I Have a Trial Soon but Can't Be Appointed a Public Defender

[wakeboardr886]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

About a month ago I was charged with a MIP and just had my arraignment this morning. I made a thread awhile back:

http://forum.freeadvice.com/drunk-dr...se-478492.html

What I thought going into my arraignment was I would be given the option to be appointed a public defender but instead I found out that I don't qualify for one. I pleaded not guilty and I have a trial date set for October 15. I went to the public defender's office right after to see if I could still get one and they said that since my charge is an infraction (I thought it was a misdemenor) that I cannot be appointed a public defender by the court.

Now I have talked to a couple lawyers before my arraignment and they were going to charge me around $750 to take my case and I certainly do not have the money for that. I could get a student loan to help pay for it or I can just go represent myself which I've heard you should never do. Is there a way to get a free lawyer or if it's worth the lawyer cause I don't want to lose my license and maybe get the charge lowered? Should I just go in myself and see if the cop doesn't show? I'm stuck!

[cdwjava]

If it is an infraction, you can be subject only to a fine. Be thankful. It will be treated like a traffic citation.

- Carl