Although this is a bit cynical and speaks mainly of civil litigation he makes some very good points about how a self represented litigant is simply out of his or her league in court. In criminal court the Crown Attorney is not your friend, your helper or your adviser. He/she has many years of experience and knows the rules, the players and the intricacies of the law. You do not. And please don’t take the advice of the police officer who arrested you as to what you should do or what lawyer you should hire. He/she is not your friend, your helper or your adviser either. They are on the other side working against your best interest. They would rather not have to even give you your rights. Get your own lawyer to help you. Lawyerup!
The Important Rule that most self-represented litigants never learn, or learn too late: It is an opposing lawyer’s duty in law to deceive and obstruct you. “Be instantly wary of any adv…