Doing Yourself a favor in the course of a Criminal Court Case – Don’t Do It!
The person who represents himself is an unprofessional client.
The old saying is still true.
In the event that you’re not an expert mechanic would you pop the auto’s hood and start disassembling the engine? If you had to have the removal of your appendix, could you attempt it yourself? Even if you’re a surgeon, it’s probably not the best idea. The outcomes could be catastrophic. It is the same when you represent yourself in court when being charged with an offense. The outcome could be and most likely, disastrous.
The law in Washington State, when you are being charged with a misdemeanor the maximum penalty is ninety days in prison and an amount of one thousand dollars in fine. It will also be a conviction recorded on your record for anyone to view such as potential landlords and employers. In the event of a conviction and your criminal background it is possible that you will be put on probation for up to 2 years. Along with the fine that is placed on your record, you’ll also be required to pay the probation fee every month. If you’re being held on probation for a period of two years, your amount could reach thousands of dollars. Also, while in probation, you might be required to undergo an evaluation for any problem that could have led to the offence. You’ll need to pay for the evaluation, too. If the examiner concludes that you are suffering from a condition that requires treatment the patient must adhere to the treatment advice and in fact, you must be able to pay for treatment.
All probation charges and requirements are applicable to Gross Misdemeanors as well. The main difference between a misdemeanor and a Gross Misdemeanor is the maximum amount of punishment. If you’re convicted of a gross Misdemeanor and the judge is found guilty, you can impose a maximum of one year in jail , and up to a maximum of five thousand dollars fine in addition to the probationary conditions. In Washington the first time you drive While Under the Influence (DUI) is a Gross Misdemeanor. Did I mention that you could be sentenced to up to two years’ probation for both Gross and Misdemeanor Infractions that are Misdemeanor? It’s true with the exception of DUI. In Washington when you’re in the process of being found guilty of DUI and are found guilty, you will be placed on probation for fiveyears, count the years, five. Did you know? This should be something you consider if contemplating representing you in any criminal matter Kiyan Michael.
Another thing to know is DUI is just one of many violations that require a minimum sentence. If you’re charged with one offense of DUI in court, you must be sentenced to at least one day in prison and a mandatory minimum fine, in addition to probation. Based on whether you passed your breath or did not the reading of your breath test and whether you’ve had prior DUI convictions will determine the minimums you will face. Minimums could be one or two days 30, 45, or 30 days or more in jail , and mandatory home monitoring via electronic devices in addition to that. The minimum fines for mandatory violations increase according to the above-mentioned criteria. You could also be required to put in an ignition lock device into every vehicle you drive. Your right to drive may be suspended too. Do you think you are entitled to represent yourself?
If you’re found guilty of an act that’s classified as “domestic violence” that is, you’re likely to face other penalties as well as everything else I’ve already explained to you. In particular, if found guilty of certain “domestic violence” crimes, you’ll be denied the right to own guns within Washington State, the State of Washington and federally. Did you plan sign up for the Army or attend Police Academy? It’s not the case anymore. The majority of people must be competent to carry a firearm in order to be able to perform those tasks. If you’ve been found guilty of an “domestic violence” crime, you won’t have the right to own firearms. It is only after you’ve had an “court of record” reinstate your right, and even then, the federal government could still block the possession of a firearm. Are you aware of what is a “court of record” is? Are you aware of what you must accomplish or the length of time to wait for the court to reinstate your rights? Your lawyer would. Your attorney will also emphasize for you to know that in the event that you decide to own a firearm following having been convicted of an “domestic violence” crime without getting your rights restored by an official court first, you’d be guilty of committing a crime. After that, you’ve gone from misdemeanor conduct at your local district or municipal court, to a felony in the superior court, and possibly jail time.
Another result of being found guilty of the “domestic violence” gross or misdemeanor is that you could be subject to an order of no-contact that prohibits your contact with the victim of the incident. This is exactly what it states. If you’ve received no-contact orders against you, then you must act like the person is not even real. Do not contact them by text, or call them. Don’t transmit messages to them via an intermediary. In the event that you violate this rule, it could be a new crime for infringing on the order. In Washington the third offense of a no-contact rule is… You know what, a felony. If you make a wrong choice of violating the order, and then further aggravate your mistake by assaulting the other person, you’ve also committed a crime. It isn’t necessary as your 3rd offense. Did you realize that? The criminal defense lawyer will.
Are you beginning to see my meaning? There are a number of potential consequences of being convicted of Misdemeanor and Gross Misdemeanors! Misdemeanors as well as gross Misdemeanors are the most lenient kind of crime in Washington and you’ll be able to see how they impact in your personal life. Are you able to roll the dice you’d like to play on your own? We’ve barely touched on the various elements of going before a judge.
