Ask a Lawyer - Archive

No, only a licensed attorney may provide you with legal representation in a criminal case. If you suspect that someone who is not an attorney is offering to represent you, you should check with the state bar examiners or highest court in your state to see if he or she is admitted to practice law and is an attorney in good standing.

If it turns out the person is not an attorney in good standing, you should report it to the bar authorities.

It is permissible for your lawyer to employ paralegals and delegate functions to them, provided he or she supervises and retains responsibility for the delegated work. But only a licensed attorney can counsel and render services to you concerning your legal rights, negotiate a plea bargain or represent you in court.