Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Washington

Re: motion to compel discovery

Eh... like right now.

You can't be forced to make a statement that can be used against you, but the courts have been very broad minded about what is and isn't "forced." All sorts of threats are commonly used, so "taking the 5th" is not very helpful as a practical matter.

You can always petition the court for appointed counsel if you are indigent, but it's your life: get off line and talk to a real lawyer as soon as possible, because clocks are ticking in the judge's mind, if not, as a matter of procedure.

BUT, if you get stuck, always ask for an attorney in court session, just realize the judge is going to run out of patience, if you don't make a good faith effort to find one.

Re: motion to compel discovery

Your question is not very clear. Are you in the middle of a trial? If so, is it civil or criminal? If it's civil you usually must share relevant information with the other side. You can ask the judge for a continuance while you try to find an attorney.