Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: pro per defense

If you knew what you were doing, why would you be asking the court and PD for "aid"? It's not their job to teach you how to practice law. That's what law schools are for. Anyway, if you try and represent yourself in a criminal case, especially someone like you who does not know what he is doing, you'll lose, so why not save yourself the time and effort and just plead guilty? You could also try asking the doctors at your local hospital to teach you how to operate on yourself. They probably won't do this, because they know full well that if you tried this you would get an infection and die. And people would say, Jeez, what an idiot for operating on himself.

Re: pro per defense

I don't know that they are keeping anything from you. I am unaware of any "primer" for pro per criminal defense. This isn't small claims court where all you have to lose if $5,000, your liberty at a minimum is at stake here. I'm sure you are a very bright person, but there is much more to obtaining a favorable resolution for defendant than just knowing what the law is. There is not only "the law" that comes into play, but criminal procedures, local court rules and local D.A. office policies for certain offenses and each particular judge's resolution and sentencing history. All of that comes into play in a criminal case. You have an absolute right to represent yourself, but you may not be the best representative for yourself.

Good luck,

Re: pro per defense

Primer? There isn't one. You'll learn by your own mistakes -- typically through hard lessons. If you qualify for the PD, go with them. If you don't, then hire private counsel. Pro pers don't fare well in court; the jails are full of people who were oh so confident they didn't need no stinking attorney.