Justice Court Judges preside over cases involving traffic offenses, misdemeanor criminal charges, small claims disputes, evictions, protection orders, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. Justice Courts are often the public’s first point of contact with the judicial system and handle a high volume of cases that directly affect housing stability, public safety, and everyday legal disputes. These judges are responsible for ensuring proceedings follow due process and that laws are applied consistently and fairly. Because Justice Court decisions can significantly impact individuals’ rights, financial stability, and access to justice, these races are important in supporting accountability and public trust within the local court system.Note: This is a nonpartisan race. The designation only applies to the race, and does not reflect the political affiliations of the candidates.
Campaign Phone Number
702-706-1608
Endorsements
Henderson Police Officers' Association. Henderson Police Supervisors Association. Clark County Prosecutors Association. Nevada Veterans Caucus. District Attorney Steve Wolfson. Nevada Police Union. Southern Nevada Building Trades Unions. Laborers Union Local 872 – LiUNA. Las Vegas Police Protective Association. Las Vegas Metro Police Managers and Supervisors Association. Police Officers Association of Clark County School District. Las Vegas Peace Officers Association. Las Vegas Peace Officers Supervisors Association. North Las Vegas Police Officers Association. Carson City Sheriff's Supervisory Association. Douglas County Sheriff Protective Association. Sparks Police Protective Association. Washoe County Sheriff Deputies Association. Reno Police Protective Association. Washoe County School Police Officer's Association. Vegas Desi. Clark County District Attorney Investigators Association.
I prosecute the most serious and sensitive cases as a prosecutor in the Special Victims Unit. My assigned specialty is prosecuting sexual assault cold cases as part of the backlog of sex assault kits. I have prosecuted sex crimes, murders, DUIs resulting in death, and violent gun crimes.
Justice Court handles the initial phases of felony cases. I have handled thousands of cases in Justice Court. I am the only candidate that has experience prosecuting these serious crimes and the only candidate with any recent jury trial experience.
The law should always be interpreted based on statutes and precedent, not to seek a specific outcome. I follow the canons of statutory interpretation as the Nevada Supreme Court requires of lawyers and judges in Nevada.
It is important for judges to follow the proper procedures and consider the factors as required by law and precedent. I have built a reputation as a lawyer that considers the issues fairly and with impartiality. I will do the same as a judge.
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Candidate has not yet responded.
Campaign Phone Number
702-523-8792
Endorsements
Western States Regional Council of Carpenters
I have been a practicing attorney for the past 28 years. During that time, I have practiced both criminal and civil law. In fact, I have handled every type of case that would come before the Henderson Justice Court, and I have done so in the Henderson Courthouse. Local judges, prosecutors and police officers have entrusted the legal representation of their family and friends to me because they know and trust my passion, ethics, experience and skill. These are the same traits I will exhibit as Henderson Justice Court Judge.
First, I would look to the plain meaning of the language of the law as written. Then I would look to the intent of the legislation and the original objectives of the legislature in enacting the law. Finally, is the law as written constitutional. It is not up to the Judge to change the law but rather to interpret the law and apply the law to the facts of the case.
Judges must remain impartial; this is the essence of being a Judge. In doing so, the public will gain confidence in a Judge's decision and in the courtroom. All that can be asked of a Judge is to treat every individual that comes into Court with respect and give every litigant the chance to be heard. If a Judge does that, fairness and impartiality will ensue. The Judge must strive to project fairness and impartiality on every case before the Court. In so doing public confidence in the Courtroom will grow.
Campaign Phone Number
702-800-7928
Endorsements
Armed Forces Chamber, Nevada Veterans Association, Veterans in Politics International, Clark County Deputy marshals Association
My name is Trent Richards and I am running for the newly created Henderson Justice Court Department 4 position. I have been serving the Henderson Justice Court community since 2022 as a judge pro tem. I am deeply familiar with the processes, procedures and operation of the Henderson Justice Court, and my addition to the court as a regular full-time judge will help to enhance the services the Henderson Justice Court provides to the community.
I hold an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubble, among other recognitions, and am the managing partner of the firm I helped found, Sagebrush Lawyers. I am a veteran of the
Marine Corps. Before law school I worked extensively in the construction industry in Nevada and Utah.
I start with the plain language of the statute, because that’s the clearest expression of legislative intent. If there’s ambiguity, I look at the statute as a whole, related provisions, and case law to guide interpretation. I also review any applicable case law to ensure the decision properly applies the law to the facts. If an interpretation conflicts with the statute, precedent, or exceeds authority, it’s the court’s duty to address that.
I ensure fairness by listening to all parties involved in a matter so that they have an opportunity to be heard and understood.
I ensure impartiality by making decisions based upon the law as written and enforced without regard to the parties appearing before me.
I ensure public confidence by operating with judicial integrity, which means fairness, honesty, uprightness, and soundness of character.
