You should really get a good lawyer not a court appointed lawyer. Most if not all firms have free consultations where you can sit down with the lawyer or assistant and talk. Depending on her case, if she goes to trial and found guilty she will do 4-25 years (I believe). Which is why in some cases it might be worth it to make a deal and stay out of jail.

I personally would recommend the guys here http://www.criminaldefensepros.com/ They get the job done and they are very helpful. There a bit pricey but you cant put a price on something as serious as this.