Reasons and Rights

You are a plaintiff because you filed a civil suit,

  • You are a complainant because you have caused criminal charges to be brought against someone,
  • You are a defendant because someone is suing you, or you have been charged with a traffic violation or a criminal offense, or
  • You are a witness who has been called to testify.

    • Your Rights In Court
    You have the right to retain and be represented by your own lawyer in all matters before the court. However, you may waive representation by counsel and represent yourself.

    If you are charged with a crime for which the penalty includes the possibility of a jail sentence, and you state that you are indigent and cannot afford a lawyer, the judge will examine your financial status. Based on results of the examination, and your financial statement under oath that you cannot afford an attorney, the judge may assign an attorney to represent you, in which event the cost of such attorney may be incorporated as court costs, if you are found guilty. If you are the complainant in a criminal proceeding, the Commonwealth's Attorney, who represents the State, will prosecute the case. You have the right to have the clerk's office subpoena witnesses to appear on your behalf in court. You may ask for a continuance if you have good cause to have your case put off until a later date, thought the judge does not have to grant your request.

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