Q: can a judge tell you that if you dont have an attorney set by such and such date that you have to represent yourself?
A:
In criminal cases, individuals have the right to legal representation, whether it's through a privately hired attorney or a court-appointed attorney if they can't afford one. Now, the timing and specifics can vary, but generally, a judge will encourage you to have legal representation to ensure a fair and balanced trial.
However, it's important to note that judges have discretion in determining whether to proceed with a trial in the absence of legal representation. While they may strongly encourage you to have an attorney, they typically can't force you to represent yourself.
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A: North Carolina judges often say this to defendants who have previously delayed proceedings based on the fact that they haven't yet hired an attorney to represent them. This is really just a way of saying that the trial is scheduled to move forward on the next court date, regardless of whether or not the defendant has an attorney by that date.
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