Absolutely, for several reasons. First, it’s important to understand the rights you’re giving up when you plead guilty and know the strength or weakness of the case against you. Prosecutors are supposed to tell you about any evidence they have that helps your case, but that doesn’t always happen. An experienced defense attorney may recognize a flaw in your case that can be used to negotiate a favorable plea agreement, reduce the charges, or even get the case dismissed.
Even if you are committed to pleading guilty, having a criminal lawyer on your side can significantly impact the outcome. If you simply enter a guilty plea, the judge can impose any sentence that is legally permitted. But, with an attorney negotiating for you in advance, you can usually nail down terms before you enter a plea.