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Common Mistakes to Avoid in Court

Court is not TikTok, and it’s not therapy. It’s evidence. Protect yourself.

Mistake #1: Talking too much

“I just want to explain what really happened...”

No. Do not start volunteering random explanations. The more you talk, the more you open doors the Crown can use against you.

Only answer what you're asked. Keep it factual and short.

Mistake #2: Admitting things that aren't proven

People panic and admit to details that the Crown could never have proven. You just helped them build their case. You don’t “fill gaps” for them. You are not their witness.

Mistake #3: Getting emotional with the officer

You might feel like the cop lied. You might be right. But if you’re aggressive in court, it looks like they’re professional and you’re unstable.

Instead, you calmly ask:

“Officer, did you perform any objective test to confirm impairment?”
“Do you have video?”
“So your assessment was based on smell and your opinion only?”

Now the judge hears the problem without you yelling.

Mistake #4: Letting them rush you

If you don't have disclosure, you can say:

“Your Honour, I’m self-represented. I just received this disclosure and I need time to review it before I can make any informed decision.”

That is 100% reasonable.

Mistake #5: “I’ll just plead to get it over with”

A guilty plea can follow you for years — immigration, employment, driving, insurance. Sometimes the Crown’s case is way weaker than you think: no objective test, medical sedation, confused memory, sloppy police work.

Send us your next date

If you’re in court soon and you’re scared you’ll say something that hurts you: send your date and what the case is about to support@self-represented-help.ca with subject “COURT TOMORROW”. We’ll tell you the safest posture for that appearance.