Q. regarding criminal procedure

[aristocane]

I was charged several months ago with a D.U.I. in the state of florida. I had fully intended on having a lawyer represent me; however, I was currently unemployed and in a bad financial situation. I opted to have a public defender temporarily assigned to my case at the recommendation of the lawyer at my arraignment.

I received a pre-trial hearing notice in the mail not too long ago, with the hearing set a few weeks from now. There was a section in the notice that caught my eye and really caught me off guard. The section states, " If the defendant is to be represented by an attorney, the attorney must be obtained by the date of the pre-trial hearing. No continuances to obtain counsel will be granted after the pre-trial date. All discovery and motions must be completed by the date of the pre-trial hearing...." This has really put me in a tough situation.

You see, I just found a great paying job and will now be able to come up with the retainer fee to get a lawyer started on my case, but not before the pre-trial date. Is there any way I can get an extension of time? Is there any way around this? Please advise. I appreciate any replies.

Thanks,

Rob