Representing Yourself In A Criminal Trial

What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

In Wisconsin, a criminal defense lawyer can mean the difference between incarceration (being sentenced to prison or jail), forfeitures (fines or giving property to the court), and freedom.

While it is true that every person is innocent until proven guilty, it is also true that jury trials often result in guilty verdicts, rather than acquittals (not guilty verdicts), and people who appear in court without an attorney are found guilty more often than they are acquitted.

Criminal defense lawyers can help more if they are brought into the case early. Often times, people use the "wait and see" strategy, and find that they are sentenced to jail or to prison for a very long time. Whether you hire a criminal defense attorney early in the case or wait until later in the case, the chances are likely that the fees will be the same, or in some cases, more for the later hiring because just as much work needs to be done to suppress evidence and prepare for trial as if the attorney were hired early in the case, but there is much less time to prepare. Consequently, the attorney will need to work longer hours to accomplish the same tasks, pay exhorbant rush order fees to labs and other places where evidence is available to get the information in time for trial. At the end of the day, waiting does not really save money.

Criminal defense lawyers negotiate with prosecuting attorneys, the district attorney's office, and in some cases, probation officers on behalf of the defendant. While you might consider negotiating your own charges, two important factors need to be considered: 1) the district attorney is not obligated to inform you of the law, nor ensure that you understand any portion of the law or the decades of cases that have changed laws before your case arrives on his or her desk, and 2) there may be situations in which a prosecuting attorney takes advantage of your lack of legal knowledge or courtroom procedure. (The court is also not obligated to ensure that you have any knowledge of the law).

While both of those situations may provide grounds for an appeal, two more factors need to be considered. First, even though Wisconsin is an "automatic appeal" state, appeals are costly and time consuming. And your life may not be normal until the appeal is done. Second, for some appeals, you must have objected to the action upon which you are basing your appeal in order to have a right to appeal the court's decision. If something is done wrong during your conviction process, and you are unaware that it is wrong, you won't know that you have to object.

Criminal defense lawyes also challenge lower court (circuit court) actions, particularly sentences. Many times, if a person was not defended by a criminal defense attorney during a prior conviction, the conviction can be challenged. However, that does not eliminate the fact that the person was convicted of the crime, nor does it erase the time spent in jail or prison.

Criminal defense lawyers handle the courtroom procedures every day. Lawyers know which motions need to be filed when and how best to present those motions. Criminal defense lawyers in particular negotiate their way through courtroom procedures that other defense lawyers or non-defense lawyers are unaware exist. For example, a typical injury defense lawyer will not have the same solid experience and understanding of criminal court procedures as will an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

:: Straight Talk ::

If you are considering representing yourself, please take advantage of the free initial consultation offer from Attorney Corey Chirafisi, and call his office to talk to him about your case. If he believes that you can handle your case without an attorney, he will tell you so. And at least you will then know whether you want to proceed alone or find a criminal defense lawyer to represent you, as well as if Attorney Chirafisi will be availble to take your case.

Contact Information

Corey Chirafisi, Attorney at Law
Chirafisi Law Office, S.C.
10 East Doty Street, Suite 701
Madison, Wisconsin 53703

Telephone: 608.250.3500
Toll-free: 1.866.514.0647