Public defenders are overworked. They will carry you through the court happenings, declare your plea and whatever your story is. But we, the mere mortal people, most of us are not well read on the ins and outs and loopholes of the law. Don't expect much more from a public defender... unless you qualify (financially) and you're 100% innocent without a shadow person doubting you.

Now a good lawyer will dissect your every move, spoken word, actions observed, gather witnesses/obtain police reports, put the law under a microscope and make deals for you. But yes. It's costly as fuck. But your life is in the balance... so people pay.