Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Excuse me?

Are you sure you HAVE a lawyer? That you paid? That you have discussed your case with?

Whenf he didn't 'show up' at court the first time, did you then talk to him and get satisfactory answers you believed? Why not?

What is / was his excuse, if any? What did he promise to do, if anything?

Those are the questions you should have been asking, and getting firm answers to. It's just a little late now.

If he has 'never' appeared on your case, then you should immediacy consult with another attorney to determine what you and he should do now. At the minimum, you and your new attorney must explain to the judge at your next court appearance [trial?] this situation, and convince the judge you had a lawyer that abandoned you, and you need more time to get ready for trial. Your new lawyer really should go to court 'specially' before the next scheduled hearing, to do so.

OR, if you mean you were appointed a Public Defender that has never spoken with you or appeared in court for you, then you should immediately contact the Public Defender's office and request help and a new PD on your case.