Legal Question in Criminal Law in Georgia

I have a simple assault charge on a minor as well as a criminal trust passing charge; I have no witnesses, but there is no proof of an assault or the trust passing only hear say and speculation what can or would happen if I try to defend myself since I can't really afford a lawyer?


Asked on 9/28/11, 6:50 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Lawrence Lewis Lawrence Lewis, P.C.

If you defend yourself, you should expect to go to jail, and get a number of months on probation, because you don't know how to select a jury, admit evidence or do anything else a jury requires. See website: www.lawrencelewispc.com Good luck.

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Answered on 9/28/11, 6:58 pm
Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

If you defend yourself, expect a lengthy jail sentence. The best equipped pro se defendant is far worse off than someone with a lawyer.

There is no such crime as "trust passing." Maybe you mean criminal trespass?

Since you don't even know that, I assume you probably have no means of knowing how to voir doir a jury, how to draft jury charges, how to cross examine, what a motion in limine is, how to conduct discovery, etc.

While there is no guarantee that you will "win" with a lawyer, it is very likely that you do better. That could mean avoiding jail, or less jail, a smaller fine, or perhaps a disposition where you don't even have a conviction.

The fact that you are charged means the prosecutor, who knows far more law than you do, feels he has strong evidence. You have a legal emergency. Get a lawyer. Use your charge card, your savings, sell your car, or call your family and friends. Hire and pay one. If you are indigent, ask the court to appoint one.

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Answered on 9/28/11, 7:14 pm


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