One can represent themselves up to trial, most can do that. Just remember: do not provide facts to the prosecutor in the pre-trial conferences and do not acknowledge alleged facts. If you can record these meetings then do so. If you need a transcript from these meetings captured by the audio device, the person can transcribe himself. Just note in a simple affidavit that the audio recorder and transcript is accurate and that you read the manual of the recording device and have trained yourself to become proficient in its operation (this lays the foundation for any transcript produced to be admissible). It sounds like his next court date is not the trial date. If one is not familiar with the processes, I would recommend a lawyer. If one is then representing himself is not a big issue in respect to pre-trial things - I file motions to dismiss without a lawyer's help and have never lost one yet (I only file when I think I can win) in criminal court. And even if you are versed if there is a potential civil suit against a person after the case is won then using a lawyer is OK too because you might get your money back. Me? I never plead out. Never lost a case because I have never committed a crime ... charges based all on lies that were told to the cops and prosecutors.