"Do I need a lawyer?" If you find yourself asking that question, then most likely you are in a situation or approaching a situation where the Court system will be called upon to decide an issue that concerns you. Are you prepared to, and is it in your best interest to, represent yourself? The answer to that question, in the words of my law school real estate professor, Frank Alexander, is always, "It depends".
Whether or not you need an attorney depends upon many factors. In most situations, technically, you are not required to have an attorney and you can represent yourself. However, that may not always be the most advisable course of action.
For example, even in traffic and misdemeanor cases, the maximum fine is $1,000 and the maximum jail term is 12 months. You can negotiate with the prosecutor on your own behalf; however, you may not be in a position to point out true weaknesses, if any, in the prosecution's case against you that would lead the State to make a more favorable plea offer. In addition, certain diversion programs through which your charges can be dismissed upon the completion of certain steps, may not be available to if you are not represented by an attorney.
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