As long as you don't tattle on yourself even the dumbest of the dumb public defender should be able to clear your name. But, you also can't take a plea, must be willing to sit in jail for 2ish years, and be completely invested in your own innocence. YMMV
Should I waive my right to a speedy trial?
The "2ish years" comes from the waiver of your right to a speedy trial that apparently every defense attorney wants you to agree to. If you don't, I believe it puts the state on a very tight timeline- like a couple of months tight.
If you have a simple defense, I can't see any benefit to waiving it- you don't need much time to prepare, and it forces the gov to make you a top priority or go forward with a crappy case.
I read a story about guys in NY jail for crap like shoplifting who didn't make bail and have already spent more time there than the maximum possible sentence while waiting for their trial. Made me wonder just how useless their attorney was.