I agree with both earlier comments. Do you NEED a lawyer? Technically No. The law allows you to represent yourself. SHOULD you have a lawyer? Absolutely! In any case where your freedom is at risk, you should be represented by a lawyer.
No you dont, you are allowed to represent yourself in ALL COURT hearings trials and so on. Its RECOMMENDED that you have knowledge of how court works in order to represent yourself efficiently. Also when representing yourself in court you ARE allowed ALL THE POWERS of a lawyer/attorney Source: married to a law clerk.
Yes, you need a lawyer because any misdemeanor case can technically have the punishment of jail time. Anytime there is a case where jail time is a consequence you must have a lawyer.
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