Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

No, it is not too late. When you go to court, tell your public defender to request a continuance so you can hire an attorney.

I agree with Mr. Dane. Let the public defender know of your intentions and he/she should assist you notifying the judge and prosecutor and obtaining additional time to hire an attorney.

You write as if public defenders aren't lawyers. They are. Most of them are very good at what they do, though they're also seriously overworked. Representing a defendant takes time even for very good lawyers, and PDs usually don't have enough time for most of their clients.

If you're able to hire a private attorney then you should, since PDs are there for people who can't afford to pay for a lawyer. But remember that many private attorneys less skilled than many PDs. They typically do have more time for each case though, and that matters a lot.

Good luck.