ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Lawyers are pushing back against a proposed plan to build a courtroom at an Albuquerque county jail to free up courtroom space and cut transportation costs.
The Albuquerque Journal reports (https://bit.ly/1f0odCl) court and county officials suggested the change at Metropolitan Detention Center to eliminate the 18-mile commute inmates take to get to hearings in downtown Albuquerque.
In a letter to Chief Judge Nan Nash, state prosecutors argued the plan raises concerns over the rights of victims and witnesses.
Public defenders said in their letter to Nash that they’re worried the location isn’t regularly patrolled or accessible by public transportation.
The county has set aside $650,000 for design and construction.
Nash said the premium on courtroom space is clogging dockets. She said the county is also considering two-way video screens.
___
Information from: Albuquerque Journal, https://www.abqjournal.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.