Can I Represent Myself?

Under the law of the land, individuals have an absolute right to represent themselves. However, most courts will require a person charged with DUI or some other alcohol-related crime to have a lawyer. If a person has bonded out, the court will automatically refuse to provide a person with a court-appointed lawyer. The court takes the position that if a person could pay a bondsman, then he or she has sufficient money to hire a lawyer. While this may not be true, you will be required to hire a lawyer. In some small municipalities, the city will permit a person to represent themselves, however, you must remember an old saying that lawyers have: “He who represents himself has a fool for a client.” Seek the counsel of a lawyer knowledgeable in this area of the law, and they will help you decide if you need a lawyer.