[big black dog]

never, ever, ever show up in court without a lawyer. Judges don't like people who aren't greasing the system. They were lawyers once too. Call me cynical, but I'm also realistic.

I'd say you hit the nail on the head. Even if you are going to plead guilty, you should spend the money on a local lawyer to show you are playing the game. If you plan on fighting a charge, it's best to try and get an out of town attorney who doesn't have to worry about irritating jugdes/prosecutors he works along side on an ongoing basis.

[badbass]

That’s great advice about getting an out of town attorney to fight a charge. I had never thought of that.