Douglas County Leaders Unite on Behalf of Crime Victims

 

For Immediate Release

 

May 2018

Media Contacts:

Deborah Clayton & Kim Sherwood Schofield

[email protected]

 

Marsy’s Law for Nevada is proud to announce that the civic leaders of Douglas County have united to stand up for victims’ rights in Nevada and support Question 1 on the November ballot. Members Nancy McDermid, David E. Nelson, Barry Penzel, Steven Thaler, and Larry Walsh all agree that Nevadans deserve stronger protected rights during the judicial process of a criminal case.

The Commissioners join Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini along with many community and law enforcement leaders statewide who are joining forces to protect the citizens of Nevada through Marsy’s Law.

Marsy’s Law for Nevada seeks to solidify stronger, yet reasonable rights for victims of crime in our state Constitution.  The rights of a victim should never be left to question.    

Marsy’s Law for Nevada now has the endorsement of more than 150 civic leaders across the state. Residents of Nevada will have the final vote on the issue in November 2018 with Ballot Question 1. We urge all Nevadans to remember to cast a vote for themselves this fall and Vote YES on 1, to protect victims’ rights.  

 

Marsy’s Law would ensure the:

* Right to receive information about the services available to crime victims

* Right to be treated with fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice process

* Right to be protected from the defendant

* Right to notice of all public proceedings in the case

* Right to be reasonably heard, upon request, at all public proceedings regarding the case

* Right to reasonably confer with the prosecuting agency, upon request, regarding the case

* Right to full and timely restitution

 

History of Marsy’s Law

   The effort is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in California in 1983.  A week later he was released pending his court proceedings and went face to face with the victim’s family, who had no idea he was out of jail.  Today her brother, Dr. Henry T. Nicholas is working to secure a voice and protection for victims and their families, nationwide. Marsy’s Law measures have already passed in California, Illinois, North Dakota, and South Dakota, and Ohio. 

Marsy’s Law Approval        

Marsy’s Law/Senate Joint Resolution 17 was first approved by Nevada state lawmakers in 2015 and again in 2017 as required by Nevada law for a constitutional amendment.  Marsy’s Law for Nevada will now go to a vote of Nevada residents in 2018 as Ballot Question 1.  We urge all Nevadans to remember to cast a vote for themselves in November.  Vote YES on 1.

For more information visit nv.marsyslaw.us.  #VictimsRightsNV   #YESon1NV