RIVERSIDE – Twenty-five criminal cases have been dismissed by the overwhelmed Riverside County courts this month because there are no judges to hear them.

Nine Superior Court criminal cases were dismissed Monday and Tuesday, bringing the July total to a record 25. Last month, there were 22 speedy-trial dismissals. The U.S. Constitution guarantees defendants speedy trials.

The Riverside County courts has struggled with a judges shortage for years. It is estimated the county needs 57 more judicial officers than its present complement of 76 judges and commissioners.