While you are able to represent yourself in a case, it is highly recommended that you turn this task over to a skilled attorney. Many people represent themselves looking to cut costs or believing that they will be able to accurately convey to the court their innocence. Instead, they are often left dealing with higher penalties than what they would have faced if an attorney had been representing them. It is best that you gain the defense of a qualified lawyer that can investigate the charges against you and start fighting to protect you against a guilty conviction, or at least minimize the effect of any punishment.