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Comment by dotancohen | Hacker News Reader

It has been often said that a man who represents himself in court has a fool for a client.

Judges often roll this line out, but in criminal court I've seen some defendants get epic deals by going without a lawyer [0] since absolutely nobody in the justice system wants to deal with the guy who has no idea what he's doing and is going to make the most bizarre arguments about being a sovereign citizen. So they give them a really low offer and get them on their way as quickly as possible.

[0] I don't like to say "represent yourself." I once angered a judge by pointing out that you can't "represent yourself, you are yourself."

Interesting point that I haven't thought about before, thanks for sharing.

I find it interesting as well. I'm also 100% sure it's absolutely terrible legal advice.

> So they give them a really low offer and get them on their way as quickly as possible.

With a guilty plea. They don’t walk away without a conviction.

Of course, but it's sometimes a better deal for the defendant than if they had spent their money on private counsel.

There's lots of wiggle room if you know how to start with the proper standing. The problem, from my perspective is: if you are trying to get away with wrong doing, or if you are legitimately being harmed by the law as it's being applied. If you are asking questions or making statements. Everything the court says is a legal determination, everything you say can be used against you,.

Im sure a lot has changed no with much criminality in the justice system and government.

And a lawyer.

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