Criminal Defense Lawyer FAQ

Questions:

• Are lawyers available for defendants who can't afford to pay for one?
• How can I get a court to appoint a lawyer for me?
• Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment?
• How can I find a private defense lawyer?
• What is a private lawyer likely to cost?
• Should I represent myself in a criminal case?
• Can I change lawyers if I'm unhappy with the one representing me?

Answer:

Should I represent myself in a criminal case?

The most obvious rule is that the less severe the charged crime, the more sensible it is to represent yourself. Defendants charged with minor traffic offenses should rarely hire an attorney, while defendants charged with serious felonies should rarely be without one.

The most critical piece of information in making a decision about self-representation is what the likely punishment will be if convicted. It is almost always wise to be represented by an attorney when jail time is possible. And remember, convictions for even seemingly minor offenses can carry hidden “downstream” costs, such as more severe punishment for a second conviction, increased insurance rates, loss or suspension of a professional license, and deportation of non-citizens. (To find a criminal defense attorney near you, check out Nolo's trusted Lawyer Directory.)

For more information, see Does Self-Representation in a Criminal Case Ever Make Sense?