Great, generous presentation! I've defended and won in court pro se. I'm currently suing a deputy sheriff and prosecuting attorney for maliciious prosecution 42 U.S.C. 1983 and violation of First Amendment rights. Thanks for the tips.
Prosecutors have total immunity They can "legally" (although not Constitutionally) do the following: -withhold evidence -misrepresent evidence -solicit perjury -much more I put that in quotes because there is no Constitutional basis for this and it is simply a rule the courts decided to make for themselves. It falls into the same total immunity granted to judicial officials. However, this immunity is not absolute and only applies to their role/execution of duties in their official capacity. This means that although it can theoretically be beaten... I believe that it has only happened once. Members of LE have qualified immunity which means that although it is easier to overcome than total immunity, there is a checklist of criteria that needs to be met. I learned this the hard way after someone fabricated charges against me through a magistrate. I represented myself in court and proceeded to rip the prosecutor apart with objections as soon as he started talking (literally... "fruit of the poisonous tree" for the arrest itself being a 4th Amendment Right violation and all subsequent testimony proceeding that arrest was technically not admissible). That was overruled but knocked him for a doozy and I continued to stream out objections (relevance, hearsay, speculation, etc.) And at 1 point the judge started asking me questions as the state was presenting their argument. The prosecutor got visibly shaken and frustrated that near the end of his argument he just sat in silence thumbing through papers before stating "no more questions". The charges were dismissed without me even being asked to cross examine the plaintiff or make a defensive argument and I am pretty sure I was his absolute worst loss at trial. Possibly his only loss because he was BUTTHURT. To rub it in I also got mouthy with the judge as he was signing the dismissal order as follows: Me: can I ask you for a favor, your honor? Judge: I DON'T DO "FAVORS" M: [ignoring his answer] in the future, can you have your magistrates review the record in it's entirety before processing criminal charges? J: Sir, it is best that you leave M: I'm ready to go drink a beer... I've got my party pants on and everything (I was wearing hideous flowery shorts and button-down Hawaiian shirt) J: storms out of courtroom But now the DAs Office is stonewalling me and refusing to review the evidence that I have that would prove perjury beyond a reasonable doubt.
Excellent. I'm going to be rewatching this a lot over the next few months, preparing. Three years of law school doesn't seem like a lot. I could do that.
ill be rewatching too. trying to finish up my summary judgement so ill definetly will update some of my exhibits with a full proof certification... if law school was only 3 years id go too. being pro se ive learned a lot on court language, rules and the law and its because of people like him!!!
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC thank you so much for this video. I would hire you to represent me. Also, is there a way to consult with you? Thank you very much for sharing your experience and knowledge.
I'm the plaintiff on a real state fraud case, my lawyer quit on me, he never represented me properly and never submitted evidence like I asked him to, now I got to represent myself because other lawyers won't do it, because "no time to prepare" thank you very much for your tips!!
Thank you for creating your videos. With your guidance and a lot of homework as a Pro Se litigant, the judge ruled in my favor in my divorce hearing! As the petitioner I presented the preponderance of evidence to prove a common law marriage did not exist. Using the tools provided in your videos, I had the confidence during direct examination, cross, opening and closing arguments, and procedural rules for presenting evidence. I studied the statutes in Texas, and was able to object and the judge to sustain my objection. The opposing party had an attorney, and they offered 2 pieces of evidence vs my 29 exhibits offered. Thank you for guiding me through this process in more ways than you know.
Most lawyers just insult anyone who wants to represent themselves! I have 18 rental properties, and have done real estate business for 30 years, and have had to sue or been sued a number of times. Most of the cases are between a few and 15000 dollars, and the problem is, if I hired a lawyer to sue a contractor for even $15k, the legal bills could dwarf the settlement, so I've decided to do it "pro per" instead. In one case, their lawyer offered a fairly reasonable settlement minutes before the trial was going to start, but if I hadn't been willing to go to trial, they never would have made the offer. Another, I was sued by an actual attorney for $20K, and fought him in court. I ended up losing, but a judgement of $200 + $250 court expenses, I'll call that a win every day! Thank you for these videos, refreshing my knowledge, as I have two small cases I'm filing for contractors who either didn't finish work they promised, or did such terrible work that it had to be redone...
My x wife while we were married Got a speeding ticket and I went to argue it on her behalf. And the judge flat out told me since I was not a member of the bar that I was not allowed Even though I had the only income, therefore I was paying the ticket. I always thought everyone was entitled to representation and I was the best she could get. That happened 25 years ago, and I am still steaming about it. So, in my opinion, if you don't have a lawyer, you have a 99.99% chance of losing. It's legalized extortion
@timetothink6150 I got a full bench of lawyers to defend me in a Federal subpoena. After spent almost $ 40,000 in two months and seeing that they didn't do the basics, I fired them. Meanwhile, they sued me to in a State court to get $ 13,000 more from me alleging breach of contract. Well, I did my job in that subpoena and got Justice done. Then I sent to those lawyers the result telling them, "Do you see your legal malpractice from the beginning? I have told you to do what I did, but you told me that I was not understanding the matter." Well, they accepted to dismiss the case of breach of contract against me.
as a layman who has won numerous pro se cases i would add be 100% ready to be treated with bias by the judge and given as a hard a time as possible by them ,especially in lower level courts the judge will almost always side with the prosecutor so be ready to appeal and put as many objections as you can on the record ,also its vital to understand the rules of evidence and the court in general so that you can set the ground work for an appeal as most often you will need to appeal a criminal charge as lower level judges and magistrates rarely rule against DA s and LEO
You do want to be careful though not to obscure valid objections with numerous unfounded objections. Caselaw says that if you throw too much spaghetti at the wall, the Judge isn't required to sort through what stuck.
