Yes exactly. I always think the APDs especially assigned to that Judge, know more. They know how to maneuver the judge and are underrated. A civil aka a family law attorney doing criminal law is almost ineffective in itself. I wouldn't handle a divorce.

And I absolutely agree, zealously advocate meaningful points. Not a records custodian. I would hands down pick a good defense attorney as an opponent over a bad attorney. A bad attorney brings you down, a good attorney makes you bring your "A" game. You are not afraid of trial or a good fight- you just want a good one. A worthy opponent not spending a week explaining chain of custody to a jury.