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Should You Ever Represent Yourself in a Criminal Trial?

Robert Stahle • May 9, 2019
judge gavel

If you’ve found yourself in a situation where you’re required to appear in court, the idea of self-representation may have crossed your mind. Maybe you’ve heard that self-representation is an option, however you’re not sure how to go about doing it, or even if it’s the best option.

People choose to represent themselves in court for a variety of reasons. While self-representation is allowed, it’s important to understand the challenges, and the advantages of working with a defense attorney before making your decision.


Representing Yourself in Court

Of the reasons that a person might choose to represent themselves in court without the assistance of a defense attorney, the most common are cost and convenience. For instance, in minor cases that don’t move beyond small claims court, retaining a lawyer can seem like an incredibly expensive inconvenience.

The truth is, in smaller cases, you might be able to successfully represent yourself in court. These types of cases are often cut and dry, and don’t require an in-depth knowledge of legal topics. There’s also the fact that any amount you do end up paying as part of the judgement might not compare to the amount you would invest in legal counsel. From this perspective, self-representation might make sense.

A riskier venture is attempting to represent yourself when the stakes are higher. If you’re involved in a case where incarceration or hefty fines are potential penalties, you really have too much at stake to take chances with self-representation.


Why You Should Work with Defense Attorney During Your Trial

It is always inadvisable to represent yourself as a defendant in a criminal trial . Therefore, you’re legally entitled to an attorney and will be provided with one if you have limited financial means. The United States Constitution provides you with the right to a fair trial, and having effective legal representation is an important part of this process.

It’s also important for people to understand that a licensed attorney is the only alternative to self-representation in the court of law. It doesn’t matter how much experience and knowledge a friend or relative may claim to have, a judge will not allow them to represent you if they are not a licensed attorney.

The main reason that you should stop and reconsider before attempting to represent yourself in court is that criminal law is complicated. Attorneys spend years and many sleepless nights learning just the basics of law, then they spend even longer gaining the practical experience they need to successfully defend their clients in court. There is no amount of book-smarts that can compare with what a qualified defense attorney brings to the table.

Individuals who choose to represent themselves also have a greater risk of self-incrimination and becoming overly emotional in their testimony. Trust that judges and court officials will not give you any passes simply because you chose to represent yourself.


Reach Out and Get the Help You Need Today

If you’re facing a criminal trial, it’s important that you have the most experienced and qualified legal team on your side. When you need legal representation in the Siouxland area, Fitch & Stahle Law Office is here to defend your freedom. With experienced, licensed defense attorneys in Iowa and Nebraska, we’re prepared to handle your case. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Office today.

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Injured in a Car Accident in Nebraska or Iowa?

By Robert Stahle • October 22, 2025
A car accident can change your life in a matter of seconds. One moment you’re commuting or running errands, and the next, you’re facing a wrecked vehicle, physical pain, and a growing stack of medical bills. It’s stressful, overwhelming, and often confusing—especially when you’re not sure what to do next. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we help car accident victims in South Sioux City , Sioux City , and across Nebraska and Iowa understand their rights and recover the compensation they deserve. In this post, we’ll walk you through the critical steps to take after a crash—and how to protect your health, finances, and legal claim. Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Health Immediately after a crash, your safety comes first. If possible: Move your vehicle out of traffic Check yourself and others for injuries Call 911 for medical help and law enforcement Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Many injuries—like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma—don’t show symptoms right away. A prompt medical exam not only protects your health, it also documents your injuries for your insurance claim. Step 2: Call the Police and File an Accident Report In both Nebraska and Iowa , it’s important to report any crash involving: Injury or death Property damage over $1,000 A hit-and-run or uninsured driver The responding officer will create a police report , which includes key facts like: Date, time, and location of the accident Statements from drivers and witnesses Diagrams or photos of the scene Initial assessment of fault This report becomes vital evidence in your personal injury claim. Be honest and factual—but avoid admitting fault or guessing what happened. Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can) If you are physically able and it’s safe to do so, collect the following: Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, and surroundings Driver’s license, insurance, and contact info of all involved Contact info for witnesses Notes about the weather, road conditions, and what you recall If you’re unable to collect this yourself, Fitch & Stahle Law Firm may be able to retrieve surveillance footage, witness statements, or crash data later—but the more you gather early, the better. Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company Most policies require you to notify your insurer after a crash. However, you do not need to give a recorded statement , especially before speaking to a lawyer. Stick to the basics: Where and when the crash happened Who was involved That you’re seeking medical treatment Avoid discussing fault, injuries, or potential settlement values. Insurance companies often use early statements to downplay your claim later. Step 5: Call a Car Accident Lawyer—Before You Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance The at-fault driver’s insurance company may reach out soon after the crash. They might offer a quick settlement or ask for a recorded interview. Don’t be fooled— their goal is to protect their bottom line, not your recovery . When you call Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we: Handle all communication with insurance companies Protect you from saying something that hurts your case Calculate the real value of your damages Make sure you aren’t pressured into a lowball settlement We offer free consultations and don’t charge legal fees unless we win your case. Step 6: Keep Track of Everything Start a folder or digital log for your car accident claim. Include: Medical bills and records Receipts for prescriptions or medical equipment Notes from doctor visits Pay stubs showing missed work A journal of your pain levels, emotional struggles, or daily challenges This documentation helps prove pain and suffering , lost income , and the long-term impact of your injury. What Compensation Can You Recover? Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for: Emergency room care and medical treatment Physical therapy and future healthcare needs Vehicle repairs or total loss Lost wages or reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering Emotional distress Permanent disability or disfigurement If the at-fault driver was reckless—such as driving drunk or texting behind the wheel—you may also qualify for punitive damages . At Fitch & Stahle , we fight for the maximum compensation available under Nebraska or Iowa law. How Long Do I Have to File a Claim? The legal deadline to file a car accident lawsuit (called the statute of limitations ) is: 4 years in Nebraska 2 years in Iowa However, it’s best to act early. Delays in filing can lead to lost evidence, unclear medical records, and a weaker case overall. Why Choose Fitch & Stahle Law Firm? We’ve spent years helping injured drivers in the Siouxland region get justice after devastating car accidents. Here’s why clients trust us: ✅ Local Experience : Based in South Sioux City , we know the roads, courts, and insurers in both Nebraska and Iowa. ✅ Full-Service Representation : From crash investigation to courtroom litigation, we handle every step. ✅ Licensed in NE & IA : Whether your accident happened on I-29, Highway 77, or in town, we’ve got you covered. ✅ No Upfront Fees : You pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t Go Through This Alone—We’re Here to Help If you were injured in a car accident in South Sioux City , Sioux City , or anywhere in Northeast Nebraska or Northwest Iowa , don’t wait to protect your rights. The sooner you act, the stronger your claim. 📞 Call us now at 402-494-3012 🌐 Schedule your free consultation at fitch-stahlelaw.com 📍 Visit us at our South Sioux City office At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we fight for car accident victims every day—and we’re ready to fight for you.