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10 things every Texas pro se litigant should know before their first hearing .
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The Pro Se Starter · v1
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The Pro Se Starter is yours. Read it twice before your hearing. Print the parts you’ll reference. Mark it up in your own hand — that’s how you make it yours.
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WHAT’S INSIDE
The 10 rules.
1. Dress Like You Mean It 2. Bring Three of Everything 3. Stand When the Judge Enters or Speaks 4. Address the Judge as “Your Honor” 5. Don’t Interrupt, Don’t Argue 6. Bring a Notebook 7. Know the Rules You’re Using 8. Don’t Swear, Don’t Cry, Don’t Emote 9. Have Your Timeline Ready 10. If You Don’t Understand, Say So
Written by Ryan Nichols — Marine vet, Texas pro se, 22 months of federal detention spent reading every law book I could find.
— Ryan Nichols, Faretta Legal
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