Here We Go Again - Halverson To Appeal

Disgraced Judge, Elizabeth Halverson plans to appeal the decision that permanently removes her from the bench. Halverson has 15 days to appeal the decision to the Nevada Supreme Court.

The Nevada Judicial Discipline Commission issued the decision on Monday following an investigation into serious misconduct allegations including lying under oath, sleeping on the bench, inappropriate contact with jurors, and abuse of staff.

Michael Schwartz, Halverson's lawyer, says that his client was not surprised by the decision and added that she should not be removed from office.

Schwartz said, "Knowing the facts of the case, I don't believe there's a basis to have that kind of disposition."

The ruling comes after more than a year and a half of fighting between the judge and Nevada’s judicial system. Prior to and during the hearing, Halverson was unsuccessful in petitioning several courts, including the Nevada Supreme Court and federal court, to intervene on her behalf.

Halverson was suspended from the bench in July 2007, but has continued to collect her $130,000 annual salary. As of Monday, she will no longer receive that paycheck.

She is not eligible for a pension, as Nevada judges need to serve for five years before they can collect.

KTNV

Las Vegas Review-Journal

Judge Elizabeth Halverson – Gone

In a scathing 28 page finding, the Nevada Judicial Commission has removed the contentious Halverson from the bench and she is barred from ever serving as a judge in Nevada again.

Some of the counts against Halverson included sleeping in court, lying under oath, and mistreatment of staff.

Halverson has maintained her innocence, saying that the court officials who filed the complaints were "out to get her."

The commission said Halverson had an unrepentant attitude, lacked professional litigation and judicial expertise and had a disrespectful demeanor. "Some judges are in office for an entire career and do not accumulate the type of dismal professional history that the record in this case establishes."

Halverson refused to comment on the Commission’s ruling.

Nevada Judicial Commission’s Findings

Las Vegas Sun

KTNV