By Chief Judge Melisa De La Garza
As we enter August, typically the hottest month in Las Vegas, it is tough not to think about those in our community who may be on the brink of homelessness. As a court, Las Vegas Justice Court oversees approximately three thousand to four thousand eviction cases each month. However, the court also continues to advance innovative, community-focused solutions that improve access to justice while addressing the evolving needs of our Clark County residents. One of our recent initiatives—the expansion of the Eviction Diversion Program—reflects the court’s ongoing commitment to fairness, efficiency, and public service.
During the Board of Clark County Commissioners’ meeting, on August 4, 2026, Las Vegas Justice Court anticipates being recognized for receiving a National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for our Eviction Diversion Program.
Leading up to receiving the NACo award and being recognized at the Commissioners’ meeting, the court continued to improve its service to Clark County by expanding the Eviction Diversion Program to provide additional support for one more of the community’s most vulnerable populations. In addition to seniors and those with disabilities, families with children under one year of age are now eligible for enhanced diversion services, recognizing the unique hardships that housing instability can have on infants during the earliest stages of development. Through partnerships with Clark County Social Services, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, and other community organizations, the program connects eligible families with rental assistance, case management, and supportive services aimed at preventing homelessness and promoting long-term housing stability.
This latest initiative further demonstrates Las Vegas Justice Court’s dedication to delivering justice that extends beyond the courtroom. Whether modernizing court operations or strengthening partnerships that keep families safely housed, the court remains focused on innovative solutions that benefit both court users and the broader community. As the needs of Clark County continue to evolve, Las Vegas Justice Court will continue seeking opportunities to improve access, promote accountability, and foster public confidence in the judicial system.
About the author
Chief Judge Melisa De La Garza was raised in Las Vegas and graduated from Eldorado High School. She received her undergraduate degree from UNLV and her J.D. from Creighton University. Her legal career has included being a Deputy District Attorney, Deputy Public Defender, private practitioner, and Hearing Master. In 2018, Judge De La Garza was elected as a Justice of the Peace for Las Vegas Justice Court. In 2024, she was elected to be Chief Judge.
About the article
This article was originally published in the Communiqué (Aug 2026), the official publication of the Clark County Bar Association.
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