Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Tennessee

Judges

Can a judge force you to retain a lawyer? The charges are bogus and I feel no need for a lawyer, but the judge would not appoint one. He questioned the income and said,''I think you can afford a lawyer''. Do we have to get one? This a is juvenile case in which the 14 year old boy is charged with deliberately killing a domestic animal. A neighbor said he saw the boy purposefully run over his dog with a four wheeler. It was an accident.


Asked on 8/20/03, 6:03 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Regina Mullen Legal Data Services, PLC

Re: Judges

You don't have to have a lawyer, but it is recommended, at least to go over your options before trial. Even if the lawyer doesn't appear, you should have someone explain what is going on in court to you. This isn't a minor charge, and it could set the child up for much more serious consequences if he is charged with another act of violence in the future.

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Answered on 8/20/03, 7:05 pm


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