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC true story lol ,make your objections count ,especially given that the judge is most likely pre annoyed because you are a pro se litigant
@@douglasoligney1001 " ,especially given that the judge is most likely pre annoyed because you are a pro se litigant" Not because you are pro-se, but because you keep making irrelevant objections, keep asking for clarification, getting things wrong etc, and all that while insisting that you are doing a better job than an attorney would.
@@vinny142 then the judge was being bias because i did no such things ,i fully understood before going into this that i needed to understand the rules of court and not just the law to the point where i catch lawyers not knowing what they are doing or saying constantly ,thats why all 4 of my judicial complaints were sustained and many of the complaints i made to the BAR led to reprimands ,i know for a fact that i did a better job than any PD possibly could just because of the time i had to put into the case and the fact i had no reason to suck up to the judge ,its also why every case i lost i appealed and eventually won ,every last one ,unlike an Atty im under no pressure to argue a case i have no faith in
Keeping these guidelines in mind helps tremendously when watching a trial, which helps tremendously in driving home these guidelines. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
This is great. Our airport manager (also EMT) strangled, almost killed, left for dead, my good friend. Results: He's still the airport manager. We have a Case Management set for Feb. This helped a lot. Thank you!
Justice is a luxury and a luck, and it is not for granted. Often it does not happen, like injustice often happens. If you do not have a lawyer, your chance for injustice is much higher. Good luck to everyone to have a good lawyer.
You did an absolutely great job in this video. And I love your "got it" regarding comment like you're in court; like your grandchildren are watching, before one can comment. Note that I say that as a former practicing attorney, and as one who has appeared pro se multiple times. Thank you for a great video! This is the one that convinced me to subscribe to your channel.
The first step is to tell the judge, "No sir, under the laws of this state I may NOT appear "pro" anybody. If you want a fancy Latin phrase, how about "in sui generis" meaning "in his kind." The court-appointed counsel tried to make me plea-bargain to a lie and waive my rigt to trial before a jury. I will not make the mistake of counting on an officer of that court again. You summoned me, here I am, lets get on with it.
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC I dunno yet. I haven't tried a citizen's arrest for levying on a bunch of "Peace Officers" carrying assault weapons and backed up with armored fighting vehicles. But with the help of YHWH, as soon as Governor Polis signs HB24-1292 into law and casts "They entail tactical features designed for warfare ... " into Colorado Revised Statutes 18-12-601(g) I will be all set. In Colorado's own Bill of Rights, (see Colo. Const. Art II Secs. 1, 9, & 10) "the jury ... shall determine the law and the fact." IMNSHO there ain't any document more libelous than a criminal indictment. The real risk is that the Second District Court has, several times in this decade, suspended Trial by Jury, and could do so again. Bottom line: if America is to return to being the land of the free and the home of the brave, that process must go, as Gen. Bruce Cooper Clarke would say, "in increasing circles around my own two feet." Thanks for doing your part!
@@WalterRutledge-l9i "as soon as Governor Polis signs HB24-1292 into law " So... you think that's going to apply to peace officers? And you think you will be tried by the a law that did not apply when you were accused of a crime? See, this is why you should not defend yourself. The phrase "Dunning Kruger effect" comes to mind; it's when people know so little about a subject that they don't realise that they barely know anything at all about it. It's like a mountaineer who walks up the first 100 feet of a mountain and declares that "this is easy, I'll be at the top in no-time", not knowing that the snow starts at 15.000 feet and he's going to require an oxygen botte from 18.00 feet.
I have a different take as a successful pro se litigant, in criminal trials. When you take the stand, just say what you did or saw, and be short and quick about it. They have to prove the case against you; let the prosecutor ask questions, don't say anything more than necessary that could lock you into a particular statement that you may have worded incorrectly. The prosecutor has to build a case, make them do it from start to finish during their line of questioning, don't give them any ammuntion or any help in telling their story, that is usually chalked full of lies.
42usc1983 claim for excessive use of force complaint that was taken by the Magistrate Judge here in AZ (my family and I are big fans of hers) the Honorable Eileen S Willet ❤❤❤ I am blessed to have this opportunity to stand up for my civil rights!
😂 Darrel Brooks could have used this EXCELLENT information! I’m behaving so I’ll never be in this position. Great video Matthew 👍🏻 will help when watching trials.
I don’t need to sign a ten year release of medical information if the medicaid here in AZ is not seeking reimbursement for paying for my physical injuries! I’m working on providing partial request for production
Can you make a video about the subject of "... Leading the Witness where the examiner is putting words into the Witness mouth instead of asking a question and seeking the witness own response to the question. Leading questions are all the time objected to by the opposing Party, I believe, because the examiner is the one testifying and taking instead of the witness where the witness is just either agreeing to or being told by the examiner what the witness is testifying to.
I have a trial coming up and I’m representing myself and was just wondering if I need to give an opening statement or if I could just remain silent and take the fifth amendment
I just pro se yesterday on a protective/ restraining order and to establish a custody... So i feel i won compared to the bm... I got "noncustodial " rights, means i got full access to my child , school, practices, and get every other wkend😏... i dnt like that part but the bm was summoned to go get psychiatric help🤣.. she seen a lil bit of her narcissistic manipulative ways, she was extremely suicidal!.. i got over 120 videos and 40 photos from last yr that show all of her bs, but the thing that got me was, she just straight up sat on that stand and made up lies!!! I would have respected snitchn more.. but to lie on me and try to be confident about it i really wish i had a honest attorney that would see the details of this lil shįt and pic it apart cuz seem like every time i go to discredit her testimonies being she keeps lien under oath, her attorney gets to talk about shit that wasnt even in the order of protection, but soon as i speak on relevance, the judge had no problem trying to tell me she just wants to hear about facts pertaining to the o.o.p but , SHE AINT SAY THAT TO HER LAWYER THAT WENT ON SHOWING ME PICS OF ME TXTN MY SON SHOWING HIM HOW TO DELETE on a iphone... the shìt is annoying that they are all one cult, and wen anybody pro se, they all become uncomfortable and kinda stick to sum brotherhood kinda bond... i need a real mf on my team that could help me but most likely wont happen, never does.. i kno law so gd that lawyers wont even speak on it... Uçç law that is... but i aint even on that type of time with the whole jurisdiction thang rn, im just going threw the motions but now i REALLY need to find sun1 that knows how to authenticate the bc...
