Where can i file a case of estafa against an individual?

Question

can i file a case without needing a lawyer? 2 breech contracts and estafa...bouncing check...all from one individual

Answer 1

You cannot file a case without a lawyer.  If you want, I can give you one.

Answer 2

Most municipalities have legal offices that could offer pro bono (free) services.  So, first go to the municipal office, who might in turn refer you to the nearest state prosecutor of authority.

Breach of contract, estafa, bouncing checks charges should be lodged in the area where the crime was committed, or the political unit that has jurisdiction over the crime.

Answer 3

yes, you could file a case without a lawyer.  criminal cases are always denominated as people of the philippines vs. so and so.  a complainant becomes a witness of the state.    you could go file your complaint with the nearest police station, nbi office or fiscals office.  the fiscal (prosecutor)  will be the lawyer for the case.  but if you want the case to move faster, you could hire a private lawyer as a private prosecutor.

breach of contract is a civil case and you need to hire a lawyer for that.  no one without authority from the supreme court can practice law in the philippines.  only when you want to defend yourself can you act as your own lawyer.  

estafa is a criminal case.  although non-payment of debt is not a criminal act,  the issuance of a worthless check was criminalized when the then president marcos issued bp 22 (the bouncing check law).  but a  recent jurisprudence requires that before a case for bp 22 be filed, notice should be given to the issuer  to give them a chance to replace it.  if no action is taken by the issuer, then the case could then be filed.

Answer 4

You need a lawyer who will advise you on any legality and who will file appropriate action just in case you need to sue that individual.  There's a PAO (Public Attorneys' Office) in each locality that provides free legal assistance. Find one in your district.