Voters allow judges to deny bail to dangerous defendants

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Judges can deny bail to the most dangerous defendants under a constitutional amendment approved by New Mexico voters.

Until now, the state constitution guaranteed people the opportunity to get out of jail before trial, with the narrow exception of those accused of the most serious felonies.

Critics said the system routinely allowed violent defendants out on the streets.

Aside from keeping the most dangerous defendants locked up, the amendment would allow judges to grant pretrial release to cash-strapped suspects of nonviolent crimes who lack the money to make bail.

Those defendants would have to file a motion showing they cannot pay their bail.

The reforms are part of a national movement away from cash bonds and toward risk-based decisions.

Federal judges and courts in a number of other states already have been granted such authority.