Hyannis, MA asked in Criminal Law for Massachusetts

Q: If I've decided to represent myself in a criminal matter, does that mean I can't later appeal if I misunderstood the law

during my first trial? I'm not a lawyer.

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3 Lawyer Answers
Dakota Martin
Dakota Martin
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Boston, MA
  • Licensed in Massachusetts

A: No

Dakota Martin
Dakota Martin
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Boston, MA
  • Licensed in Massachusetts

A: NO

Jessica Day
Jessica Day
Answered

A: Pro se litigants do not get a "free pass" if you will on court procedures. On appeal, you must have a qualified issue. This typically (but not always) will arise during trial when an objection has been made but was overruled. That issue, now preserved on the record, can be later used as a basis for an appeal.

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