Generally, yes. The obvious reasons are familiarity with judges and prosecutors. There are times when an effective strategy involves action and timing surrounding which judge will be in a courtroom or which prosecutor will be making important decisions. There are also, in some occasions, different approaches depending on the personality of the judge or prosecutor. Unless you are familiar with the local courts, you simply cannot factor in those variables.
Also, if engaging in plea negotiations, the “value of a case,” meaning, what is a good resolution for the defense, can vary greatly from county to county. Therefore, it won’t be possible for a lawyer with little or no experience in the San Diego County courthouses (Vista, Downtown, Chula Vista and El Cajon) to effectively evaluate whether an offer by the prosecution is a good deal. Ideally you want to hire a law firm with the right combination of experience, familiarity, and reputation.