Please help me determine if I need to obtain a private attorney in this matter.

In Aug 2005 I was "cited" for soliciting a prositiute in the state of california. The officer did not arrest me at the time, and did not read me any miranda rights during our confrontation. I was given a ticket and told to go to court on a specific date. I immediately obtained an atty. who charged me $2500 as a retainer, and had the matter held over for trial (DA wanted me to plea to 10 days in jail.....This is my first offense).

The atty then wanted to charge me another $4000 to prepare this matter for trial, which I simply could not afford. I have dropped him and now am represented by the Public defender. I met with them last week and now they want me to accept a plea of 10 days from the DA, and they did not even read my file or statement. I told them I want a trial because I cannot lay down and take this on my record. I am going to trial with the PD, but I REALLY question whether they can and will help me to agressively fight this. I CANNOT afford to have this on my employment record.

I think I can beat this but dont know if the PD will help. I am interested in hearing others who may have experience with PD's in the past and if they were successful....