Las Vegas Justice Court Implements One Judge/One Defendant Criminal Case Assignment Process

On February 3, 2025, the Las Vegas Justice Court released a statement about the implementation of a new “One Judge/One Defendant” criminal case assignment process. This innovative system became effective Monday, February 3, 2025, and aims to streamline case management and improve judicial efficiency.

The new process employs a computer program designed to determine whether a defendant has a prior connection to an existing criminal case. If a prior connection is established, the new case will be assigned to the same judge overseeing the existing case. This approach ensures continuity and consistency in the handling of criminal cases involving the same defendant.

Key Rules for the One Judge/One Defendant Process:

1. Determination of Prior Connection: The computer program will assess whether the defendant has a prior connection to an existing criminal case in the Las Vegas Justice Court. A prior connection is established when:
   • An active lower-numbered criminal case, including cases where a criminal complaint has not been filed, is pending against the defendant or co-defendant.The defendant has not satisfied all conditions of a sentence and the case has ongoing post-adjudication status checks or an active warrant.
2. The defendant is charged, and the charge arose from the same criminal transaction that was the basis of a citation/criminal complaint previously filed against the defendant (refile) or co-defendant.
3. Case Assignment: If a prior connection exists, the new case will be assigned to the court with the prior connection. If multiple prior connections exist, the new case will be assigned to the court with the lowest case number.
4. Superseding Cases: Domestic violence and/or DUI case assignments will supersede prior connections.
5. Exclusion of Traffic Cases: Traffic case types will be excluded from this process and will be randomly assigned regardless of prior connections.
6. Administrative Reassignment: If a case is assigned to a department in error, it will be administratively reassigned to the appropriate department in accordance with established Administrative Orders and/or these rules.

This initiative underscores the Las Vegas Justice Court’s commitment to enhancing the judicial process and ensuring that justice is administered efficiently and fairly.

For more information, please contact: Las Vegas Justice Court Administration: LVJCAdministration@clarkcountynv.gov.