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“Info about the Eighth Judicial District Court.”

Tag Archives: Eighth Judicial District Court

July 30, 2021 Searching for fulfillment and want to give back?

If you are searching for fulfillment and want to give back, there are children is foster care who need you. Learn how you can change a child’s story as a court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Find out what it takes to be a CASA though one of the August online orientations:

  • WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1 FROM NOON – 1 P.M.
  • FRIDAY, SEPT. 10 FROM 9 A.M. – 10 A.M.
  • WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 15 FROM 6 P.M. – 7 P.M.
  • FRIDAY, SEPT. 24 FROM NOON – 1 P.M.

Those who are interested can submit an online application form at https://nv-8th.evintosolutions.com/volunteerapplication

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July 27, 2021 Lawyer on brink of death saved by District Court marshals and Good Samaritan nurse

It was a typical hot summer Monday in late June, at the Regional Justice Center in downtown Las Vegas. The rush of people hustling to courtrooms to catch up from the pandemic slowdown was underway. At 8:50 a.m. on the 10th floor, a 72 year-old attorney, who was preparing for a hearing with a client, suffered an apparent heart attack and fell backwards. Judge Nancy Allf’s former law clerk Joe Dagher reacted immediately to call the marshals’ dispatch, and then 911. His actions saved crucial time. Marshal dispatchers Cherina Elfberg and Gemma Perez launched a coordinated emergency response, sent marshals to the scene and put in a call for emergency medical services.

A nearby Good Samaritan who observed the distressed attorney on the floor, responded to the commotion. The Good Samaritan announced himself as a registered nurse and began to assist with an assessment of the attorney’s condition. After determining the attorney had no pulse, the nurse began chest compressions while Marshal Tyrone Tillman raced for a defibrillator that he used to aid the attorney. He, Lt. Jeff Wooten and Marshal Joshua Parrot helped with CPR and performed two rounds with the defibrillator, while Marshal Aaron Kaleo and Marshal Juan Almaraz managed a crowd of onlookers that had gathered as the incident unfolded. After the second round of defibrillation, the distressed lawyer got a pulse and resumed breathing. Emergency medical technicians soon arrived on-scene and transported him for more in-depth treatment.

The swift, coordinated actions of the law clerk, dispatchers, marshals and the Good Samaritan saved a man’s life on what was an otherwise ordinary summer scorcher at the courthouse.

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July 23, 2021 District Court Marshals nab man accused of making threats on doorbell cam to rape and kill woman

An observant and quick thinking clerk in the Marriage Bureau notified District Court Deputy Marshal David Ellis of a man outside the courthouse who fit the profile of a suspect wanted by police. Video had been circulating online from a doorbell cam showing a man making threats to rape and kill a woman inside the home. The suspect had very distinctive tattoos that were clearly visible.

Courthouse marshals are accustomed to responding to fast moving situations, and Marshal Ellis wasted no time notifying dispatch as he prepared to approach the suspect. Dispatch sent Deputy Marshal Enriquez and Sergeant Spies to aid Officer Ellis. The marshals quickly caught up with the suspect and took him into custody without incident.

The alleged victims’ neighbor, who positively identified the detained suspect, sent a note to the District Court security chief. “Thanks so much for your help this morning,” he wrote. “I truly believe that without you there this guy would have walked. Our whole neighborhood group is extremely grateful for you!”

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July 21, 2021 Courthouse marshals save life of woman who collapsed while seeking help for eviction

Nick Dion’s letter to the head of court security describes the day that District Court marshals Sergeant Tim Spies, Sergeant RJ Pastorius, Officer Raymundo Enriquez, Officer Chris Rivers and Officer Lamons Walker saved a woman’s life.

“Their universes collided on a random Tuesday,” that’s how Nick Dion’s letter to the head of court security describes the day that District Court marshals Sergeant Tim Spies, Sergeant RJ Pastorius, Officer Raymundo Enriquez, Officer Chris Rivers and Officer Lamons Walker saved a woman’s life.

Nick is a law clerk at the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada Civil Law Self-Help in the Regional Justice Center. It’s a place where many in the community go for help when they face eviction. While being assisted with an eviction notice, a woman named Brenda collapsed. The Civil Law Self-Help Center staff jumped into action. Spencer Achiu, the law clerk, who was helping her at the time, and Lauren Peña, the directing attorney, ran to alert nearby court marshals. Within a flash, they were on the spot. “Sergeant Spies was the first to respond to our call for help. He quickly arrived to the woman’s side and after assessing her situation by checking her vital signs, he noticed that the woman was not breathing and that her heart had stopped. Without hesitation, Officer Spies and Officer Pastorius began immediate life-saving procedures and began to perform compressions,” wrote Dion. His letter goes on to describe that another responding officer used a defibrillator to restart Brenda’s heart to save her life.

