Can’t I Save Money By Defending Myself in Court?

Can’t I Save Money By Defending Myself? 

You may think that your criminal case seems simple, so you might be tempted to save money by defending yourself in a court of law. Defending yourself when you are facing criminal charges is never a good idea because criminal procedure is complex and filled with nuanced rules that you must understand to adequately defend yourself. If you do not understand these rules, you will place your freedom, finances, and future in jeopardy. Instead, always reach out to a Montgomery criminal defense attorney with experience defending cases like yours in Alabama criminal court. 

The Internet Is Not The Best Source Of Information 

Many clients believe that the internet provides them with all the information they need to defend themselves. However, not everything on the internet is true or complete, and it often contains false information that is mostly opinion. You do not want to rely on inaccurate data when you are facing criminal charges and potential penalties in state or federal court. 

Laws are always evolving. Legislatures amend statutes, and courts issue new opinions all the time that influence the development of the law. One law that may have been interpreted in a particular way last year may be interpreted differently now. Good criminal defense lawyers understand updates and alterations in the law and know how they apply in your case. 

The Legal System Is Complex 

If you plan on defending yourself, you will have to do much more than stand up in a courtroom and state the facts of your argument. The legal system requires you to participate in many hearings, each with its own specific expectations and procedures. You must file different motions and fill out a lot of paperwork. If you do not complete specific requirements during the course of your case, you may have to pay more money or face a longer jail sentence in the end.

A good criminal defense lawyer will understand all the deadlines and procedures that apply to your case. Missing deadlines or hearings is a major problem, and you do not want to risk losing your freedom because you did not understand all the requirements of your case. 

Also, you likely do not have a relationship with judges or prosecutors in your area. Judges might not favor defendants who represent themselves because they often slow down court proceedings and cause unnecessary complications in the courtroom. Prosecutors also might have a specific way of handling certain types of cases with which you are unfamiliar. Many criminal defense lawyers have developed relationships with prosecutors and judges, and these relationships will benefit your case when it comes time for your attorney and the prosecutor to negotiate a plea bargain, among other things. 

Finally, many criminal defendants simply don’t know how to identify or properly present all the possible defense strategies in their cases. You might have strong evidence in your favor or constitutional violations that can help your case, but without presenting them to the court in the right way, it will not help your defense. 

Contact a Montgomery Criminal Defense Lawyer Today To Schedule A Free Consultation 

Put simply - do not try to represent yourself against criminal charges. Contact Luck Law, LLC today to schedule a free consultation, during which we can discuss the facts of your case. Call our office in Montgomery, Alabama, at 334-262-5455 to learn more about the legal services we offer. Hiring a criminal defense attorney is one of the best things you can do if you are facing criminal charges.