If you have been charged with a crime, you are given the option to hire an attorney or the court will appoint one for you. I didn't have money at the time so I had no choice than to have a court appointed attorney. I wish I would have hired my own attorney. Ms. Krogstad was appointed to be my defense... attorney. I observed behavior between her and prosecutor that made me feel like she wasn't on my side. The day before I was suppose to start trial, I witnessed my court appointed attorney and the prosecutor laughing and joking together, non court related business. I felt that was a conflict of interest since I should have been represented in a professional manner. In the end I was forced into a plea deal. If I were to do things all over again I would have hired an attorney that would have fought for my innocence.