Court Rules Against Bail Bond Based Only On Crime – The Associated Press
New Mexico's highest court has ruled that judges can't impose high bail bond requirements for criminal defendants solely on the seriousness of the crime.
The state Supreme Court made the ruling Thursday in the case of an Albuquerque man charged with murder who remained in jail awaiting trial for more than two years because he couldn't afford a $250,000 bail bond.
The justices said a district court judge failed to follow New Mexico law requiring the "least restrictive" pre-trial release conditions to ensure the safety of others and assure a defendant will appear later in court.
The court said wealth determines whether someone remains in jail if bond is based solely on the severity of the crime rather than factors outlined in law such as a defendant's criminal history.
Hearing Set On Convicted Ex-New Mexico Sheriff – The Associated Press
An attorney for a former northern New Mexico sheriff convicted of civil rights violations is still pushing for a new trial.
A hearing is scheduled Thursday on attorney Robert Gorence's motions for a new trial for Rio Arriba County Sheriff Thomas Rodella.
Rodella was found guilty on Sept. 26 of brandishing a firearm and deprivation of rights following a four-day trial.
But Gorence says he was given 400 pages of Rodella's son's medical records late with insufficient time to review and rebut the prosecution's cross examination of the son.
Tommy Rodella Jr. at the scene of a heating traffic stop where authorities say the sheriff roughed up a motorist.
The elder Rodella faces 17 years in prison at his sentencing set for Dec. 26.
New Mexico GOP Chairman Not Seeking Re-election – The Associated Press
State Republican Party chairman John Billingsley says he's not seeking re-election to the party leadership job.
The state GOP central committee meets next month to elect leaders and Billingsley said Friday he doesn't want a second two-year term.
Billingsley, a retired businessman from Alto in southern New Mexico, was elected state chairman in December 2012. He had served several terms as Lincoln County GOP chairman.
Billingsley said in a statement that "several politicos" have tried to take credit for Republicans winning a House majority in this week's election but he attributed the GOP successes to county political party efforts.