Skip to Content

Risky business: Some Capitol riot defendants forgo lawyers

Andrew Cuomo

By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER
Associated Press

At least five people charged in the riot at the U.S. Capitol have chosen to defend themselves in court. In doing so, they’re brushing aside federal judges’ repeated warnings about the risks of trying to navigate their high-stakes cases without a lawyer. Self-representation is a bedrock right guaranteed by the Constitution, but it’s also inspired the age-old adage that anyone who represents themselves has a fool for a client. The move by the defendants already has led to some curious legal maneuvers and awkward exchanges in court. A self-represented New York man wants to bill the government for working on his own case, but a judge rejected that idea.

Article Topic Follows: AP National News

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KVIA ABC 7 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content