[header] How to handle criminal plea negotiations [title] Appreciate the importance of having a lawyer represent you. [step] Under almost all criminal proceedings, you are entitled to be represented by a lawyer (exceptions include civil forfeiture cases in municipal court, and in some jurisdictions, first offense dui cases). Criminal defense lawyers are experts in resolving cases as efficiently and favorably as possible. 
A criminal defense attorney will be experienced in plea negotiations, and will likely have a professional relationship with the prosecution and judge. A local defense attorney will also have a better understanding of how prosecutors in your area approach plea bargaining.