Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

If you have to ask how, you can't.

You are always entitled to represent yourself in court. Whether you should is a different issue. The conventional wisdom is that an attorney will be able to do a better job and get a better outcome. Prosecutors and judges don�t like dealing with ProPers, unless you are simply pleading guilty, not defending the case. If you can't afford private counsel, apply for the Public Defender if you qualify.

Generally most people will represent themselves poorly in pro per ... if you cannot afford an attorney, the better course of action is to ask the court to appoint one for you.

If you're determined to represent yourself, you let the Judge know and petition him or her to allow you to represent yourself.

Good luck!