Last page edit 07/18/07

Quiz #2 - Do I need an attorney to help me in District Court?

 

Did you find out if your case was right for District Court? (Quiz #1) Also think about whether your skills and traits, will make you successful in representing yourself. (Quiz #3)

Quiz #2 will help you to answer some key legal and practical questions about whether it makes sense to represent yourself in District Court. Tips and resources to help you make good decisions are included.

  • How to look at the big picture and balance consider what is at stake.
  • How to identify certain types of cases or situations where an attorney’s expertise is critical.
    1. 
    Will an attorney represent the other side? Green light, NO. Yellow light, YES.
    2. 

    Are you a small business owner? Yellow light, YES. Green light, NO.

    3. 

    Are you trying to resolve a traffic violation?

    What is the difference between a “payable” and a “must appear” traffic violation? This fact sheet was prepared by the District Court.

    Green light, PAYABLE TICKET.
    Yellow light, MUST APPEAR TICKET.

    4. 

    Are you trying to recover damages for a personal injury and have medical expenses? Red light, YES. Green light, NO.

    5. 

    How much money are you seeking? (How do I calculate the correct amount of money?)

    Is your claim for $5,000 or less? Select the GREEN LIGHT.

    If your claim is for LESS than $30,000 but MORE than $5,000, select the YELLOW LIGHT.

    If your claim is for MORE than $30,000 choose the RED LIGHT.

    6. 

    How long ago did the dispute occur? More than three years ago? Green light, NO. Red light, Yes.

    7. 

    Did you do well on the Quiz on the skills and traits for success representing yourself? Green light, YES. Yellow light, NO (or didn't take the quiz yet).

RESULTS

Before you go ahead…
If you received one RED, You should go to get attorney advice on the issue where you got a “red light”. At least speak with an attorney for advice or call a legal hotline if you decide not to seek representation.
If you received 2 OR MORE RED, based on your answers, you should consult an attorney about your case. It is likely that you may wish to have an attorney represent you
If you got a yellow light on 4 or fewer questions, it will be worth getting some advice.  An attorney can give you a good idea (although no promises) about how a court might consider your case. Your attorney will ask you questions about the many factors that the court will consider (including the factors noted above. S/he can then advise you about the costs and likely outcomes if you pursue a claim for marital property.  Then you can decide what makes sense for you.
If you received ALL green, your case is right for the District Court in Maryland. But before you go ahead…Figure out if  your case is right for District Court? (Quiz #1)? Also find out if you skills and traits, will make you successful in representing yourself. (Quiz #3)