Summaya Nagori-Do I Need a Lawyer When I’m Charged with a Crime?

Legal representation is almost always beneficial to those charged with crimes. Most defendants are represented by a lawyer, especially when prison or a prison sentence are possible outcomes. Summaya Nagori believes it is difficult for someone to manage their criminal case effectively. No precise statistics are available on the number of people who choose to represent themselves in criminal cases, but estimates range far below 2%.

 

It’s not all in the book

Criminal cases are characterized by a typically wide gap between theory and practice of self-representation. There are books that define crimes, set penalties, and describe courtroom procedures. As they had some time and read these books, they were able to think and understand the system. However, the practice of criminal law cannot be understood by reading only books, not even this one.

Power of attorney

Procedural discretion, for example, determines much of what happens in criminal court, including whether charges will be laid and what charges will be laid. When the chief prosecutor makes a decision, it can significantly affect the outcome of the case, as he or she has significant power to do so.

 

To face the community

The community's values, policies, and pressures in criminal cases should not be underestimated. The police hope that crime reports to prosecutors will lead to charges, prosecutors want to succeed, and judges need to run for reelection. People may be excited about specific crimes and expect the system to "harden" those arrested. Such pressures would not affect the system, but that is not the case. It is only someone who is familiar with the local scene who can understand how these pressures can impact your case and how to work within it.

Summaya Nagori states that the criminal law world is hidden, vast, and ever-changing, and the accused enter alone at their own risk.