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“Info about the Eighth Judicial District Court.”

Monthly Archives: October 2016

31/10/16 Memory of a lifetime

Twenty-two children got the memory of a lifetime as their adoption dreams were granted today by District Court Family Division Judge Cynthia Giuliani. Eleven families got a special treat when the judge dressed as a fairy godmother for the special adoptions. The kids showed up for their big day dressed in costume and received treats and a teddy bear. The adoption process can be intimidating for young children. Judge Giuliani has performed the special adoptions for five years around Halloween to make the process fun for the kids and to raise awareness of the need for adoptive families.

 

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25/10/16 Judge to transform to fairy godmother to make adoptions magical experience

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Being adopted and having a forever family is a dream come true for many children in our community who have suffered abuse and neglect. Each year around Halloween, District Court Family Judge Cynthia Giuliani  transforms to a fairy godmother  to makes kids’ adoptions wishes a reality in court. On Monday, Oct. 31 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Family Court, 601 N. Pecos Road, in courtroom 22 the special adoption event will take place. The children are invited to come in costume and are given treats.

This is the fifth year Judge Giuliani will create the special adoptions experience around Halloween. “This is a life-changing experience for these families. Granting adoptions and making them special and memorable is the best part of my job,” said Judge Giuliani. “Seeing the happiness of the children who know they will be loved and cared for is so uplifting and hopefully inspiring for others to consider adoption or foster care.”

The District Court Family Division is involved in other special adoption events, including an annual adoption day marathon which is scheduled this year for November 17. For more information about adoption, call the Clark County Department of Family Services at 702-455-0800 or e-mail DFSAdoptions@ClarkCountyNV.gov.

“There is a significant need for caring families who will adopt, foster or even volunteer as court advocates for abused and neglected children. This adoption event is a unique way to make it special for the families and get the word out on the need,” said Family Division Presiding Judge Charles Hoskin.

 

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20/10/16 CASA volunteers will enter holiday season with a new purpose after they swear to take action for abused and neglected children

A fresh group of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers will gain a new sense of purpose in time for the holiday season after they are sworn in at a ceremony at the Eighth Judicial District Family Court on Monday, Oct. 24 at noon, at Family Court, Courtroom 9, 601 N. Pecos Road. They will join the ranks of other CASAs who helped to give kids who have faced abusive situations a voice. There is a big need for CASAs in Clark County. Several opportunities are upcoming for people who want to have a positive impact on the life of a child. Those who want to help abused and neglected children are invited to one of the upcoming CASA orientations: Nov. 16 and Dec. 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy. For more information about the program please call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.

“Around the holidays people look for ways to give back. Volunteering to help abused and neglect children is fulfilling, rewarding and much needed,” said Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who will administer the oath to the CASA volunteers. “When children have a CASA, they have a voice. When they have a voice, they have hope. When they have hope, they have a future. I encourage anyone who is looking to make a difference in our community to consider volunteering as a CASA.”

There are 351 CASA volunteers serving as a voice for foster children in our community. Many more volunteers are needed to advocate for the nearly 3,500 children receiving services under supervision of Family Court. Last year, more than 900 children had a CASA volunteer to help them navigate through the system, and deal with school challenges and home life. The goal is to get a CASA volunteer for every child in foster care.

“Those who volunteer as a CASA have a profound impact on the lives of children who have suffered abuse and neglect.” said Presiding Family Court Judge Charles Hoskin. “CASA volunteers can take pride in knowing that they help ensure that foster children are given proper treatment, the care they deserve and a voice in court.”

The CASA program recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of hundreds of foster children annually. The advocates represent the children in school, family team meetings, and in court. Volunteering for the program involves a two-year commitment and a willingness to spend quality time with the children to advocate for them. In 1980, Judge John Mendoza led the creation of the Clark County CASA Program. The CASA mission continues to be fully supported by Family Court judges. For those interested in volunteering with CASA, monthly orientations are held on the third Wednesday of each month to provide more information about the program.

For more information about the program please call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.

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18/10/16 Have a new purpose this holiday season – Upcoming CASA Orientations Offer Opportunity To Join To Make A Difference For Kids  

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There is a big need for CASAs in Clark County. Several opportunities are upcoming for people who want to have a positive impact on the life of a child. Those who want to help abused and neglected children are invited to one of the upcoming CASA orientations: Oct 19, Nov. 16 and Dec. 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy. For more information about the program please call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.

There are 351 CASA volunteers serving as a voice for foster children in our community. Many more volunteers are needed to advocate for the nearly 3,500 children receiving services under supervision of Family Court. Last year, more than 900 children had a CASA volunteer to help them navigate through the system, and deal with school challenges and home life. The goal is to get a CASA volunteer for every child in foster care.

The CASA program recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of hundreds of foster children annually. The advocates represent the children in school, family team meetings, and in court. Volunteering for the program involves a two-year commitment and a willingness to spend quality time with the children to advocate for them. In 1980, Judge John Mendoza led the creation of the Clark County CASA Program. The CASA mission continues to be fully supported by Family Court judges. For those interested in volunteering with CASA, monthly orientations are held on the third Wednesday of each month to provide more information about the program.

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14/10/16 E-Filing for the Eighth Judicial District Court will be out this Saturday, Oct.15 from 9-9:30 p.m.

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E-Filing for the Eighth Judicial District Court will be unavailable Saturday, Oct. 15 from 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for scheduled maintenance.

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14/10/16 District Court Video Conferencing offers option to overcome logistical hurdles for testimony

The ability to present testimony via video conference is up and running in all courtroom in the District Court at the Regional Justice Center. Easy access to video conferencing has been highly anticipated and a hot topic at several of the recent Civil Bench Bar meetings. It is expected to save time and money on testimony for out of town witnesses and aid in facilitating the testimony of those who face significant logistical challenges getting to court.

