Q: how does a person go about getting discovery if you do not have a lawyer?
Is there a wrong and right way to ask for discovery?
A:
If you are charged with a crime that carries the possibility of a jail sentence (any felony or misdemeanor), it is in your best interest to hire a lawyer. If you are indigent (you do not make enough money to afford a lawyer), one can be appointed to represent you. You should go to your first court appearance and ask the prosecutor or the judge for an application for a court appointed lawyer.
If you are charged with a traffic violation, you should still go to your first court appearance and speak with the prosecutor or the judge about whether there is any discovery in your case. In some cases, the only discovery is the ticket. In other cases, there is some additional discovery in your case. To ask for this, simply politely ask the prosecutor for this information. They may reset your court date to give their staff time to make copies for you. At this time, they also may make you an offer in your case. If you choose to hire an attorney to represent you, you can also do so.
Kyle D Pierce agrees with this answer
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