Do you draft pleading for a pro se because i finished my complaint documents and I want to file it with the Eastern District of Texas and I will pay for it
Do you have suggestions for getting "stage fright" during court? I'm trying to help my friend in her mom's probate case. She's very verbal and outspoken, however when the judge or the sister's attorney asks her things during hearings, she shuts down, stammers, and loses her confidence. And often times, she can't focus enough to hear important details and deadlines, etc. She has adhd. I'm concerned this could hurt her case.
I heard a story about a guy representing himself in a he-said-she-said criminal trial. One of those where the only evidence was essentially her testimony and probably a police report based on her statements. The story was that the defendant presented no evidence and did no cross examinations. He waited until closing statements, and then was able to say whatever he wanted without facing any objections or cross examination. Basically told his side of the story to the jury at the end of the trial. He was found not guilty. Does that sound true or made up? Good strategy for such a case?
517 am. I am suing the driver who hit my car because her insurance company failed to settle my claim. Can I object to any of her insurance company witnesses because in AZ I cannot file a suit against her insurance only the driver in a vehicle accident.
@Dom-ef9uy What a coincidence that we have exactly the same situation. I filed a small claim against the Driver. I've done everything but her Insurance been bullying me. Been 7 Mos now and didn't hear from her Insurance. I got the Police report, videos,photos ,receipts that I paid out of my pocket just to fix the mechanical / rotor/ tires just to have a transportation to go to work. I just got an email and finally has a court date on Sep3. I'll be Pro Se, representing myself because I can't afford to hire a Lawyer, but someone is representing the other driver ,probably provided by her car insurance co.
It is very important to make sure that the court understands who's at fault for the accident if you have any witnesses please bring them forward in your behalf can I strongly recommend that you asked for a jury trial because judges have a tendency to listen to an actual legal lawyer good luck with your case
@@robertvondarth1730 - Are you referring to the meta-study conducted by the University of Chicago School of Law? If so, I think you misunderstood the empirical results (p. 127). That study found that the pro se reforms in the EDNY didn't improve pro se success rates vs pro se success rates in other district courts (with the sole exception being the year 1999). It didn't compare the success rates of pro se litigants vs represented litigants. It only compared the pro se litigants of that one district vs other districts. (link to study: lawreview.uchicago.edu/print-archive/empirical-patterns-pro-se-litigation-federal-district-courts)
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC Regardless, the main motivations for people representing themselves are either financial, or they are holding so-called sovereign citizen movement models of law. Many people find themselves in the unfortunate position of being the lower middle-class where they would not necessarily qualify for a public defender in a criminal case, but still unable to afford an attorney for defense. It would be a benefit to society if there were resources where a non-lawyer could be fully educated in pro se. Many people are intelligent enough to defend themselves prose, but we lack some of the educational resources necessary to be effective.
I want going to reply to this but I just thought I’d question that last statement… The resources should very likely be here on the internet it’s virtually… The same as a law library. The information for your laws and n available via… Government websites. And the verbiage necessary to understand it is also available if not… By a government website but by websites from qualified attorneys… Or law schools such as Cornell. If I’m mistaken or if there’s a better… Source you know of please let me know. Oh and here on RUclips isn’t to be undervalued. Being that some such as a judge is saw the other day with 34 years… Experience… As well as other skilled attorneys shouldn’t be overlooked either. Pce
My ex objected yo everything but i had letters faxes from whom i need them it was determine the under the preponderance of the evidence i won the case but he keeps suing and i keep showing up but he did not now he cant sue me no more
What is the best course of action for a Defendant that is incarcerated, without a bond? How are they expected to properly build a case in their own defense without the ability to collect evidence, and grossly restrictive rights to a law library that they may or may not be given access to depending on their current inmate classification?
Good questions man. Plus if you have an attorney representing you such… As a pubic defender. They are very negligent in how often they see you to… Prepare your case. Once every two or three weeks isn’t enough usually. With the excuse of how many caws in their docket. My ability to hold them liable for any mistakes… Such as not giving me effective counsel wing that there’s virtually no… Records or documents supporting one’s claims for an attorney not… Doing their job in a jail setting unless there’s something I’m missing. Email is the best way I’ve found to communicate because if we can identify that’s… Their official email then we can identify what’s being said - if there’s lies or just a shear lack of communication… Effort or investigation in order to measure up to effective counsel. My biggest question right now is what happens if your Public Defender… Doesn’t respond to any emails period and then you get to trial and she does a horrible job… Or Blaine me. I’d think bare minimum theees a pretty good lawsuit at hand with her for not…. Giving me effective counsel. Being that I have all the proper documentation of me trying to reach out to her… By screenshots of the emails from multiple different email companies… And I could support that even more with additional evidence that I reached one to her leaving… Messages with the public defenders office. Although I’d rather have the case thrown out. Is it possible to get the case thrown out because they violated… My constitutional right for a defense (ineffective counsel)? Let me know your thoughts on this pce
@Dusty_Gadget Get a family member or trusted friend to get your discovery package and review everything the state claims to have. If you need to appoint them power of attorney do so. Have the family member/friend take great notes and help you build your defense. You can also get the facility to allow you to have copies of your discovery package. If bodycam footage is available make sure you have the person helping you review it thoroughly. Finally, trust the Most High to guide you and lead you to victory. All the best to you
Your pretrial statement (I'm guessing this is your Opening Statement) likely isn't under oath. When you testify, you're under oath so you then need to provide sufficient facts to demonstrate your personal knowledge of the information. You then have to provide testimony sufficient to authenticate whatever exhibits you intend to offer. All of the same information that I went over in this video needs come out in your testimony.