There’s a good chance that I haven’t talked about representing yourself for a felony in the superior court. I won’t neither. The stakes are greater. This is certainly death if you undertake the job of representing yourself in the face of felonies. I’ve been appointed “stand by” counsel in several instances where defendants were charged with extremely grave felonies. After a simple court hearing, one my clients realized that he was way from his feet that and told the judge I should be the judge in charge of the case. A smart move. I think his case will be will be resolved more quickly than if he attempted to resolve it on his own.
Another client was patient until before the jury trial started and then informed the judge that he needed me to to conduct the trial. He had attempted to find his own witnesses lined together and to prepare his defense on his own within the County Jail. Naturally, I tried my best to prove the case (even when his expert witness informed me that he had actually agreed to the expert of the state). We did not win the case. The defendant was found guilty of grave charges and sentenced to an maximum sentence of 10 years.
Let this be a lesson for everyone. Anyone who has no legal education or even a basic understanding about how the legal system operates are at risk of ruining their case to the point of irreparable. Simply because someone is accused of an offense and appeared in court previously does not make them eligible for them to be a lawyer.
As you will see, I recommend anyone accused of an offense, or whatever the crime is, contact an attorney or at the very least discuss the matter with a lawyer prior to making the decision. Get a no-cost consultation. You can request an attorney for public defense. Yes, you can get a public defense attorney. Don’t try this case by yourself. Even if you’re a lawyer. You can say whatever you want about lawyers however, lawyers (at least the majority) are intelligent enough to recognize that they are not representing themselves criminal cases. As a defendant, you are entitled to keep your mouth shut. Let someone else who is aware of what they’re doing and doing, speak on your behalf.
If you have the money to engage an attorney for your own criminal defense and you are able to afford it, consider yourself lucky and hire one. If you have friends or family members who has worked with an attorney to defend their clients to recommend a lawyer. Search for local attorneys on the websites of attorney referral. You can request a no-cost consult with more than one lawyer. Find out more about the lawyers. What is their tenure? For how long has they been practicing criminal law? What experience in trial is their experience? Find someone you are at ease with. It is vital when your case progresses. If you are unable to pay for a private attorney make sure you make an application for the public defender.
PUBLIC SECURITY DEFENDERS
It is fashionable for people to attack public defends. They call them “public pretenders” or other insulting names. However, what is the truth? At the minimum they’ve got an education in law. They’ve attended law school and passed the bar examination. With the basic requirements required to become a lawyer, they’re more qualified that you would be if you were to have them represent yourself in the courtroom.
When someone is found guilty of a crime are likely to blame their public defense. Some believe that if you do not get away with a clean slate it means you’ve been a victim of the public lawyer. In other words, the public defender was actively trying to have you found guilty of the crime. They manipulated you into pleading guilty. Bull. You are the plaintiff. You are the one who makes the final decision about what will happen to your case. If you’re not willing to plead guilty and have it set to trial, it is entirely your decision. Your public defense attorney (or private attorney in this issue) could advise you on going to trial could be unwise based on the evidence that the defense has. They might also inform you of what you’ll be facing should you choose to turn on any plea deal available and proceed to trial. The lawyer wouldn’t be performing their duties if they did not inform you of these things. Actually, they’re legally required to make every offer (even those that aren’t worth it) for the benefit of their client. This doesn’t mean they’re trying to trick you into making a plea for guilt. It’s because they’re carrying out their duties and ethical obligations.
Public defenders are typically overloaded with cases. The county or the city which pays for the office has only the money available to allocate to the public defense department. This means that they are able to employ a small amount of lawyers. The cases which are assigned to the public defender’s office must be divided among the small number of lawyers. The volume of cases increases more quickly that the amount of lawyers. Even when the city or county council approves a budget that would include another attorney, the new lawyer is an aid in a pinch. The client load will increase and eat up any additional benefit that the new lawyer offered.
However, even if that is the case, it’s nevertheless better than trying for yourself to be a lawyer. The reason is because the public defender who is overworked has the expertise, knowledge and, most importantly, expertise in court and dealing with cases you might not.
Criminal law encompasses all public defenders do. These aren’t actually part of an overall law firm, but they may take on a few civil clients from time to time. Every day the public defenders are conducting research and reading about on the law of criminals. They write and argue requests to suppress evidence, and dismissing charges. They are presenting criminal cases before an audience of the court bench (a judge, only) as well as to juries. Even the new public defender who just graduated from law college and has passed the bar test is in a higher position than you to be able to represent you in the courtroom. What are you asking? They have the resources. The most important resource that an attorney new to the field has can tap into is other lawyers within the office. They frequently go to supervisors or colleagues and review cases with them, and seek suggestions.
