What are my options if I have not been contacted by a public defender within the arraignment period?

Most of the time Public Defenders are appointed on or after the arraignment date. If you have already been appointed a public defender - call him/her. Public Defenders are extremely busy and represent many people at one time. You should either have the name of your public defender or the office number to the public defender. Give it a call. If you cannot get in contact with your public defender make sure you go to your court date. The Public Defender will meet you there.

Of course you can always hire your own lawyer if you can afford to do so. But, assuming that you cannot, you can call the public defender's office to ask who your attorney is and for a status.