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC In PA pretrial statement is a liter of facts of the case, evidence list, witness list, custody schedule, and proposed order. i suppose the opening could just be the pretrial statement but that seems redundant. since i have to sign it i don’t know if it’s automatically a court record or if i need to have the pretrial statement admitted. i’d think not if it it’s a type of pleading
@@MrCalebgrayson - Well, I'm not licensed in PA, so please don't rely on me. However, you probably still need to offer evidence of those things because those pleadings are not evidence. Evidence must be subjected to cross-examination to be reliable, otherwise all trials would just be conducted via Affidavit. I would suggest sitting down with a local attorney for just a 1-hour consultation to give you some guidance on court procedure.
I mean most law systems are very corrupt so attorneys are forced to take so many free cases or whatever a year like they have to represent someone but they're always on the judges side😢 there is no actual courthouse where you're going to get an attorney that hasn't already worked with those lawyers or the DA they're all friends and that's the problem they all have a conflict of interest yet won't remove themselves from your case
When a pro se is in court, the Lady Justice would take off her eye cover and look around for her preference. The court is not absolutely the Honor, and it can be the Shame.
Absolutely and i am already experiencing that through the filing and i an not even at the trial yet. Its a business and they hate pro se as its a missed opportunity for on e of their colleagues
DId I hear in a video that you were a TACP? tacp tacp look at me.. I"m who you wann be. lol. If so and i didn't imagine it, I need your help brother. I've fired my lawyer and taken possession of my evidence and I am working on my 35C motion. Sentencing is in 25 days. My lawyer was utterly worthless and despite being given the ability to refute all the lies coming out of the alledged victims mouth as well as the officers he did not call one witness, did not enter one piece of evidence, disuaded me from testifying, and couldn't even be bothered to illustrate 1 of a dozen contradictions on the record. If you are willing and able to help me at all I would be grateful. Thanks for your consideration. Respectfully, Robert Luke Koleas, SSgt USAF
Brother, I'm so sorry that I didn't see this comment sooner. Unfortunately, I'm not licensed in Colorado so I don't have the first clue about 35c Motions. An attorney not calling any witnesses, and not pointing out the inconsistencies in the evidence is pitiful. You may have grounds for appeal for Ineffective Assistance of Counsel.
I am not sure questions calling for "Yes" or "No" answers are "Leading" questions. Maybe in the self-representing context; not sure what he means here.
my biggest mistake was being afraid of the judge. she lied in court, and prevented me from presenting the core aspect my case , and i didn't know how to call her out and risk loosing out of vengeance.
Total BS, I not only had orders GRANTED, I even had my former husband's attorney up on the stand and the Court reserved Judgment - Witness Tampering! GO FOR IT!
not really. When you get sued for $5k, the legal bills will very quickly be much higher than the $5k, so unless you just want to pay when you shouldn't have to, you have to represent yourself.
PRESENT yourself via a SPECIAL APPEARANCE in PROPRIA PERSONA SUI JURIS and challenge SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION. NO-ONE can REPRESENT themselves. If the definition of REPRESENT means to stand in place of, HOW CAN ANYONE STAND IN PLACE OF THEMSELVES?
Follow my Pro Se Case in Pacer Guthrie vs. Phoenix Police Department, et al., in AZ District Court (the big glass house downtown Phoenix) 2-23-cv-02410-SPL-ESW WE WRE IN DISCOVERY PHASE AT THIS TIME
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Great, generous presentation! I've defended and won in court pro se. I'm currently suing a deputy sheriff and prosecuting attorney for maliciious prosecution 42 U.S.C. 1983 and violation of First Amendment rights. Thanks for the tips.
Thank you! It is an honor and a privilege to educate. 😁
Prosecutors have total immunity
They can "legally" (although not Constitutionally) do the following:
-withhold evidence
-misrepresent evidence
-solicit perjury
-much more
I put that in quotes because there is no Constitutional basis for this and it is simply a rule the courts decided to make for themselves.
It falls into the same total immunity granted to judicial officials.
However, this immunity is not absolute and only applies to their role/execution of duties in their official capacity. This means that although it can theoretically be beaten... I believe that it has only happened once.
Members of LE have qualified immunity which means that although it is easier to overcome than total immunity, there is a checklist of criteria that needs to be met.
I learned this the hard way after someone fabricated charges against me through a magistrate. I represented myself in court and proceeded to rip the prosecutor apart with objections as soon as he started talking (literally... "fruit of the poisonous tree" for the arrest itself being a 4th Amendment Right violation and all subsequent testimony proceeding that arrest was technically not admissible). That was overruled but knocked him for a doozy and I continued to stream out objections (relevance, hearsay, speculation, etc.) And at 1 point the judge started asking me questions as the state was presenting their argument.
The prosecutor got visibly shaken and frustrated that near the end of his argument he just sat in silence thumbing through papers before stating "no more questions".
The charges were dismissed without me even being asked to cross examine the plaintiff or make a defensive argument and I am pretty sure I was his absolute worst loss at trial. Possibly his only loss because he was BUTTHURT.
To rub it in I also got mouthy with the judge as he was signing the dismissal order as follows:
Me: can I ask you for a favor, your honor?
Judge: I DON'T DO "FAVORS"
M: [ignoring his answer] in the future, can you have your magistrates review the record in it's entirety before processing criminal charges?
J: Sir, it is best that you leave
M: I'm ready to go drink a beer... I've got my party pants on and everything (I was wearing hideous flowery shorts and button-down Hawaiian shirt)
J: storms out of courtroom
But now the DAs Office is stonewalling me and refusing to review the evidence that I have that would prove perjury beyond a reasonable doubt.
@@thefallofhanzo the court system is definitely flawed and not perfect.
