Unfortunately, in our judicial system the deck is stacked against you, unless you have money. The law does not guarantee you equal representation, just representation. The government has a stable of lawyers (the District Attorney and Assistant District Attorneys), evidence gatherers (crime lab) and investigators (police, detectives, etc.). After enough evidence is gathered to charge you, it is their job to prove you guilty. They are not going to expend time, money and energy to find ways to prove your innocence. That onus is on you and that is where how much money you have comes into play.
Can you beat the system? Yes, I know it can be done, but it takes a tremendous amount of time and effort to do research on the law and to figure out just exactly what you need to counter their accusations. You need to know how and when to file motions and other papers. When and how to counter their motions. It's a lot of paperwork and procedures. They try to wear you down with paperwork and drag the proceedings out. On top of that most judges don't like people going pro se, it slows down and clogs up their courts. It's not something I would recommend for the average person.
Will it change anytime in the near future? Again, unfortunately, I don't think so.
Why I say pre se is not for the average person.
Look at the second definition...LOL
PRO SE - Lat. "for himself" "on one's own behalf" A person who represents himself in court
alone without the help of a lawyer is said to appear pro se. (2) Lat. for “you lose.” also pro per