ASSAULT (bit the arm) what do you think is the term or penalty?

Hi,
My friend married to one guy and now seperated but they had violent fight before the man left her.

It was the guy who made serious assault to her and in the end, she was charged of assault by the ex-hubby. She was helped by the lawyer but she found out that her legal assistance money is not enough to pay the lawyer and the lawyer is still asking for Aud4,000.00 to attend the hearing next month and she was quite shocked because she never expected that much as agreed earlier.

Can she back out and represent herself about this assault case?
And anybody experience this to go to court  without lawyer?

Please if any info about this matter, please reply.  Thanks.