defendant must knowingly make that choice. This does not mean that the defendant necessarily has the legal knowledge or skills required to properly represent themselves; it simply means that they are aware of the disadvantages that come from self-representation. It also means that the defendant is capable of following basic courtroom procedures The defendant must be respectful and not deliberately or unintentionally disrupt court proceedings. If a judge decides the defendant doesn’t understand his or her choice, they can overrule the waiver and appoint an attorney despite the defendant’s wish.
Considerations Involved in Self-representation
Most defendants do not have the proper legal expertise to represent themselves. This would be the most significant disadvantage of self-representation and it may make you reconsider hiring a Fort Worth criminal defense attorney. The criminal process is very complicated, and lawyers spend years in school learning the ins and outs and how of to top represent their clients. For example, just the review and submission of discovery evidence is something that’s not necessarily intuitive. Failure to disclose discovery evidence to the prosecution can be problematic and adversely affect the outcome of your case. By the same token, if you represent yourself, you might not see an opportunity to get prosecutorial evidence dismissed.
Another thing to consider is the fact that the prosecutor is an attorney who has extensive knowledge of the Texas criminal justice system. Even if you know you’re completely innocent, going to trial without representation from an attorney can be disastrous for your case.
Is Hiring a Fort Worth Criminal Defense Attorney Worth It?
The consequences of self-representation can be life-changing: incarceration, a criminal record, fines, and probation. Courtroom dramas on television and in the movies might give some people the false impression that they have the legal acumen to represent themselves in a court of law. With so much at stake, however, you need to be aware of the monumental challenges that you’re facing. Defending your innocence can be hard enough even when you have a qualified professional. Criminal defendants should carefully consider all options before waiving their right to legal counsel.
Contact a Fort Worth Criminal Defense Attorney
In the large picture, with little legal knowledge or practice, it is too precarious to proceed on your own. The paperwork, legal procedures, and criminal process difficult to navigate without help. Losing your case can lead to jail, fines, probation, a criminal record, and loss of licensure. If you’ve been arrested or are being investigated for a misdemeanor felony or crime, contact defense attorneys at Cole Paschall Law today.