“When I spoke with one of the officers yesterday, he responded with “It’s our job,” wrote Dion. Adding that had Brenda been anywhere else and collapsed, there was a good chance she would not have survived. “It was the training and immediacy of the officers that quite literally saved her life. That deserves a commendation.” His letter was signed by the entire Legal Aid Civil Law Self-Help Center team.

When Brenda collapsed, the marshals responded quickly and decisively. They are a credit to themselves and the team they serve. The court marshals who saved her life deserve immense gratitude for that and for all the other work that they and the other marshals perform every working day to keep courthouse visitors and facilities safe.

We also recognize the outstanding response of the dispatchers Cherina Elfberg, Taylor Bonifacio and Gemma Perez, and the Civil Law Self-Help Center team, whose swift action saved crucial time so that Brenda could be saved.

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July 20, 2021 Courts reinstate mandatory face coverings at all court facilities effective immediately

Nevada Supreme Court Chief Justice James Hardesty and District Court Chief Judge Linda Bell issued Administrative Order 21-05 that reinstates the mask mandate at all court facilities to address the concerning rise of coronavirus cases.

AO 21-05Download

The order provides an overview of how the court is moving forward as virus numbers rise, and the message is clear: masks are back for everyone.

For the health and safety of all members of the public must wear face coverings that cover their noses and mouths. Face coverings must be worn at all times while in any Court facility and while in any security screening line to enter a Court facility. “Court facilities” include the Regional Justice Center, the Family Court building, District Court courtrooms and office space on the tenth and eleventh floors of the Phoenix building, District Court courtroom and office space in the Greystone building and District Court office space in the Clark Place building.

All District Court judges and employees must cover their noses and mouths with face coverings while at work unless they are alone in unshared work space. This includes all common areas of any facility as well as parking lots, back hallways, employee-only elevators, shared restrooms and break rooms. All attorneys, vendors, and employees of any organization or entity who work in a Court facility must cover their noses and mouths with face coverings while in any common areas of the facilities. Common areas include, but are not limited to, security screening, lobby areas. Public elevators, employee elevators, shared back hallways, public restrooms and courtrooms. This includes, but is not limited to, employees of Las Vegas Justice Court, Legal Aid Self-Help Centers, Clark County Clerk’s Main Office, Clark County District Attorney’s Office, Clark County Public Defender’s Office, Clark County Department of Juvenile Justice Services, Clark County Department of Family Services, and contract counsel. Employees of other organization or entities with space in Court facilities are subject to the policies of their individual employers while in their own organization’s work space. Children under the age of two and individuals who are unable to remove the face covering without assistance do not have to comply with the above-referenced face covering directives. Individuals who are unable to wear a face covering should make arrangements to appear by alternative means.

Face coverings must cover the nose and mouth at all times. Face coverings with vents bandanas, or face coverings made out of mesh are not permitted. Face shields may be worn with a mask as added protection, but may not be worn alone. Face coverings must be worn regardless of vaccination status.

The order takes effect immediately.

AO 21-05Download

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July 8, 2021 District Court fee payment now available Online

https://payments.clarkcountycourts.us

Fee payment for the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada is now available online. Payment can be made on the court website https://payments.clarkcountycourts.us/. Prompts guide users through the payment process using a Visa, MasterCard or e-check. There is a service fee of 2.6 percent for credit card payments.

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June 16, 2021 Step up to boost graduation rates in our community

  • If you have additional questions or are ready to get involved, please contact the Truancy Diversion Program through email TDP@clarkcountycourts.us or call 702-455-1755.

Skipping school, cutting, ditching, or as it is officially known – truancy, is a gateway to dropping out of school and criminal activity. The Truancy Diversion Program’s (TDP) gets kids in school and on track to graduate, so they can move on to achieve career success. Volunteers are the heart of this amazing program that motivates kids who may not otherwise have anyone else who can help them. The program needs 20 volunteers with experience in either a legal profession, law enforcement, social services or education to serve as Truancy Diversion judges to do sessions in CCSD and Charter schools to motivate students to attend class and complete assignments. 

A TDP judge is asked to commit one morning each week to preside over a truancy calendar at an assigned school.  Wearing a judicial robe, the TDP judge, an educational liaison and a family advocate meet with students and their families if possible to address each student’s attendance record, behavioral issues and barriers to regular school attendance.

The TDP judge imparts formality to the proceedings while also providing students with an approachable authority figure who helps to motivate them. The interaction between the TDP judge and family provides participants with enhanced social skills, a sense of empowerment, and an increased appreciation for the value of education.

A training session planned for August, will give volunteers the tips and tools they need to motivate students to achieve. TDP volunteers must be at least 21 and able to pass a background check. The total time commitment is 2.5 hours per week for the duration of the school year.

If you have additional questions or are ready to get involved, please contact the Truancy Diversion Program through email TDP@clarkcountycourts.us or call 702-455-1755.

Volunteering for the Truancy Diversion Program, administered by the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada, is a rewarding way to pay it forward and make our community stronger through bettering our youth.