The person who represents himself is an unprofessional client. The old saying is still true. In the event that you’re not an expert mechanic would you pop the auto’s hood and start disassembling the engine? If you had to have the removal of your appendix, could you attempt it yourself? Even if you’re a surgeon, it’s probably not the best idea. The outcomes could be catastrophic. It is the same when you represent yourself in court when being charged with an offense. The outcome could be and most likely, disastrous. The law in Washington State, when you are being charged with a misdemeanor the maximum penalty is ninety days in prison and an amount of one thousand dollars in fine. It will also be a conviction recorded on your record for anyone to view such as potential landlords and employers. In the event of a conviction and your criminal background it is possible that you will be put on probation for up to 2 years. Along with the fine that is placed on your record, you’ll also be required to pay the probation fee every month. If you’re being held on probation for a period of two years, your amount could reach thousands of dollars. Also, while in probation, you might be required to undergo an evaluation for any problem that could have led to the offence. You’ll need to pay for the evaluation, too. If the examiner concludes that you are suffering from a condition that requires treatment the patient must adhere to the treatment advice and in fact, you must be able to pay for treatment. All probation charges and requirements are applicable to Gross Misdemeanors as well. The main difference between a misdemeanor and a Gross Misdemeanor is the maximum amount of punishment. If you’re convicted of a gross Misdemeanor and the judge is found guilty, you can impose a maximum of one year in jail , and up to a maximum of five thousand dollars fine in addition to the probationary conditions. In Washington the first time you drive While Under the Influence (DUI) is a Gross Misdemeanor. Did I mention that you could be sentenced to up to two years’ probation for both Gross and Misdemeanor Infractions that are Misdemeanor? It’s true with the exception of DUI. In Washington when you’re in the process of being found guilty of DUI and are found guilty, you will be placed on probation for fiveyears, count the years, five. Did you know? This should be something you consider if contemplating representing you in any criminal matter Kiyan Michael. Another thing to know is DUI is just one of many violations that require a minimum sentence. If you’re charged with one offense of DUI in court, you must be sentenced to at least one day in prison and a mandatory minimum fine, in addition to probation. Based on whether you passed your breath or did not the reading of your breath test and whether you’ve had prior DUI convictions will determine the minimums you will face. Minimums could be one or two days 30, 45, or 30 days or more in jail , and mandatory home monitoring via electronic devices in addition to that. The minimum fines for mandatory violations increase according to the above-mentioned criteria. You could also be required to put in an ignition lock device into every vehicle you drive. Your right to drive may be suspended too. Do you think you are entitled to represent yourself? If you’re found guilty of an act that’s classified as “domestic violence” that is, you’re likely to face other penalties as well as everything else I’ve already explained to you. In particular, if found guilty of certain “domestic violence” crimes, you’ll be denied the right to own guns within Washington State, the State of Washington and federally. Did you plan sign up for the Army or attend Police Academy? It’s not the case anymore. The majority of people must be competent to carry a firearm in order to be able to perform those tasks. If you’ve been found guilty of an “domestic violence” crime, you won’t have the right to own firearms. It is only after you’ve had an “court of record” reinstate your right, and even then, the federal government could still block the possession of a firearm. Are you aware of what is a “court of record” is? Are you aware of what you must accomplish or the length of time to wait for the court to reinstate your rights? Your lawyer would. Your attorney will also emphasize for you to know that in the event that you decide to own a firearm following having been convicted of an “domestic violence” crime without getting your rights restored by an official court first, you’d be guilty of committing a crime. After that, you’ve gone from misdemeanor conduct at your local district or municipal court, to a felony in the superior court, and possibly jail time. Another result of being found guilty of the “domestic violence” gross or misdemeanor is that you could be subject to an order of no-contact that prohibits your contact with the victim of the incident. This is exactly what it states. If you’ve received no-contact orders against you, then you must act like the person is not even real. Do not contact them by text, or call them. Don’t transmit messages to them via an intermediary. In the event that you violate this rule, it could be a new crime for infringing on the order. In Washington the third offense of a no-contact rule is… You know what, a felony. If you make a wrong choice of violating the order, and then further aggravate your mistake by assaulting the other person, you’ve also committed a crime. It isn’t necessary as your 3rd offense. Did you realize that? The criminal defense lawyer will. Are you beginning to see my meaning? There are a number of potential consequences of being convicted of Misdemeanor and Gross Misdemeanors! Misdemeanors as well as gross Misdemeanors are the most lenient kind of crime in Washington and you’ll be able to see how they impact in your personal life. Are you able to roll the dice you’d like to play on your own? We’ve barely touched on the various elements of going before a judge. There’s a good chance that I haven’t talked about representing yourself for a felony in the superior court. I won’t neither. The stakes are greater. This is