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLCcan you submit medical records in a private matter ? 🙏
I am a 25 year lawyer and this is an extremely helpful, good video. I love the R.A.M. explanation.
Excellent. I'm going to be rewatching this a lot over the next few months, preparing.
Three years of law school doesn't seem like a lot. I could do that.
It's really not that bad. You should go!
ill be rewatching too. trying to finish up my summary judgement so ill definetly will update some of my exhibits with a full proof certification... if law school was only 3 years id go too. being pro se ive learned a lot on court language, rules and the law and its because of people like him!!!
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC I'm going to become a lawyer! I plan to win my first case, the charge is erroneous and I can prove it.
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC thank you so much for this video. I would hire you to represent me. Also, is there a way to consult with you? Thank you very much for sharing your experience and knowledge.
I'm the plaintiff on a real state fraud case, my lawyer quit on me, he never represented me properly and never submitted evidence like I asked him to, now I got to represent myself because other lawyers won't do it, because "no time to prepare" thank you very much for your tips!!
My case was a real estate case and my bitch ass lawyer quit on me. I'm glad cause quitters never win
Thank you for creating your videos. With your guidance and a lot of homework as a Pro Se litigant, the judge ruled in my favor in my divorce hearing! As the petitioner I presented the preponderance of evidence to prove a common law marriage did not exist. Using the tools provided in your videos, I had the confidence during direct examination, cross, opening and closing arguments, and procedural rules for presenting evidence. I studied the statutes in Texas, and was able to object and the judge to sustain my objection.
The opposing party had an attorney, and they offered 2 pieces of evidence vs my 29 exhibits offered.
Thank you for guiding me through this process in more ways than you know.
👍
Most lawyers just insult anyone who wants to represent themselves! I have 18 rental properties, and have done real estate business for 30 years, and have had to sue or been sued a number of times. Most of the cases are between a few and 15000 dollars, and the problem is, if I hired a lawyer to sue a contractor for even $15k, the legal bills could dwarf the settlement, so I've decided to do it "pro per" instead. In one case, their lawyer offered a fairly reasonable settlement minutes before the trial was going to start, but if I hadn't been willing to go to trial, they never would have made the offer. Another, I was sued by an actual attorney for $20K, and fought him in court. I ended up losing, but a judgement of $200 + $250 court expenses, I'll call that a win every day! Thank you for these videos, refreshing my knowledge, as I have two small cases I'm filing for contractors who either didn't finish work they promised, or did such terrible work that it had to be redone...
Thanks. You are an example of how knowledge should be shared. Thanks once again.
I went to law school and I only represent pro se. Legal fees are crazy and are not guaranteed
My x wife while we were married Got a speeding ticket and I went to argue it on her behalf. And the judge flat out told me since I was not a member of the bar that I was not allowed Even though I had the only income, therefore I was paying the ticket. I always thought everyone was entitled to representation and I was the best she could get. That happened 25 years ago, and I am still steaming about it. So, in my opinion, if you don't have a lawyer, you have a 99.99% chance of losing. It's legalized extortion
@timetothink6150 I got a full bench of lawyers to defend me in a Federal subpoena. After spent almost $ 40,000 in two months and seeing that they didn't do the basics, I fired them. Meanwhile, they sued me to in a State court to get $ 13,000 more from me alleging breach of contract.
Well, I did my job in that subpoena and got Justice done.
Then I sent to those lawyers the result telling them, "Do you see your legal malpractice from the beginning? I have told you to do what I did, but you told me that I was not understanding the matter."
Well, they accepted to dismiss the case of breach of contract against me.
@@eloycolombo7125 did you go to trial to dismiss it?
as a layman who has won numerous pro se cases i would add be 100% ready to be treated with bias by the judge and given as a hard a time as possible by them ,especially in lower level courts the judge will almost always side with the prosecutor so be ready to appeal and put as many objections as you can on the record ,also its vital to understand the rules of evidence and the court in general so that you can set the ground work for an appeal as most often you will need to appeal a criminal charge as lower level judges and magistrates rarely rule against DA s and LEO
You do want to be careful though not to obscure valid objections with numerous unfounded objections. Caselaw says that if you throw too much spaghetti at the wall, the Judge isn't required to sort through what stuck.
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC true story lol ,make your objections count ,especially given that the judge is most likely pre annoyed because you are a pro se litigant
@@douglasoligney1001 " ,especially given that the judge is most likely pre annoyed because you are a pro se litigant"
Not because you are pro-se, but because you keep making irrelevant objections, keep asking for clarification, getting things wrong etc, and all that while insisting that you are doing a better job than an attorney would.
@@vinny142 then the judge was being bias because i did no such things ,i fully understood before going into this that i needed to understand the rules of court and not just the law to the point where i catch lawyers not knowing what they are doing or saying constantly ,thats why all 4 of my judicial complaints were sustained and many of the complaints i made to the BAR led to reprimands ,i know for a fact that i did a better job than any PD possibly could just because of the time i had to put into the case and the fact i had no reason to suck up to the judge ,its also why every case i lost i appealed and eventually won ,every last one ,unlike an Atty im under no pressure to argue a case i have no faith in
Keeping these guidelines in mind helps tremendously when watching a trial, which helps tremendously in driving home these guidelines. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
This is great. Our airport manager (also EMT) strangled, almost killed, left for dead, my good friend. Results: He's still the airport manager. We have a Case Management set for Feb. This helped a lot. Thank you!
Outstanding video! Thorough and easy to understand. Thank you!
Justice is a luxury and a luck, and it is not for granted. Often it does not happen, like injustice often happens. If you do not have a lawyer, your chance for injustice is much higher. Good luck to everyone to have a good lawyer.
@@weiqiu3370 "justice and the "law" are absolutely not related..... said a great attorney
You did an absolutely great job in this video. And I love your "got it" regarding comment like you're in court; like your grandchildren are watching, before one can comment. Note that I say that as a former practicing attorney, and as one who has appeared pro se multiple times. Thank you for a great video! This is the one that convinced me to subscribe to your channel.
