Representing yourself in court isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. While it may seem like an attractive option, a personal injury lawyer will advise you to weigh the pros and cons. So, before you make the decision to represent yourself in court after an accident, make sure that you understand the benefits and consequences of this crucial decision.
The Pros
There are some benefits that come with properly representing yourself in court. For starters, you’ll save money on attorney fees. A personal injury lawyer can get expensive, and if you’re 100 percent certain that you can represent yourself in court and win, you might be able to get away with representing yourself in court.
Another pro is that you’ll be able to speak your mind more without an attorney, you just have to be careful. Without a personal injury lawyer, you’re going to have be wary of your own words. You won’t have the guidance of a legal professional. If you can get this step right, you should have no problem representing yourself in court.
The Cons
There are downsides to representing yourself though, and it’s usually not recommended if you’re unfamiliar with the law. A personal injury lawyer has years of education and experience under their belt, and they know how to evaluate and anticipate legal issues. They know what you should and shouldn’t be worried about, and they’ll basically guide you throughout the entire process. Without this guidance, you can easily become overwhelmed and begin to make mistakes that can cause you the case.
Another con is that you may not be able to negotiate a plea deal. You’ll most likely end up with whatever deal you’re given in court.
It’s important to understand the risks of self-representation so that you approach your case as prepared as possible. If you’re unfamiliar with the law and require legal representation in court, make sure to contact a personal injury lawyer at Robert J. DeBry and Associates.
Sources:
https://blogs.findlaw.com/blotter/2014/06/representing-yourself-in-court-a-few-pros-and-cons.html
https://bailmanbailbonds.net/pros-and-cons-getting-a-professional-vs-representing-yourself-in-court/