Since there are so many court "shows" now. It is confusing for me to know when an attorney is necessary from the cases where plaintiffs are stating their own case with very little education, not to mention legal knowledge. This is my first criminal court situation. I have "after assault" pictures, police report, on-property security guard reports, and medical records from an assault. I am wondering, do I still need an attorney?
Lawyers can be expensive (and obviously necessary for defendants) so, does the victim in an assault absolutely need one?
If so, how can the cost of an attorney be minimized?
Ben
No, not common or necessary. As a victim (plaintiff), the prosecutor is the attorney working on your behalf. That is who will work with you preparing the case, ie, interviewing witnesses and reviewing the evidence.
travelingblueeye
You can be embroiled in a court case in one of two ways: You are the plaintiff or you are the defendant.
If you are the plaintiff (ie. the victim in an assault) you are working to accuse an individual of wrongdoing, and the town/county/city/state prosecutor is obliged to work on your behalf by law... there is NO FEE if you are the plaintiff... But his or her capablity might be at issue. You cannot remedy this at all unless you hire outside counsel to supplement the case... you can sue in civil court at any time but a crappy DA doesn't go away. You're better off pursuing the civil case right off the bat if you think your prosecuting attorney is not a good lawyer.
If you are the defendant you are ALWAYS within your rights to request and usually to demand court appointed counsel. This does not seem to be applicable to your question so I'll leave it at that.
Final Thought: An attorney who is on your side is ALWAYS necessary when you're in court. Worst case with supporting outside counsel as a plaintiff, you lost the criminal case but have legal precedent to prove certain facts in your civil case.
Worst case with court appointed counsel as a plaintiff, you are shuffled off and forgotten. Noone cares about your civil case because they've already put that one to bed.
Orignal From: Is it common for victims to not obtain an attorney in court for assault cases?
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