It depends on the circumstances. A lot actually, or a little. You may get the same result without hiring an attorney, but having an attorney is like an extra insurance policy. They will be able to analyze the case, and help with the best course of conduct in fighting it or taking a plea. Negotiation is better suited to someone trained in it, and they're more likely to know the other players in the criminal justice system. If something goes wrong, the attorney will most likely be able to notice it and advise accordingly. It's also advantageous to have someone arguing and advocating on your behalf. If nothing else, just for sentencing. They can say things you couldn't on your own, without sounding bad. Hiring an attorney also shows the judge that you recognize the seriousness of the charges, instead of going alone, which can sometimes be seen as basically dismissing the importance of the situation.
Answered on Oct 24th, 2012 at 3:36 PM