Do I need a lawyer for my criminal case?

A person who goes to court without being represented by a lawyer is called “self-represented” or “pro see.” President Lincoln said that a person who represents themselves has a fool for a client.

“How important is having a lawyer if I have criminal charges?”

The concept of effective legal representation for someone with felony or misdemeanor charges is so critically important that the 6th Amendment incorporates it in the United States Constitution. If you face accusations of criminal or inappropriate activity, even if you are entirely innocent, an experienced lawyer is essential to protect and defend you. The American judicial system is perhaps the best in the world; however, thousands of innocent defendants are convicted wrongfully. In many of these cases, the defendant’s actual innocence is undiscovered for many years, and the defendant will have potentially lost years of their life sitting in prison for no reason. In less serious matters, a wrongful conviction can result in unemployability, inability to get a promotion, deportation or inadmissibility, damaged credit, destroyed reputation, loss of custody or visitation rights, and more. If you wonder, “Do I need a criminal lawyer?” the answer is very likely, “Yes!”

Self-Representation is a Recipe For Disaster

You need a lawyer if:

You want legal advice.
You do not fully understand papers filed in court.
You cannot afford to lose your case.
You want a favorable outcome.
You face criminal charges (felony, misdemeanor, or ordinance violation).
You want to sue someone but don’t know your claim’s legal theory or basis.

You may not need a lawyer if: (these are only examples)

You are NOT charged with or accused of a felony or misdemeanor criminal offense.
You are in a lawsuit for money, and the outcome is not overly important
The fees for hiring a decent lawyer exceed the value of the lawsuit
You don’t get nervous speaking in public, like in a courtroom
You are organized and keep accurate records
You are familiar with the Michigan Court Rules and the Rules of Evidence.
You have time to prepare papers, make copies, learn the required steps, file documents with the court, do legal research, draft complex pleadings, and attend court hearings.
Your case is relatively simple, and no one will come forward to argue against what you want.

do i need a criminal defense lawyer attorney

“Do I need a lawyer if I’m charged with a crime?”

No matter how smart or well-educated you are, the criminal justice system makes it virtually impossible to do a competent job of representing yourself. Courts and the law are designed so those trained in the applicable rules have the best chance of successfully traversing through the system. Each criminal case is unique, and only a specialist experienced in assessing the particulars of a case—and in dealing with the many variables that come up in every case—can provide the type of representation that every criminal defendant needs to receive justice. Criminal defense lawyers do much more than question witnesses in court.

For example, the best defense lawyers do the following (click for more information):

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What are the possible consequences of a criminal conviction? (Some Examples)

Loss of employment or inability to advance in employment.
Loss of public benefits or ineligibility to receive public assistance.
Inability to achieve licensure in a professional field or prohibition from certain types of employment.
Inability to obtain or qualify for credit, a loan, or a mortgage.
A negative impact on custody, visitation with children, and parental rights.
Impaired public reputation and social stigma.
Ineligibility for Federal Health Care Programs (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7).
Eligibility for Student Grants and Loans (20 U.S.C. § 1091).
Inability to lawfully possess a firearm or obtain a concealed weapons permit.
Inability to pass a background check.
Inability to serve on a jury or vote.
Loss of driver’s license or driving privileges

Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney

At LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., we understand that hiring a criminal defense lawyer is never convenient or enjoyable. But having a top defense attorney by your side when you’re facing felony or misdemeanor charges is essential. We specialize in criminal defense, and our mission is to bring value to our clients and achieve their goals through a commitment to results, achievement, and aggressive advocacy. Our practice focuses primarily on the individual, providing a full range of legal services from pre-trial work to the appellate process. Our criminal practice extends to all felony and misdemeanor charges in federal and state courts. When you need an attorney who will fight for you like family, please call LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. for a free case evaluation and consultation.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.