Can I represent myself at my court date, for retail theft?

Attorney answers (5)

1. Licensed in IL

   

   Judy Goldstein

   Mokena Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 20

   4

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   Answered October 05, 2012 16:36. Yes, you could represent yourself. I could also pull out my own tooth instead of going to a dentist. The point is that you are much better off seeking the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney rather than taking a chance by representing yourself, especially since the outcome of your case could affect you for the rest of your life.

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2. Licensed in IL

   

   Melissa Smejkal

   Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 16

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   Answered October 06, 2012 07:00. Yes but it's a horrible idea.
   Cookcountynotguilty.com

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3. Licensed in IL

   

   Vijay Sharma

   Skokie Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 11

   2

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   Answered October 05, 2012 16:42. Can you represent yourself-yes.
   Should you represent yourself-absolutely not.
   
   You need to be more realistic about this charge. When you say that you don't want to charge to be on your record, but you want to represent yourself.
   
   To a practitioner who has spent his life handling these type of cases this sounds close to asking, "can I perform surgery on myself without any experience and do it perfectly?"
   
   So to answer your question I'm sure you could do it yourself, but that doesn't make it a good idea.
   
   I'm actually getting my brakes fixed next week, I've handled drum brakes before, my car has ABS brakes. Instead of doing it myself I'd rather go to the guy who's done it 1000 times before.
   
   It's no different for lawyers.

   My Answers are only informational in nature and DO NOT constitute legal advice. This is a good thing because I... moreMy Answers are only informational in nature and DO NOT constitute legal advice. This is a good thing because I like to speak to my clients and hear them out before giving them direct, personalized advice. Call, Email, or Text me to receive actual advice. Sincerely, Vijay R. Sharma, President of the Law Office of Vijay R. Sharma VRSLegal.com less

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4. 

   Barry Poulson

   Hillsdale Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 20

   3

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   Answered October 05, 2012 16:39. Nothing worse to experiment on than your own future. So you can do it, and you can spend years regreting it. Hire a defense attorney, who will be your best hope of keeping it off your record.

   We do not have a client/attorney relationship until you make an appointment, we discuss your case face to face, I... moreWe do not have a client/attorney relationship until you make an appointment, we discuss your case face to face, I accept a retainer, and we explictly agree to enter into representation. less

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5. 

   Michael DoylePro

   Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 20

   

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   Answered October 05, 2012 20:31. You can. However, the bigger issue is whether this is a good idea. I say that it is not. You should have a trained professional.

   • www.michaeldoylelaw.com

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