Judicial Branch Wants To Streamline Felony Process

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The New Hampshire Judicial Branch wants to streamline how felony cases are handled, saving time and money and overhauling a process that dates back to when judges rode horses to court and grand juries convened only twice a year. The bill has the support of most law enforcement officials, but some prominent defense lawyers say it could hurt defendants by doing away with most hearings to determine if there's evidence to proceed to trial. A number of defense lawyers are strongly opposed to the bill, saying it also eliminates defendants' right to a probable cause hearing on the evidence against them. The proposal pending before the House Judiciary Committee would give trial judges the authority to decide if a probable cause hearing is warranted. Judges now routinely set a date for a probable cause hearing during a defendant's first appearance in District Court, although 85 percent of defendants waive that hearing.

 

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