There are a few important considerations to keep in mind including: Counsel/Party must agree to provide all exhibits to the Party or Witness in advance in the same form as have been or will be submitted to the Court Clerk. Any objection to a request must be made in writing within two judicial days of service of a request. Counsel/Party must agree that by submitting a request, the party and witness (or their respective representatives) will test and verify the functionality of video conference connectivity with the court IT department at least two judicial days before the scheduled appearance.  The video conference request form can be found under Court News at Audio/Visual Appearance Request Instructions. Full agreement of counsel isn’t necessary for video testimony to be used; it is up to the judge.

Part IX of the Nevada Supreme Court Rules Governing Appearance by Audiovisual Transmission Equipment can be viewed at https://www.leg.state.nv.us/CourtRules/SCR_AudTranEquip.html. As posted on this site, “The intent of this rule is to promote uniformity in the practices and procedures relating to audiovisual transmission equipment appearances in civil cases.” It’s important to note the following excerpt: “A party choosing to appear by audiovisual transmission equipment at a hearing, conference, or proceeding under this rule must either: Place the phrase “Audiovisual Transmission Equipment Appearance” below the title of the moving, opposing, or reply papers; or at least three court days before the appearance, notify the court and all other parties of the party’s intent to appear by audiovisual transmission equipment. If the notice is oral, it must be given either in person or by audiovisual transmission equipment. If the notice is in writing, it must be given by filing a “Notice of Intent to Appear by Audiovisual Transmission Equipment” with the court at least three court days before the appearance and by serving the notice at the same time on all other parties by personal delivery, fax transmission, express mail, or other means reasonably calculated to ensure delivery to the parties no later than the close of the next business day.”

Bench Bar meetings are one of the best ways to stay up on what’s new in court and to get clarification on issues that surface. On Oct. 24, a joint Guardianship and Probate Bench Bar meeting will be held at the Nevada State Bar office at 3100 S. Charleston Blvd. from 11:30-1:30 p.m. The Blue Ribbon Guardianship Commission will present their report and recommendations on guardianship in Nevada. Attendees will get free Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit and lunch will be served.

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05/10/16 Brenoch Wirthlin recognized as September pro bono volunteer of the month

dsc_0201Brenoch Wirthlin recognized as September pro bono volunteer of the month

Brenoch Wirthlin, who is a Director at the Fennemore Craig law firm, was recognized by the District Court judges as the September pro bono volunteer of the month. Since 2012, Brenoch has accepted seven new pro bono cases through Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada. He has assisted low income clients in a variety of matters, including civil/consumer, domestic violence and bankruptcy. Brenoch also participates in a Small Claims and Veterans Ask-A-Lawyer Programs. He is fluent in Spanish and uses his bilingual skills to assist Spanish speaking clients.

Brenoch has been interested in doing pro bono work since he first moved to Las Vegas. “The most meaningful law I ever practiced was pro bono,” said Brenoch when accepting his award.

He shared a story on the very first pro bono client he helped who was in tears in his office because she did not see a way out of her difficult situation. Brenoch was able to assist her to find a resolution.

One of his most memorable pro bono clients was a mother whom he assisted in retaining custody of her children. This client had been through a tough time in her personal life but Brenoch was able to protect her rights and come to a resolution which allowed her to keep custody of her son. This client was so grateful for Brenoch’s assistance that she continued to stay and touch and send thank you notes for years following the case.

Attorneys who are interested in taking a pro bono case should visit www.lacsnprobono.org or call 702-386-1413 to select a case. October is pro bono month with a special case line-pass program in place for attorneys who volunteer.

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03/10/16 District Court to use $1.4 million grant for residential treatment program to end the cycle of addiction and crime for participants

 

The Eighth Judicial District Court is using a $1.4 million grant from the State Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) to work to end the cycle of addiction and crime through residential treatment for 80 participants. There is a desperate need for residential substance abuse and mental health treatment in Clark County. Residential treatment with wraparound services offers judges a viable sentencing alternative to jail-time. It is an approach that has proven to have better outcomes than punitive sentencing.

“I applaud Governor Brian Sandoval and the leadership of DPBH Director Richard Whitley for their efforts to make this funding a reality and taking action to address this pressing need,” said District Court Chief Judge David Barker. “Residential treatment infrastructure has been a missing element in our specialty courts continuum of care. The residential component improves the odds of long-term success for participants. Not only is residential treatment more effective, but it is less expensive than jail. The results are: millions of dollars in savings for the jail, a reduction in jail overcrowding and more individuals successfully completing treatment and becoming productive members of our community.”

The court will use the $1.4 million to provide residential treatment services to 80 defendants per month from District Court and/or the Las Vegas Justice Court. Initially, the Freedom House Project will be the service provider; other providers will be added as they become available. Approximately 35 participants have already been placed in treatment; another 100 people have been sentenced and are waiting to move to a treatment facility.

The residential placements are broken into three levels of care. The Freedom House Coordinated Care Program will provide housing and a drug-free environment to 40 specialty court participants who are also in outpatient treatment through the Choices Group or other treatment providers.  In addition, the funding will cover up to 30 specialty court participants who are sentenced to sober-living with intensive out-patient programming provided in-house.  Up to 10 residential placements will go for in-patient substance abuse treatment services with 24/7 care, monitoring, treatment and housing.

The Freedom House ANCHOR Project will also be available to provide a full range of integrated services for ex­-offenders needing access to housing, education/training, and employment to reduce the likelihood of residents returning to jail or prison. Programming includes the use of mentors, re-entry counseling, job skills development, and employment opportunities. The ANCHOR Project will use evidence-based tools/techniques for successful community reentry/reintegration and access to a range of best-practice services tailored to individual client’s needs.

 

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