Isn't it common for people charged with crimes to be released while waiting for trial?

I can't see anything in the article about bail so presumably these are minor felonies that didn't require bail (or it was posted)?

The article does no job at explaining how a shortage in public defenders causes somebody to be released.

---

IIUC, the general "solution" to a shortage of public defenders is to adjust what "can't afford" means to remove people from getting them [1].

[1]: https://www.nlada.org/public-defense-system-fees

I think the charges would be dropped.