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June 10, 2021 MAT specialty court alumni gathering set to bring support to those in recovery

So many people get caught in the loop of addiction and crime. The loop is like quicksand that takes everything from those in its grip. James McCartney was caught in that grip of drinking and using for nearly 42 years, until one day in prison he realized he had to get out. That’s when he got involved with the TRUST program (Team Recovery Under Structured Treatment) a program at the prison that taught him smart recovery coping strategies. While in the program, he learned about the Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) program from assistant District Court administrator DeDe Parker. He requested to be admitted into the program. After successfully completing several months of intensive treatment through MAT, he graduated. His transformation is nothing short of miraculous. Prior to his recovery, he had not held a job for more than 15 years. He is now works at a Splash and Dash Car Wash and he gives back through the Hope for Prisoners program.

James is inspiration to those who struggle with addiction. He is inviting others who have completed the MAT program to come together for an alumni gathering on June 12, at noon, in Lorenzi Park. His goal is to build community and support. He believes those struggling with substance abuse need more than just a sponsor. That is something he learned in his own recovery. He said, “I want to put a face on recovery for the community, because we do recover. We have a stigma that a lot of people can’t relate to.” His hope is that he can change that. James shares that he’s been clean for three years. “I finally have my life back. I am fresh in my recovery, because I used for so long. Addiction is terrible, it consumes your soul and your mind.”

When asked who should come to the gathering that will have free food, a deejay and welcoming environment, he said, “Of course the graduates, and people still in the program; so they can meet the people who finished the program, so they could learn something.” He adds, “People can change if they want to. It’s not cookie-cutter. For me, it’s life or death. I’ve been legally dead before. For me, going back to prison would be a life-sentence.”

James got in the MAT program and completed his treatment at Crossroads. MAT court is comprehensive specialty court prevention plan with medically assisted treatment for opiate abuse among those who are re-entering the community after incarceration. Judge Christina Silva presides over the MAT court that is turning lives around.

“These are people that really touch my life,” said James. “I looked forward to seeing Judge Silva every two weeks.” James now wants to pay it forward. “I want to get into the field of helping people out of their addiction.”

“These are people that really touch my life,” said James. “I looked forward to seeing Judge Silva every two weeks.” James now wants to pay it forward. “I want to get into the field of helping people out of their addiction.”  He does peer support through the Law Enforcement Intervention for Mental Health and Addiction (LIMA) program and helps people in CCDC. The LIMA Program is a nine to 12 month pre-booking diversion program developed to address low-level drug crimes.

“It is great to see James work to help those following in the difficult footsteps of recovery. It’s a tough road and every bit of support is important, especially in light of the pandemic,” said Judge Silva. “I am very proud of James and I hope current MAT Court participants are inspired by James and the other graduates who are shining examples of commitment to recovery and success.”

“I am so passionate about helping others out of their addictions if they want to,” said James. “I ask them what they want,” while noting that people don’t want to be told what to do. “I love it. It fills my heart with joy. I get my happiness through other people’s happiness. Especially if I helped to make it happen. I get my joy from giving back.”

He jokes about how long it took him to get into recovery. “People asked, where’s your rock bottom? I told them, I’m digging a hole to China.”

Those who want to learn about the MAT Alumni Gathering can visit the Facebook page at https://fb.me/e/17GDleFlM

An estimated 65 percent of individuals in U.S. prisons and jails have a substance abuse disorder. Opioids rank high as their drug of choice. Medically assisted treatment paired with counseling treatment, has proven to be an effective way to address addiction, put a dent in the opioid epidemic and stem the related criminal activity. Effective treatment provides better results at a lower cost than repeated incarceration.

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June 4, 2021 New Administrative Order 21-04 addresses all operations as court ramps up from slowdown caused by pandemic

New Administrative Order 21-04 continues the District Court’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For purposes of clarity and to avoid confusion, this order supersedes AO 20-01 through 20-13, 20-16, 20-17, 20-22, 20-23, 20-24, and 21-03.  Any portions of those orders that remain in effect are included in this order.  AO 20-14 (the process for electronic processing of search warrants) remains in effect.  Except where otherwise noted, this order takes effect upon filing.

administrative-order-21_04Download

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May 7, 2021 Eighth graders take on complex mock trial before real judge

Judge Stephanie Charter hosted a mock trial in her courtroom for an eighth grade class. Suited up and carrying briefcases, the class from Classical Convos Homeschool came prepared for a complex reckless homicide case. “They did an excellent job of tackling the challenging subject matter. A few of the students showed a real aptitude for cross-examination and could have a future as prosecutors or defense counsel,” said Judge Charter. “I think it will be an experience they will remember as they go on to high school, where I would anticipate some of them will remain involved in a mock trial program.  It’s an example of using the courthouse for the public good and furthering education for Clark County youth.”

The students showed their appreciation for the mock trial experience with a nice thank you card. 

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