“Lying to the court” is not necessary for an effective defense, and defendants are not obligated to testify in the first place.
Remember that perjury is also a crime and you’re not “allowed” to commit perjury just because you’re testifying in your own defense (which is your choice).
If you’re actually guilty, your defense is supposed to challenge the validity of the evidence the prosecution is using to convict you. Not lie to the court and hope your lies are more convincing than the prosecution’s evidence.
Remember that perjury is also a crime and you’re not “allowed” to commit perjury just because you’re testifying in your own defense (which is your choice).
If you’re actually guilty, your defense is supposed to challenge the validity of the evidence the prosecution is using to convict you. Not lie to the court and hope your lies are more convincing than the prosecution’s evidence.