#4. I feel this suggestion is important. BE NICE, DRESS WELL and above all BE PREPARED even if you're not.
The first step is to tell the judge, "No sir, under the laws of this state I may NOT appear "pro" anybody. If you want a fancy Latin phrase, how about "in sui generis" meaning "in his kind." The court-appointed counsel tried to make me plea-bargain to a lie and waive my rigt to trial before a jury. I will not make the mistake of counting on an officer of that court again. You summoned me, here I am, lets get on with it.
You rejected counsel's advice to take a plea deal and pushed the case to trial?! That's gutsy. How did it turn out?
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC I dunno yet. I haven't tried a citizen's arrest for levying on a bunch of "Peace Officers" carrying assault weapons and backed up with armored fighting vehicles. But with the help of YHWH, as soon as Governor Polis signs HB24-1292 into law and casts "They entail tactical features designed for warfare ... " into Colorado Revised Statutes 18-12-601(g) I will be all set. In Colorado's own Bill of Rights, (see Colo. Const. Art II Secs. 1, 9, & 10) "the jury ... shall determine the law and the fact." IMNSHO there ain't any document more libelous than a criminal indictment. The real risk is that the Second District Court has, several times in this decade, suspended Trial by Jury, and could do so again. Bottom line: if America is to return to being the land of the free and the home of the brave, that process must go, as Gen. Bruce Cooper Clarke would say, "in increasing circles around my own two feet." Thanks for doing your part!
@@WalterRutledge-l9i updates? make a video on it
@@WalterRutledge-l9i "as soon as Governor Polis signs HB24-1292 into law "
So... you think that's going to apply to peace officers?
And you think you will be tried by the a law that did not apply when you were accused of a crime?
See, this is why you should not defend yourself. The phrase "Dunning Kruger effect" comes to mind; it's when people know so little about a subject that they don't realise that they barely know anything at all about it.
It's like a mountaineer who walks up the first 100 feet of a mountain and declares that "this is easy, I'll be at the top in no-time", not knowing that the snow starts at 15.000 feet and he's going to require an oxygen botte from 18.00 feet.
This video is extremely informative on the main important issues!!! Thank you for sharing this for Pro Se! That’s rare for an attorney!
Thank you! I believe that an educated society is a free society. 😁
Thanks so much for this.
Thank you! It is an honor and a privilege to educate. 😁
I have a different take as a successful pro se litigant, in criminal trials. When you take the stand, just say what you did or saw, and be short and quick about it. They have to prove the case against you; let the prosecutor ask questions, don't say anything more than necessary that could lock you into a particular statement that you may have worded incorrectly. The prosecutor has to build a case, make them do it from start to finish during their line of questioning, don't give them any ammuntion or any help in telling their story, that is usually chalked full of lies.
42usc1983 claim for excessive use of force complaint that was taken by the Magistrate Judge here in AZ (my family and I are big fans of hers) the Honorable Eileen S Willet
❤❤❤ I am blessed to have this opportunity to stand up for my civil rights!
Thank you so much, Sir.
Thank you! It is an honor and a privilege to educate. 😁
Great tips and easy understand you. Thanks
😂 Darrel Brooks could have used this EXCELLENT information!
I’m behaving so I’ll never be in this position.
Great video Matthew 👍🏻 will help when watching trials.
Outstanding, I will be pro se soon. I was given a Right to Sue notice from EEOC here in Raleigh NC. Would love more information and or assistance.
If they have an attorney, You need an attorney…
Please view Pro'se Mike Documentary. Thank you
Very nicely done.
Why thank you very much! It is an honor and a privilege to educate. ❤️
Thank you again
Nice to see a lawyer share information with the masses, even if it is intended to make them give up and hire them.
I don’t need to sign a ten year release of medical information if the medicaid here in AZ is not seeking reimbursement for paying for my physical injuries! I’m working on providing partial request for production
It's different because when you represent yourself you are actually in a Title III Court, not a Title I Administrative Court.
Do you have a link for a consultation appointment, Mr. Harris?
Can you make a video about the subject of "... Leading the Witness where the examiner is putting words into the Witness mouth instead of asking a question and seeking the witness own response to the question. Leading questions are all the time objected to by the opposing Party, I believe, because the examiner is the one testifying and taking instead of the witness where the witness is just either agreeing to or being told by the examiner what the witness is testifying to.
When no lawyer will take your case, due to "lets say" its a state tax agency. Pro Se is what you have to do.
I have a trial coming up and I’m representing myself and was just wondering if I need to give an opening statement or if I could just remain silent and take the fifth amendment
I just pro se yesterday on a protective/ restraining order and to establish a custody... So i feel i won compared to the bm... I got "noncustodial " rights, means i got full access to my child , school, practices, and get every other wkend😏... i dnt like that part but the bm was summoned to go get psychiatric help🤣.. she seen a lil bit of her narcissistic manipulative ways, she was extremely suicidal!.. i got over 120 videos and 40 photos from last yr that show all of her bs, but the thing that got me was, she just straight up sat on that stand and made up lies!!! I would have respected snitchn more.. but to lie on me and try to be confident about it i really wish i had a honest attorney that would see the details of this lil shįt and pic it apart cuz seem like every time i go to discredit her testimonies being she keeps lien under oath, her attorney gets to talk about shit that wasnt even in the order of protection, but soon as i speak on relevance, the judge had no problem trying to tell me she just wants to hear about facts pertaining to the o.o.p but , SHE AINT SAY THAT TO HER LAWYER THAT WENT ON SHOWING ME PICS OF ME TXTN MY SON SHOWING HIM HOW TO DELETE on a iphone... the shìt is annoying that they are all one cult, and wen anybody pro se, they all become uncomfortable and kinda stick to sum brotherhood kinda bond... i need a real mf on my team that could help me but most likely wont happen, never does.. i kno law so gd that lawyers wont even speak on it... Uçç law that is... but i aint even on that type of time with the whole jurisdiction thang rn, im just going threw the motions but now i REALLY need to find sun1 that knows how to authenticate the bc...
