The number of Deschutes County defendants waiting for a lawyer to be assigned to their case has been cut in half over the last month ... amid a statewide shortage of public defenders. District Attorney Steve Gunnels says 80 cases remain unassigned, but he's pleased with the trend. Defendants who sit too long without representation could see their charges dropped, which Gunnels has said is unacceptable. He's hopeful the legislature will address the shortage in the upcoming session.