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In a few cases, it’s perfectly fine to go to court without legal representation. If you’re suing someone, or being sued, in small claims court, you have no choice. To keep everyone on the same playing field, no one is allowed to have legal representation. If you’re defending a minor traffic ticket, there’s no real need to spend money on an attorney. For everything else, you should always at least talk to a lawyer before going to court.
Believe it or not, many prosecutors and judges will be harsher on someone who comes to court for a serious matter without an attorney. Of course, this isn’t always the case, but it does happen. They’re often evaluated on the number of cases with a ruling in favor of the state, and they will be more likely to give a summary judgment that goes against the defendant. Remember, if this happens to you, you usually have the right to appeal the decision.
If you’re facing criminal charges that could result in jail time, never go to court without a lawyer to represent your interests. Many people think that a court-appointed attorney won’t even bother with paying attention to their case, but this isn’t usually the case. These attorneys know that their reputation depends on the outcome of every case regardless of the compensation level. They are also familiar with the prosecutors, the judges, and the court clerks in the jurisdiction where you will be tried. As with any attorney, always make sure that you communicate well with your legal counsel whether you’re paying the bill or you’ve been supplied one by the court.
