what are you charged with? As long as it's not an felony and if you qualify for an public defender, go with the free public defender. If you had a paid lawyer, chances are you gonna end up getting the same deal or plead as a p.d. if u know did down of what u did and not a good liar or actor during trial. Best advise is don't plead quilty until the last minute when you know u have no way out. Why? It costs the state to reschedule your court date if you plead not quilty, and it cost more money to bring that stupid cock sucker to court. So, usually they will cut you a better deal if you kind know how the system work. Good luck.