How to Follow Pro Se Laws
For various reasons, sometimes a person can't obtain a lawyer. That's why many people choose to defend themselves in court. Sometimes the best person to defend your case is you. You can explain your case to a judge and a jury. You just need to understand the pro se laws you need to follow to succeed in court.
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Instructions
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Learn about your state's pro se laws and fully understand them before deciding to go that route. Go to Pro Se Law Center to research your options for your case (see Resources below). Depending on the state, you may have to argue that you can defend your case. Illinois and Utah believe that only people with detailed legal knowledge should try cases. Prove that you're one of those people by researching your state's case laws, and be prepared to quote them if necessary.
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Contact a law firm or legal organization willing to provide you assistance in your pro se case. Go to Assisted Pro Se Domestic Law Project if you have a domestic or family case pending in Maryland (see Resources). The organization can assist your case by providing you with law students to be your legal assistants. Or find an attorney to assist you pro bono on your case if money is an issue.
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Ask for any material evidence from the other side to see what evidence has been brought against you, so you can supplement your defense. Like any attorney, you should be given all information to defend your case. States like Oklahoma and Maryland argue that a case can't be tried unless both sides have all of the evidence. Get what you need for your case or write up a motion to get what you need from the judge.
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Gather and log your own evidence as accurately as possible because the burden to win your case falls on your shoulders alone. There's no attorney to shoulder the blame if you lose your case. States like Minnesota and Maine declare that you can gather your own evidence and cross-examine any witness on the stand.
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Write your motion or complaint forms carefully depending on the nature of your case. Make sure to include all the facts on each document. Check the document over for any mistakes. Once you're done, file your complaint and wait for a trial date.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure you're willing to defend yourself. Go pro se on your case by choice and not because you've been pressured to do so. You could make a legal mistake you can't take back.
Avoid being coerced into making an uninformed decision on your case based on a judge's view of your state's law. Provide yourself the legal material to support your findings and show that you can adequately defend your case.