certainly death if you undertake the job of representing yourself in the face of felonies. I’ve been appointed “stand by” counsel in several instances where defendants were charged with extremely grave felonies. After a simple court hearing, one my clients realized that he was way from his feet that and told the judge I should be the judge in charge of the case. A smart move. I think his case will be will be resolved more quickly than if he attempted to resolve it on his own. Another client was patient until before the jury trial started and then informed the judge that he needed me to to conduct the trial. He had attempted to find his own witnesses lined together and to prepare his defense on his own within the County Jail. Naturally, I tried my best to prove the case (even when his expert witness informed me that he had actually agreed to the expert of the state). We did not win the case. The defendant was found guilty of grave charges and sentenced to an maximum sentence of 10 years. Let this be a lesson for everyone. Anyone who has no legal education or even a basic understanding about how the legal system operates are at risk of ruining their case to the point of irreparable. Simply because someone is accused of an offense and appeared in court previously does not make them eligible for them to be a lawyer. As you will see, I recommend anyone accused of an offense, or whatever the crime is, contact an attorney or at the very least discuss the matter with a lawyer prior to making the decision. Get a no-cost consultation. You can request an attorney for public defense. Yes, you can get a public defense attorney. Don’t try this case by yourself. Even if you’re a lawyer. You can say whatever you want about lawyers however, lawyers (at least the majority) are intelligent enough to recognize that they are not representing themselves criminal cases. As a defendant, you are entitled to keep your mouth shut. Let someone else who is aware of what they’re doing and doing, speak on your behalf. If you have the money to engage an attorney for your own criminal defense and you are able to afford it, consider yourself lucky and hire one. If you have friends or family members who has worked with an attorney to defend their clients to recommend a lawyer. Search for local attorneys on the websites of attorney referral. You can request a no-cost consult with more than one lawyer. Find out more about the lawyers. What is their tenure? For how long has they been practicing criminal law? What experience in trial is their experience? Find someone you are at ease with. It is vital when your case progresses. If you are unable to pay for a private attorney make sure you make an application for the public defender. PUBLIC SECURITY DEFENDERS It is fashionable for people to attack public defends. They call them “public pretenders” or other insulting names. However, what is the truth? At the minimum they’ve got an education in law. They’ve attended law school and passed the bar examination. With the basic requirements required to become a lawyer, they’re more qualified that you would be if you were to have them represent yourself in the courtroom. When someone is found guilty of a crime are likely to blame their public defense. Some believe that if you do not get away with a clean slate it means you’ve been a victim of the public lawyer. In other words, the public defender was actively trying to have you found guilty of the crime. They manipulated you into pleading guilty. Bull. You are the plaintiff. You are the one who makes the final decision about what will happen to your case. If you’re not willing to plead guilty and have it set to trial, it is entirely your decision. Your public defense attorney (or private attorney in this issue) could advise you on going to trial could be unwise based on the evidence that the defense has. They might also inform you of what you’ll be facing should you choose to turn on any plea deal available and proceed to trial. The lawyer wouldn’t be performing their duties if they did not inform you of these things. Actually, they’re legally required to make every offer (even those that aren’t worth it) for the benefit of their client. This doesn’t mean they’re trying to trick you into making a plea for guilt. It’s because they’re carrying out their duties and ethical obligations. Public defenders are typically overloaded with cases. The county or the city which pays for the office has only the money available to allocate to the public defense department. This means that they are able to employ a small amount of lawyers. The cases which are assigned to the public defender’s office must be divided among the small number of lawyers. The volume of cases increases more quickly that the amount of lawyers. Even when the city or county council approves a budget that would include another attorney, the new lawyer is an aid in a pinch. The client load will increase and eat up any additional benefit that the new lawyer offered. However, even if that is the case, it’s nevertheless better than trying for yourself to be a lawyer. The reason is because the public defender who is overworked has the expertise, knowledge and, most importantly, expertise in court and dealing with cases you might not. Criminal law encompasses all public defenders do. These aren’t actually part of an overall law firm, but they may take on a few civil clients from time to time. Every day the public defenders are conducting research and reading about on the law of criminals. They write and argue requests to suppress evidence, and dismissing charges. They are presenting criminal cases before an audience of the court bench (a judge, only) as well as to juries. Even the new public defender who just graduated from law college and has passed the bar test is in a higher position than you to be able to represent you in the courtroom. What are you asking? They have the resources. The most important resource that an attorney new to the field has can tap into is other lawyers within the office. They frequently go to supervisors or colleagues and review cases with them, and seek suggestions.