Do you draft pleading for a pro se because i finished my complaint documents and I want to file it with the Eastern District of Texas and I will pay for it
Do you have suggestions for getting "stage fright" during court? I'm trying to help my friend in her mom's probate case. She's very verbal and outspoken, however when the judge or the sister's attorney asks her things during hearings, she shuts down, stammers, and loses her confidence. And often times, she can't focus enough to hear important details and deadlines, etc. She has adhd. I'm concerned this could hurt her case.
I heard a story about a guy representing himself in a he-said-she-said criminal trial. One of those where the only evidence was essentially her testimony and probably a police report based on her statements. The story was that the defendant presented no evidence and did no cross examinations. He waited until closing statements, and then was able to say whatever he wanted without facing any objections or cross examination. Basically told his side of the story to the jury at the end of the trial. He was found not guilty. Does that sound true or made up? Good strategy for such a case?
517 am. I am suing the driver who hit my car because her insurance company failed to settle my claim. Can I object to any of her insurance company witnesses because in AZ I cannot file a suit against her insurance only the driver in a vehicle accident.
@Dom-ef9uy
What a coincidence that we have exactly the same situation. I filed a small claim against the Driver. I've done everything but her Insurance been bullying me. Been 7 Mos now and didn't hear from her Insurance. I got the Police report, videos,photos ,receipts that I paid out of my pocket just to fix the mechanical / rotor/ tires just to have a transportation to go to work. I just got an email and finally has a court date on Sep3.
I'll be Pro Se, representing myself because I can't afford to hire a Lawyer, but someone is representing the other driver ,probably provided by her car insurance co.
It is very important to make sure that the court understands who's at fault for the accident if you have any witnesses please bring them forward in your behalf can I strongly recommend that you asked for a jury trial because judges have a tendency to listen to an actual legal lawyer good luck with your case
Just because you have a law degree doesn't mean crap. 90% of lawyers are shit
Talking about YOURSELF again, lololol!!
98%
@@jonathandoreck7467 you are right
I resign from my position as Perry pro se. Entering before the courts as the natural living man as in propria persona
A statistical analysis of pro se cases indicated that pro se litigants win about the same percentage as lawyer representation
Could you please provide a citation to this research?
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC
I read the meta study many years ago, you would have to research this yourself.
@@robertvondarth1730 - Are you referring to the meta-study conducted by the University of Chicago School of Law? If so, I think you misunderstood the empirical results (p. 127).
That study found that the pro se reforms in the EDNY didn't improve pro se success rates vs pro se success rates in other district courts (with the sole exception being the year 1999).
It didn't compare the success rates of pro se litigants vs represented litigants. It only compared the pro se litigants of that one district vs other districts.
(link to study: lawreview.uchicago.edu/print-archive/empirical-patterns-pro-se-litigation-federal-district-courts)
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC
Regardless, the main motivations for people representing themselves are either financial, or they are holding so-called sovereign citizen movement models of law.
Many people find themselves in the unfortunate position of being the lower middle-class where they would not necessarily qualify for a public defender in a criminal case, but still unable to afford an attorney for defense.
It would be a benefit to society if there were resources where a non-lawyer could be fully educated in pro se. Many people are intelligent enough to defend themselves prose, but we lack some of the educational resources necessary to be effective.
I want going to reply to this but I just thought I’d question that last statement…
The resources should very likely be here on the internet it’s virtually…
The same as a law library. The information for your laws and n available via…
Government websites. And the verbiage necessary to understand it is also available if not…
By a government website but by websites from qualified attorneys…
Or law schools such as Cornell. If I’m mistaken or if there’s a better…
Source you know of please let me know. Oh and here on RUclips isn’t to be undervalued.
Being that some such as a judge is saw the other day with 34 years…
Experience…
As well as other skilled attorneys shouldn’t be overlooked either.
Pce
My ex objected yo everything but i had letters faxes from whom i need them it was determine the under the preponderance of the evidence i won the case but he keeps suing and i keep showing up but he did not now he cant sue me no more
Why would anyone appear pro se only appear sui juris
Am I entitled to a box fort too? 💁🏼♀️😋🤘🏻
Yes, but in civil suits you must provide your own boxes. 😆
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC well damn! I thought I was entitled to a computer camera’s heights worth 😩
Only in Capital cases, I'm afraid.
I'm laughing so hard I'm crying 😂
What is the best course of action for a Defendant that is incarcerated, without a bond? How are they expected to properly build a case in their own defense without the ability to collect evidence, and grossly restrictive rights to a law library that they may or may not be given access to depending on their current inmate classification?
Good questions man. Plus if you have an attorney representing you such…
As a pubic defender. They are very negligent in how often they see you to…
Prepare your case. Once every two or three weeks isn’t enough usually.
With the excuse of how many caws in their docket. My ability to hold them liable for any mistakes…
Such as not giving me effective counsel wing that there’s virtually no…
Records or documents supporting one’s claims for an attorney not…
Doing their job in a jail setting unless there’s something I’m missing.
Email is the best way I’ve found to communicate because if we can identify that’s…
Their official email then we can identify what’s being said - if there’s lies or just a shear lack of communication…
Effort or investigation in order to measure up to effective counsel.
My biggest question right now is what happens if your Public Defender…
Doesn’t respond to any emails period and then you get to trial and she does a horrible job…
Or Blaine me. I’d think bare minimum theees a pretty good lawsuit at hand with her for not….
