Criminal defense lawyers do much more than simply question witnesses in court. For example, defense lawyers:

• negotiate "deals" with prosecutors, often arranging for reduced charges and lesser sentencing
• formulate sentencing programs tailored to a client's specific needs, often helping defendants avoid future brushes with the criminal justice system
• help defendants cope with the feelings of fear, embarrassment and reduced self-esteem that criminal charges tend to produce in many people
• provide defendants with a reality check -- a knowledgeable, objective perspective on their situation and what is likely to happen should their cases go to trial.
• are familiar with important legal rules that people representing themselves would find almost impossible to locate on their own, because many criminal law rules are hidden away in court interpretations of federal and state conare familiar with local court customs and procedures that aren't written down anywhere stitutions
• understand the possible "hidden costs" of pleading guilty which a self-represented person might never think about
• spend time on a case that a defendant cannot afford to spend
• gather information from prosecution witnesses, who often fear people accused of crimes and therefore refuse to speak to people representing themselvesare
• familiar with local court customs and procedures that aren't written down anywhere