Is it a good idea to go to court and represent our little girl ourselves with no lawyer against a pedophile?

Question

we have had no lawyer advising us in the matter. they can be hard to afford anyway. the punk, who is a minor teenager, and is the defendant, is who molested our little girl. his father, which is trying to get him off, has hired a big name lawyer in this area. can plaintiffs like the wife and i get representation when we couldn't pay much?

Answer 1

If it is a criminal prosecution, then the prosecuting attorney is the lawyer responsible for the case.  Neither you nor your lawyer have any control over the case.  If you have sued him for damages, trying to get money, then the mere fact that you don't know the difference leads to the conclusion that you need a lawyer to help in the civil case.

Answer 2

You should be represented by the Prosecuting Attorney but if you don't think they are doing a good job get an attorney of your own or talk to an attorney about your situation.  

Answer 3

you better hire a lawyer if you want this kid to pay. look into a lawyer who will do pro bono work for you

Answer 4

If you live in the US...  *You* are only the plaintiff if it’s a civil suit.  In a criminal case, the state is the plaintiff (and they prosecute/provide the attorney).  So is this a civil suit or a criminal case?

Answer 5

What?  There should be a prosecutor involved here.  Get with the judge or your county district attorney or whatever they may be called in your area for advisement.  Something is not making sense.  

Now if this is not a criminal matter being considered, then I am not sure what you are doing.  Are you suing?  In that case, you might be able to find an attorney to do it pro bono.  Get with groups that advocate against child molestation.

Answer 6

If there was no criminal prosecution involved, then forget it. Most lawyers won't touch it. But keep looking anyway. Get in touch with some abuse advocacy groups. If there is an on-going criminal action you will have to wait until it's over. Good luck and God Bless your child.

Answer 7

You should have like the district attorney (prosecutor) representing you?

The charges are him against the state with her as the victim.

The District Attorney should be the one complaining and filing the case and then calling you as a witness. To have him punished.

If you are filing a civil suit, then you may want a lawyer.

But check with the District Attorney, he should be working for you.

Answer 8

sounds like a trouble some matter, sorry to hear your in this situation. My advice, would be to get a lawyer! ASAP! If you want this person to learn his lesson, then I would do it with a professional. Better safe and sorry I would say as well. And even if lawyers are costly, its well worth your money involving this situation, especially since its involving your own daughter...best of luck!

Answer 9

You daughter is a victim, she should not need an attorney.

The District Attorney and the state will do the prosecution of the defendant.

You should check with child services and see if you can get an advocate assigned to your case.

Answer 10

Do NOT go in without a lawyer!  You will be cheating your little girl.  

You need to get on the phone and call around.  Explain the situation, and that your funds are very limited, and you are looking for someone willing to take it on.  If you look, you will find someone.  

Answer 11

I wouldn't recommend representing yourself in this case, especially if your opposition is a bigshot (who will indeed find a way to 'make his case', even under such horrendous circumstances).  Try to get a public defender.  You could also try to seek some legal advice or guidance on the matter.  Some people do go in without a lawyer and are successful, usually on different matters, such as family law, etc.

Answer 12

In the US - If it is a criminal prosecution, let the DA handle it and cooperate fully.

If you are suing the alleged molester in civil court, you need an attorney if you intend to win the case.  Further, if you are filing a civil suit yourself and you lose, you may leave yourselves wide open for a malicious prosecution claim against you by the defendant.  At a minimum, consult with a lawyer about your case before you go further.

Answer 13

You have the state on your side, why do you need a private attorney? I don't understand.

Answer 14

The biggest problem is that ultra-liberal poof lawyers get rich from defending child molesters and the like. Also, depending on the political makeup of your state/municipality activist judges tend to believe that there are two victims in every crime. Sadly, instead of interpreting the law, many of them use the court as their political "bully-pulpit". I would suggest against being your own legal representative. A savvy defense lawyer will take the low road and attempt to mask any evidence against his client. Trust me, I was a member of a jury who received poor evidence and the subhuman creature (a previous three-time child molester) walked. While getting a District Attorney involved may be sound advice, beware of political underpinnings. In any event, good luck in your efforts.

Answer 15

The state prosecutes.  You have nothing to do with that and cannot have legal counsel.  

If you want to file a civil suit for damages then you would hire your own attorney.  This would have nothing to do with the prosecution.