Exactly. And how can he have a fair trial without being able to defend himself?
I never did criminal, but defense attorneys in cases like these get a very unfair bad rap. The system is set up for the defendant, no matter how guilty he is in the court of public opinion, to be legally innocent until the State meets the burden of proving him guilty.
Because he is legally innocent he is entitled to the best defense that can be made on his behalf, a knowledgable attorney to examine the evidence and cross-examine the witnesses against him, and a representative who knows and can guide the man through the sometimes bizarre procedures of the court.
Unless you would prefer all accused criminals be considered guilty until proven innocent, and a defense irrelevant? Then by all means, take him out back and hang him. It'll feel good for about a minute and a half, until they come for the next victim who really might be innocent and hang him too.
Defense attorneys don't always like their clients, but their role is fundamental to keep the system honest for the times when guilt really is in doubt - and to keep the entire process fair and the State doing its job even when it's not. Kangaroo courts dispensing vigilante justice are in nobody's best interests, no matter what kind of visceral reaction we might have to one person involved.
