Do you need a lawyer for a misdemeanor?

Answer 1

Not at first. Your first act should not be to run out and get a lawyer, these charges are just above a traffic ticket.

What you do is, plead not guilty and you will be given a court date. When you go to

court the District Attorney will be present or one of the Assistants from his office.

Ask to speak to him and see what he is willing to reduce the charge too, most times they drop it down to a fine. If you are not happy with the reduced charge, then you can contact a lawyer.

After you have spoken to the DA, you will go in front of the judge, the judge will ask you if you have worked out something with the DA, or he will know, he will then ask you if this is what you want or he will ask you if you would like to be represented by an attorney.

As I said, if your not happy with the deal, you tell the judge you would like to seek council. The judge will postpone the plea and he will give you a new court date, most times he will ask you how much time you need, now contact an attorney and explain the situation to him.

This happens thousands of times a day in the US and for the most part is no big deal.

It seems that a lot of people act like its a huge deal but it is not.

Wear a suite, or look very neat, if you look like a slob you will get treated like one, whether this is right or not this is the real world. Talk like a human and do not give the DA an attitude, if you're polite and respectful, you might just walk away with it dropped.

Answer 2

Although you don't NEED an attorney, it is highly recommended. Even a misdemeanor can have negative effects on various aspects of your life.

Answer 3

(in the US) Every citizen is entitled to present their own defense, however it is probably best to be represented.