Yes you can, though it is not wise to. As the saying goes, “He who represents himself, has a fool for a client” – Abraham Lincoln.
Are you actually guilty?
What you might think is a “strong case” against you may not always be the case from our point of view. For example, you might think that because your blood alcohol reading is over .05, that you have no chance of beating your charge – this is not the case. You might think that having your fingerprints found at the scene of the crime means you will have no chance of beating your charge– this not the case.
It is highly beneficial to have one of our experienced lawyers who deal exclusively in criminal law to examine every piece of evidence against you with a fine toothcomb, as there are always many circumstances and technical legal defences to be considered that often go unnoticed by other lawyers who don’t have the time and/or experience that you deserve.
Experience
There are many complicated rules and procedures in presenting a case in court of which many people are unaware. It can be very daunting to present your case before a Magistrate/Judge in these circumstances, while also trying to put the very best case forward. Conversely, our lawyers are very skilled and experienced at what they do – they develop strategies for your case, they have the skills to negotiate, they understand the procedures involved and they know exactly what kind of material you need to support you in your plea in order to get you the best result.
Independence
If you represent yourself in court, you are under examination throughout the entire hearing as everything you say in court can be used against you. On the other hand, our lawyers are independent and will act as your mouthpiece, knowing what needs to be said and how to say it.
If you have a legal matter and need legal advice or representation, contact Ondrik Larsen Lawyers today, we will assist you.