The Nevada Legislature passed nearly 700 new bills during its legislative session this year. The governor has signed over 600 of the bills into law to date. Many of the bills signed by governor have to do with reforming criminal justice in the state. One such law addresses traffic violations and what constitutes proper circumstances for incarceration. The bill is known as Assembly Bill 434 (AB434).
Provisions related to our discussion
While AB434 covers many areas of legal concern, the main provision related to our discussion is found in Section 5.3. The new law, which takes effect October 1, 2019, states that for someone arrested for a violation of Nevada’s traffic laws, “…there is a presumption that the person should be released on his or her own recognizance.” This presumption does not apply to arrests for reckless driving, vehicular manslaughter, DUI; or if the person willfully refuses to pay court-imposed obligations and refuses to perform community service to satisfy a court-imposed obligation; or if the court finds that releasing the person “…would substantially jeopardize public safety.”
Additional Relevant Provisions of the new law
Section 5.1 – The legislature states its finding that incarceration of a person for failing to appear in court, or failing to pay administrative assessments, fines or court fees for minor traffic violations should “…generally be disfavored,” with the exception of a person who substantially jeopardizes public safety.
Section 5.5 – Establishes that convictions for minor traffic violations, with the exception of reckless driving, vehicular manslaughter, or DUI, is not considered a criminal conviction for purposes of applying for employment, professional licenses, or educational opportunities.
Section 5.7 – Establishes a grace period of 30 Days prior to issuance of a bench warrant for failure to appear in court or to pay fines and fees, with the exception of reckless driving, vehicular manslaughter or DUI.
Section 5.8 – Provides that bench warrants for failure to pay fines and fees may not be issued unless the person has been offered opportunity to satisfy the obligation through community service and has failed to perform the community service.
Ticket Busters keeps you informed as the law changes
The above summary highlights several relevant changes made by AB434. The new law contains many other provisions that may affect you while driving in Nevada. The entire bill can be found on here. Regardless of the changes, Ticket Busters will be here to represent you with the courts. We keep up to date on the legal changes, so that we can provide the best service to our clients. In order to save time, save points on your driving record, and increases to your insurance rates, call us today if you’ve received a ticket in Las Vegas or surrounding Clark County at (702) 666-6666.
Learn More:
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/80th2019/Bill/6827/Overview
