Yes, that's what I've stated from the beginning: I doubt they have the money to hire a big shot attorney.
They may have paid a retainer fee to someone (Accion America?) at some point (which seemed like when the picketing occurred?). But, the fee for a felony one would be steeper than just a retainer paid to a "spokesperson"/immigrant rights organization and their mouthpiece and attorney.
But, logic would follow that a good defense attorney would have fought a $1 million bail at arraignment given that EA cooperated without an attorney and in the 100+ days that followed CM's disappearance, he didn't flee. Seems like he barely even left the city.
It would be rare for an attorney the stature of Paul Johnson, if he was at the arraignment, to hear the prosecutor ask for a $1 million bond and just assent to it. That's not "vigorous" defense as is required of attorneys by the State Bar. In fact, that would be the kind of "representation" that could get a case overturned, heard a second time, and/or an attorney disciplined by the State Bar.
So, again, I don't think there was an attorney - Paul Johnson or otherwise - at the arraignment. And, still doubt, when the dust settles, that he'll be the attorney if there is a trial.