A criminal defense lawyer can help you in the following ways:
Provide you with an honest assessment: Your lawyer can provide you with an honest assessment of how the trial may proceed and what to expect.
File the necessary paperwork: Your lawyer can help fill out the necessary paperwork in court.
Negotiate a plea bargain: Your lawyer can work with the prosecutor to negotiate a plea bargain for you.
Work out a sentencing program: Your lawyer can work out a suitable sentencing program depending on your charges.
Gather statements: Your lawyer can gather witness statements. He or she can also hire investigators to investigate the witnesses scheduled to be presented by the prosecution.
Bring in expert witnesses to testify: A lawyer can bring in expert witnesses to testify on your behalf in an effort to get an acquittal.