Should I represent myself
in court on a Utah criminal charge?
There are times when representing yourself in court on a minor
(
very minor)
Utah criminal case can make sense. But in most
cases,
obtaining the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer is
advised. Before you decide to represent yourself, you should
strongly consider consulting with a Utah
criminal defense lawyer to
ensure that you understand the risks and potential consequences
involved in your case, as well as what the various options may be for
defending your case.
We are sometimes asked the following question: "Do
I have to have an attorney for this?" Almost every time, the
answer is "No, you don't HAVE TO have an attorney." But
consider
the following by way of analogy. While it might be
possible
for you to perform certain surgery on yourself, most people would
prefer to have a doctor perform a surgical operation.
Similarly,
having an experienced
criminal defense attorney
handle your case is usually the best way to go.
Having
an attorney who understands the Utah criminal courts system and has
handled your kind of case previously gives you the advantages of
experience and knowledge that you would not have if you were
representing yourself. You may not realize the importance of
certain facts in the case. You may not be aware of possible
legal
defenses that are available under the law. You may not
understand
the procedural rules and rules of evidence and how those rules may
protect you, or how they may hurt your case.
Sometimes, a
prosecutor will offer to recommend probation in exchange for a guilty
plea. But even if the prosecutor says he/she is not asking
for
jail, there may be other consequences of a guilty plea that should be
considered.
Based in Salt Lake City, we provide legal services to individuals charged with crimes throughout the state.
Before you represent yourself in court in a Utah criminal case, you
should
contact an experienced
criminal defense lawyer to
arrange for a consultation.

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