In America, you're always put on fair trial (fairness being relative occasionally) for crimes. And you will get convicted if you can't defend yourself. I don't see anything wrong with that.
Unless your spiky haired lawyer screams objection, slams his hands on his desk, then throws the literal book at the judge.
I'd prefer a more interactive court. Perhaps, it starts the way it currently does but choosing anything other than pleading guilty would bring you to a screen similar to the fight screen, but it would give options such as Object (attempts to intervene with the accusation of the prosecutor and provide reasoning against it.), and Wait, and then the prosecutor begins to make his statement against the defense. Each time he does, you get a message representing something along the lines of:
The judge has a neutral, apathetic look on his face.
The jury looks conflicting in agreement, and the majority is unclear.
The audience looks annoyed, wishing this circus act would end so their members could get to their own trials.
Goblin McConservative is ranting and raving fanatically.
Something about the prosecution's argument suddenly seems abnormal and causes something to click.
O - Object
S - Hold
Objecting brings up a screen such as:
You raise your hand and shout your objection.
The judge allows it.
The jury looks like they're all having a cognitive dissonance.
The audience moans and Urist McLiberal swears he hears someone shoot themself.
The prosecutor looks feverish.
A - Question the accusation.
B - Attempt to reveal a fallacy.
C - Call someone to the stand.
D - Accuse corruption of trial.
E - Bluff.
F - I changed my mind, continue.
Additionally, if you get ruled as guilty, you could possibly have your lawyer (If you have one.) try to free you at the cost of likely martyrdom, or you could try to free yourself and escape if you're high enough in security.