Have you ever represented yourself in court? Any advice?

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   Kyler J Falkposted 3 years ago

   
   2021 is looking to be an interesting year for me, and day 1 isn't even over yet!
   
   So, have any of my fellow hubbers represented themselves in court? What was it like? Did it save you money on an attorney, or should you have lawyered up? Do you have any input and advice?
   
   What about those of you who have fought cases above the small claims level with the aid of an attorney?
   
   Happy freakin' new year!

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2. 83

   bhattucposted 3 years ago

   In our country generally court cases take a long time and so people mostly avoid them. I had an experience of one case which I represented through a lawyer. It was related to some medical negligence in a hospital. But after 8 years I just left it and withdrew.

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      Kyler J Falkposted 3 years agoin reply to this

      I dealt with the same issue once, but withdrew after a year because I could see it was going nowhere unless I settled for far less than what was necessary. Attorney was hungry for a quick check, and I was hungry for justice; in the end neither of us got what we needed lol

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3. 61

   Live to Learnposted 3 years ago

   My experience and observation has been,  if the other party has a lawyer you need to lawyer up.  The courts are like a good old boy club.  They exist to create income for members. Most without lawyers appear to be at a serious disadvantage.
   
   Small claims court may be different.  I've never been to one.

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      Kyler J Falkposted 3 years agoin reply to this

      Attorneys aren't allowed in small claims, and from the one experience I had in small claims it seems pretty balanced and fair. Alas, my current cases stem far beyond financial damages beneath $2500. Going into Superior Court to file Monday morning.
      
      That's what I assumed thus far, that if they lawyered up I would have to lawyer up. I'm trying to keep the damages for everyone involved as low as possible, so I figured it was a show of good faith to represent myself, cover the court fees for everyone, and do my best to resolve the disputes before court.
      
      People just aren't reasonable, though, so I'm preparing for the worst.

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         Live to Learnposted 3 years agoin reply to this

         Tell me about it. I had some idiot sue me once for bogus b.s.. We both spent several thousand on lawyers and a jury trial just to have it resolved exactly like I suggested prior to the law suit.

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4. 88

   powers41posted 3 years ago

   Kyler, never a good idea to represent yourself.  I spent many years working for lawyers, don't rep yourself.  My suggestion, most lawyers offer a 'free' consultation and you might glean some strategies from such a consult to use yourself if you choose to 'do it yourself'.
   Good luck.

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      Castlepalomaposted 3 years agoin reply to this

      Avoid courts as much as possible, for most part, they are unjust. Meaning you can get screwed twice.
      
      Even though I won one of my cases representing myself. The man payed me a $1  a month, by cheque. Another case I won, and the lawyer took $11,000 and I got $8000. I decided to not Sue Trump for $10,000 because he is world champion for screwing people.
      
      For 45 years in business, I vastly just salvage what I can with disagreements.
      
      Small courts are safe enough.

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   2. 76

      Castlepalomaposted 3 years agoin reply to this

      I use about 2 or 3 free lawyers consultants also, for a few cases.

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5. 91

   Kyler J Falkposted 3 years ago

   I've consulted attorneys and they have offered little in the way of anything worth my time for free consultations. For these matters, the lowest cost for me would be $1250 retainer and $500/hr. No way do I want anyone, especially myself, to incur those kinds of damages even if I do win.
   
   Unfortunately I make too much money for a pro bono attorney, as well, but I think I have enough physical evidence against all parties involved to prove my case with very little friction in court. Essentially, I have pictures, video, written statements, law enforcement cases, and stress-related health issues; whereas the other individuals have nothing but me being a pretentious asshole through email and text message.

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