Are you faced with an upcoming trial in which you will be the criminal defendant? This can be a massively stressful situation to be in, and one such source of that stress can be the finances behind hiring a lawyer. Approximately 80% of state criminal defendants aren’t capable of affording legal counsel. For that reason, many are tempted to represent themselves, but this can be a risky decision that probably won’t work in your favor. We at Zappitell Law Firm of Delray Beach understand this, and we also understand that affording legal counsel can be a struggle, but we want you to understand the dangers of trying to represent yourself. This also includes when dealing with insurance companies such as after an injury case. Insurance companies aren’t looking out for your benefit, which is why we recommend searching “personal injury attorney near me” rather than taking an insurance company’s settlement.
Why You Should Search for a Lawyer or “Personal Injury Attorney Near Me”
The stakes are high when you’re defending yourself in Court, and in many ways, a Court trial is kind of like a game being played without you knowing the rules to play. It’s called “legal ignorance,” which is simply a phrase to describe the general lack of information when it comes to the legal world. Think about the difficulty and stress associated with law school students, and you’ll have an idea of what learning these rules is like. The prosecutor of the trial will have a significant advantage while you will have little-to-no understanding of these details, and no amount of overnight research will properly prepare you for their years of education and experience.
Unfortunately, there’s also the major issue of Court bias. It’s disgusting, but sadly lawyers, judges, and juries will likely be very biased against someone representing themselves, especially if you can’t afford a fancy suit. Legal defense shouldn’t have to be so superficial, but it is, and recognizing that is important for anyone wanting to win their case.
In regards to insurance cases where you’re fighting for proper compensation against your insurance company, these same rules apply in Court. The stakes may not be as high, but if you’re entitled to proper compensation, then you shouldn’t have to settle for less.
What to Do If you Can’t Afford a Lawyer
As we mentioned previously, most criminal defendants cannot afford to hire a lawyer, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t contact law offices in your area anyway. Be upfront about your situation, and they may be able to provide you with some information. You may qualify for federally funded programs, for example, and your legal office can help direct you to locate similar resources. You may also qualify for a pro bono case. If a lawyer agrees to work with you pro bono, it means they’ll be doing so without charge. It might not be wise to bet on this happening depending on your case, but for such a dire situation, you may want to exhaust every possible avenue available to you.
Contact Us for Legal Counsel and Defense
If you are located around Delray Beach, and you’re in need of legal counsel, contact us at Zappitell Law Firm. We aim to serve our community through legal aid to ensure that you are not taken advantage of in these dire situations, and if you are in need of information on hiring a lawyer, we will do our best to give you the details you need. For insurance-related cases, you can also search “personal injury attorney near me” to find us.