Among the new criminal justice reforms taking effect in January are new guidelines for the Discovery Law.

Following the arraignment of a defendant, prosecutors are now required to turn over all evidence to the defense attorney within 15 days. 

The new mandate was unfunded by the state of New York, but this week the Erie County Legislature set aside more than $1,000,000 to hire staffing. 

So far, The Erie County District Attorney has hired nine of the 18 staffers needed to gather and maintain the evidence.

Under the old law, submission of evidence was allowed up until jury selection. 

Attorney John Elmore says often times that put the defense at a disadvantage because they were not allowed to investigate and properly advise their clients on plea deals.  

"I've tried major felony cases, where I've had clients facing several years in state prison and I've picked a jury and all of sudden I’ve gotten a stack load of transcripts to read," said Elmore. "Defense lawyers are up under the old law until 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. in the morning trying to process the information that was given to them. It makes the system a lot fairer." 

Suburban Police Departments are making adjustments for the change on their own dime.

The Niagara Falls Police Department says they have taken a hit financially. 

They've had to restructure their staff and hire additional staff to handle the case load.