If you don't feel intimidated by courtrooms or legal procedures, and you are prepared to allocate time to research your case, you might decide to represent yourself in court because you believe that you can speak convincingly to a magistrate or jury.
Self Representation vs Legal Counsel
If you’re an intelligent and confident person, it may be the case that you can often best examine a witness because you have a better grasp of the detail around incidents that are examined in court and can think quickly on your feet.
But there are hazards that you should definitely consider before you elect to self-represent.
The most dangerous of these is the emotional investment. It’s your case, and how it turns out is going to matter greatly to the circumstances in your life, whether it’s a prison sentence or losing your driver’s licence for two years, it matters. And when something matters that much, the emotional toll of getting the right result can cloud the way you act in court and work against you.
It’s also important to remember that the judge or magistrate presiding over the case must, at all times, remain impartial. This means that they are not allowed to assist you in delivering the information you need to present your case; otherwise, they could be seen to be helping you and be accused of bias.
Court room protocol aside, there are also very simple aspects of the law that it can be very easy to overlook and which can sink a case – or an appeal – without allowing for a second chance.
If the result of a court appearance is important to you should look to find experienced legal advice as quickly as possible.
Contact Mario Licha
Mario Licha has more than a decade’s experience handling matters for motorists charged with these and related offences. You can send him your details by clicking here or by calling: 0402 968 997.
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