To give you the best chances of beating your charges, you need an attorney familiar with the criminal justice system and the state laws. You have the right to be appointed an attorney by the court, but before you decide to go that route to save money, you should know that many public defenders are relatively new, and they’re assigned enormous caseloads. Because they’re often overwhelmed, they have to negotiate pleas for the majority of their clients. A private domestic violence attorney can spend whatever time and resources necessary to win your case. If they are approached with a reasonable plea, they will present it to you, but you will have the final say in the matter. Whatever you do, do not attempt to defend yourself in court.