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 effect Feb. 2 for new cases and for those pending cases that are assigned on or after next Tuesday.
The justices heard from prosecutors, public defenders and law enforcement officials last year about changing the rule, which was implemented in February 2015. Critics argued it was overtaxing the local district attorney's office and allowing more criminals to evade prosecution.
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