New Mexico court approves changes to speedy trial rule

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) – The New Mexico Supreme Court has approved changes to a rule designed to diminish the backlog of criminal cases awaiting trial in Bernalillo County.
The court made the announcement Wednesday, saying prosecutors in the state’s busiest judicial district will have more time for handling cases.
The changes also include safeguards for limiting when cases may be dismissed for failure to comply with the so-called “speedy trial rule.”
The changes will take ef