Giving me effective counsel. Being that I have all the proper documentation of me trying to reach out to her…
By screenshots of the emails from multiple different email companies…
And I could support that even more with additional evidence that I reached one to her leaving…
Messages with the public defenders office. Although I’d rather have the case thrown out.
Is it possible to get the case thrown out because they violated…
My constitutional right for a defense (ineffective counsel)?
Let me know your thoughts on this pce
@Dusty_Gadget Get a family member or trusted friend to get your discovery package and review everything the state claims to have. If you need to appoint them power of attorney do so. Have the family member/friend take great notes and help you build your defense. You can also get the facility to allow you to have copies of your discovery package. If bodycam footage is available make sure you have the person helping you review it thoroughly. Finally, trust the Most High to guide you and lead you to victory. All the best to you
i’m pro se in custody trial.
how do i admit exhibits while giving my narrative testimony?
do i need to restate the facts from my pretrial statement ?
Your pretrial statement (I'm guessing this is your Opening Statement) likely isn't under oath. When you testify, you're under oath so you then need to provide sufficient facts to demonstrate your personal knowledge of the information. You then have to provide testimony sufficient to authenticate whatever exhibits you intend to offer. All of the same information that I went over in this video needs come out in your testimony.
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC
In PA pretrial statement is a liter of facts of the case, evidence list, witness list, custody schedule, and proposed order.
i suppose the opening could just be the pretrial statement but that seems redundant.
since i have to sign it i don’t know if it’s automatically a court record or if i need to have the pretrial statement admitted.
i’d think not if it it’s a type of pleading
@@MrCalebgrayson - Well, I'm not licensed in PA, so please don't rely on me.
However, you probably still need to offer evidence of those things because those pleadings are not evidence. Evidence must be subjected to cross-examination to be reliable, otherwise all trials would just be conducted via Affidavit.
I would suggest sitting down with a local attorney for just a 1-hour consultation to give you some guidance on court procedure.
My Father represented my Brother twice and won both times. My Brother had two friends and they both had lawyers but were found guilty very strange 😂😂
I mean most law systems are very corrupt so attorneys are forced to take so many free cases or whatever a year like they have to represent someone but they're always on the judges side😢 there is no actual courthouse where you're going to get an attorney that hasn't already worked with those lawyers or the DA they're all friends and that's the problem they all have a conflict of interest yet won't remove themselves from your case
Is your father a lawyer? I have not seen a court allow anyone to represent someone without being a practicing lawyer.
Pro Se, or In Propria Persona?
I want to submit a sealed envelope from my kids therapist
When a pro se is in court, the Lady Justice would take off her eye cover and look around for her preference. The court is not absolutely the Honor, and it can be the Shame.
Absolutely and i am already experiencing that through the filing and i an not even at the trial yet. Its a business and they hate pro se as its a missed opportunity for on e of their colleagues
@@nadiasaidi8937 Remember you can appeal to three judges. You can report the corruption to some committee. Good luck.
I am the spiritual creature not the first middle last name. Ad the creator
If my twin is winning in court she's committing surgery and theft of evidence.
Don't go pro se unless you had studied laws and committed petty crime.
Can i strenuously object 😂.
DId I hear in a video that you were a TACP? tacp tacp look at me.. I"m who you wann be. lol. If so and i didn't imagine it, I need your help brother. I've fired my lawyer and taken possession of my evidence and I am working on my 35C motion. Sentencing is in 25 days. My lawyer was utterly worthless and despite being given the ability to refute all the lies coming out of the alledged victims mouth as well as the officers he did not call one witness, did not enter one piece of evidence, disuaded me from testifying, and couldn't even be bothered to illustrate 1 of a dozen contradictions on the record. If you are willing and able to help me at all I would be grateful. Thanks for your consideration. Respectfully, Robert Luke Koleas, SSgt USAF
Brother, I'm so sorry that I didn't see this comment sooner. Unfortunately, I'm not licensed in Colorado so I don't have the first clue about 35c Motions. An attorney not calling any witnesses, and not pointing out the inconsistencies in the evidence is pitiful. You may have grounds for appeal for Ineffective Assistance of Counsel.
'Pro se' is Latin for, "you're fucked."
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Only ever appear in sui Juris, don't just grant them jurisdiction by being pro se
Jurisdiction is presumed via argumentum ad bacculum.
They don’t care about magic words
I am not sure questions calling for "Yes" or "No" answers are "Leading" questions. Maybe in the self-representing context; not sure what he means here.
Yes or No questions are leading because they are leading (cornering) the witness to a pre-determined destination
my biggest mistake was being afraid of the judge. she lied in court, and prevented me from presenting the core aspect my case , and i didn't know how to call her out and risk loosing out of vengeance.
Never a good idea to represent yourself.
Total BS, I not only had orders GRANTED, I even had my former husband's attorney up on the stand and the Court reserved Judgment - Witness Tampering! GO FOR IT!
I would Never represent myself in court, Ever…..I call that smart! 🤓👍
not really. When you get sued for $5k, the legal bills will very quickly be much higher than the $5k, so unless you just want to pay when you shouldn't have to, you have to represent yourself.
I actually disagree. Equity doesn’t recognize a legal fiction…but most won’t understand this
Sorry, not sorry, Pro Se's can do ALOT of damage - been there, done that. The Court Staff even remarked, I should go to Law School. Orders GRANTED!
Lawyers need to do research because they really dont know the law in their own field sad
PRESENT yourself via a SPECIAL APPEARANCE in PROPRIA PERSONA SUI JURIS and challenge SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION. NO-ONE can REPRESENT themselves. If the definition of REPRESENT means to stand in place of, HOW CAN ANYONE STAND IN PLACE OF THEMSELVES?
Follow my Pro Se Case in Pacer Guthrie vs. Phoenix Police Department, et al., in AZ District Court (the big glass house downtown Phoenix) 2-23-cv-02410-SPL-ESW
WE WRE IN DISCOVERY PHASE AT THIS TIME