SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - A new order issued in response to the coronavirus outbreak requires that criminal plea agreements and civil settlements agreements be filed in New Mexico’s state court system at least five days before trials are scheduled to start.
An order by Supreme Court Chief Justice Judith Nakamura says the deadline will help protect the health of safety of prospective jurors and others who otherwise would gather in courthouses in anticipation of a trial starting.
The order comes as the state resumes holding jury trials and says the five-day requirement will remain in effect indefinitely starting July 1.
Meanwhile Tuesday, state health officials announced 88 new cases of COVID-19 and seven more deaths.
New Mexico now has 9,933 confirmed cases, and the death toll stands at 447.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
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