Why Self-Representation in a Criminal Case is Unwise

If you were arrested in California for a crime, connect with an attorney to protect your rights and your freedoms right away. Depending on what crime you allegedly committed and the details surrounding the incident, it is possible that you will spend many years in prison and have to pay high fines if you are convicted. The aftermath of a conviction can be life-changing, and not in a good way.

Every year many Americans attempt to defend themselves from criminal charges without legal representation. The criminal justice system, though, is complex and tough to navigate. Accused people can easily be mistreated if they go it alone and are not prepared or knowledgeable about what to do to be successful.

In San Diego County, David M. Boertje is a San Diego criminal defense attorney who has represented thousands of criminal cases. As an experienced criminal defense lawyer, David M. Boertje has dedicated most of his professional life to providing superior legal defense services to people accused of crimes ranging from low-level misdemeanor cases to complicated felony charges. After an arrest, consider connecting with the Law Offices of David M. Boertje.

Why is the Criminal Justice System So Complicated?

Navigating the criminal justice system in the United States without proper training, with no understanding of how the system works, and with inadequate knowledge of laws and legal rights is virtually impossible. Even the most basic criminal charges may require many steps and actions to be taken combined with skilled strategy along the way.

There are several things to think about before you decide you want to self-represent yourself in your criminal case including:

  • Do you know how to interpret the law?
  • Do you know how to compile evidence to support your case?
  • Do you know how and when to file motions?
  • Do you know how to negotiate with prosecutors?
  • Do you know how to develop an effective and persuasive defense strategy?
  • Do you know how to challenge evidence presented against you?
  • Do you know what objecting to witness testimony is and how to do it?
  • Do you know how to formulate articulate and convincing arguments?
  • Do you know how to question witnesses and call them?

The questions above only represent a portion of the knowledge necessary to mount an effective defense that has a chance of getting a not guilty verdict or having charges dropped. 

This is why working with an experienced attorney with a proven track record of success getting charges reduced, dropped, obtaining favorable plea deals, and securing not-guilty verdicts is so critical. While Americans have a constitutional right to self-representation, when it comes to achieving the most favorable outcome possible, it is wise to work with a professional criminal defense attorney.

Speak with a San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney Today

No matter what severity of charges you are facing, David M. Boertje has the background and training you want on your side to fight them. Call the San Diego criminal defense law firm at the Law Offices of David M. Boertje today to schedule a free initial case evaluation at (619) 229-1870 for the San Diego office or (760) 476-0901 for the Carlsbad location.

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