Kimberly Kollmeyer • March 4, 2026
Not Guilty Chapter 6 | About Hiring Lawyers
COURTS DO NOT LIKE
people to represent themselves, especially in criminal court, and especially if they are charged with felonies. People have too many rights and too much at risk not to have a lawyer. But lawyers are often expensive! Hiring a local lawyer is practical, because that lawyer should be familiar with the local parties involved (the judge and the prosecutor), and those people’s habits and practices. On the other hand, a lawyer from out of town may be less concerned with offending those people, or not have a past history with them. Lawyers from out of town will probably cost more because they have to travel for court. When shopping around for lawyers, ask about how much they cost. Ask about how many trials they have conducted in the past, how long they have been practicing, or their practice areas. A person would probably want to know if their lawyer’s true specialty is contracts or wills. A lawyer who has been around and knows what he or she is doing should not shy away from these questions.
Public Defenders – are attorneys provided for people who cannot afford to pay a lawyer.
The Public Defender is available for people who cannot afford to pay a lawyer. The Public Defender has strict income and other guidelines. If people have assets or the means to hire an attorney or post their own bond, they will likely not qualify for a public defender. If a defendant truly cannot afford counsel, he may request an “indigency hearing” to ask the court to require the public defender take that case. This may be scheduled for a later date. At that hearing, the defendant might bring proof of their income and bills, and some quotes from a couple different attorneys, to attempt to prove to the judge that he or she cannot afford to hire a lawyer.
Lawyers are required to follow the Rules of Professional Conduct, which lay out the rules and ethical conduct by which they must practice. Attorneys are required to fight for their clients to the best of their ability within the Rules of Professional Conduct, which includes a duty of honesty to the court, and not to file actions that are a waste of time. This is not an exhaustive list or review of the Rules of Professional Conduct. For additional questions regarding these rules, consult an attorney.
Alexis appeared for her second court date. She could see her lawyer, Charles, wandering about the room, chatting with other lawyers, other Defendants, the courthouse security (called “bailiffs”), and even the Judge! Charles did not chat with her. The judge asked the lawyers if they were ready, and Charles called her up. The Judge then asked Charles, “What says the defendant.” Huh? Charles responded with, “We will waive arraignment, Judge. Defendant pleads not guilty. Please reset this to your next available date. We don’t have discovery yet.” It was English, but she had no idea what had just been said. Just like that she was given another court date, and they were shuffled back out of the courtroom. She had no idea what had just happened.
*Disclaimer:
This book is intended as an informational resource regarding the criminal court process in the State of Missouri, not to advise you legally concerning your specific legal situation. This book is not intended to take the place of a skilled and competent attorney. If you or a loved one are facing charges in the criminal courts, you have potential rights at risk, and you need to get an attorney. The choice of an attorney is an important decision, not based on advertising alone. You are not represented by the writers of this book, and the writers of this book are not liable for any reliance on the information in this book. You need to get your own attorney to advise and assist you concerning the specific facts of your situation. This book was written in 2024 concerning Missouri law and does not apply to the laws of other States. Sometimes laws change. Different locations have different practices and local rules. This book is not intended to be exhaustive. If you are in need of an attorney, do not rely on this book, GET A LAWYER!
