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.