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NM Judges Weigh 'Speedy Trial' Changes For Bernalillo County

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico justices are hearing from prosecutors, public defenders and law enforcement officials as they weigh changes to a state Supreme Court rule meant to cut down the backlog of criminal cases awaiting trial in Bernalillo County.

Critics argue that what's known in the law enforcement community as the "speedy trial rule" is overtaxing the local District Attorney's office and allowing more criminals to evade prosecution.

The rule was implemented in February.

Supreme Court justices and administrators held a meeting with District Attorney Kari Brandenburg, Chief Public Defender Jorge Alvarado, Albuquerque Police Chief Gorden Eden and others Tuesday to discuss the rule.

While there's no deadline for the Supreme Court to act on recommendations discussed during the meeting, judges are expected to decide on rule changes within the next month, or soon after the New Year.