The good is that we live in the greatest democracy with many constitutionally derived rights. The bad is that now, more than ever, the legal system is over-crowded, the jails are full, and judicial access requires money--sometimes a lot of money.
Another good thing is that we live in the information age and many times information is just a mouse click away. Now, because of the internet, we can serve as our own bank tellers, investment advisors, travel agents, and pizza delivery guys. Sometimes, though, you can find just enough information on-line to be dangerous.
If you think, however, saving a little money by representing yourself in a court of law is the right answer in these tough economic times, you may want to think again. The New York Times recently wrote an article about how representing yourself in court may not be such a good idea. Check out the article here:
Being in court a lot and watching people try to represent themselves when they have no idea what they are doing has convinced me that the money used to hire a lawyer is well spent, especially when you have so much on the line. A lot of times the money you think you save by simply paying the fine and mailing in a ticket actually ends up costing you more in insurance premiums. Or, worse, you represent yourself and lose the case. Or even worse, you represent yourself, lose the case, and are ordered to pay the attorney's fees for the opposing party. Or even more worse, you represent yourself and get thrown in jail. Stranger things have happened. Make sure you know your rights. Talk to a lawyer.
By: Drew S. Sprague
