FAMM began working to reform a variety of Nevada’s mandatory minimum laws in 2009. Nevada's mandatory minimum sentences only apply to certain crimes, including many drug and property offenses. FAMM’s work paid off and a reform bill was introduced by Assemblyman Bernie Anderson, on behalf of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, on March 23, 2009. Unfortunately, the bill was not voted out of the Judiciary Committee. Nevada’s next legislative session does not begin until 2011.
Background on Michelle Lyn Taylor:
FAMM urges Nevada Supreme Court to reverse mandatory life sentence for Michelle Lyn Taylor (10/27/10). Read press release and download amicus brief.
Fox News host John Stossel blogs about Michelle Taylor
FAMM president's message and a link to YouTube video of Michelle Taylor's sentencing
FAMM comments on Michelle Taylor's appeal (press release)
FAMM condemns mandatory life sentence for Nevada woman (press release)
Learn more:
Nevada legislative updates
FAMM’s factsheet on Nevada’s mandatory minimums (pdf)
Does the state have mandatory minimum laws? Yes. Click here to learn more.
Does the state have a sentencing commission? No.
Does the state have sentencing guidelines? No.
If yes, are the sentencing guidelines voluntary/advisory or mandatory? N/A
Does the state have drug courts? Yes. Pages 45-48 of this document have more information.
Does the state have one or more safety valves/exceptions? No. To learn more about safety valves, read FAMM's factsheet, Safety Valves in a Nutshell.
Reports
From the Pew Center on the States and the Council of State Governments:
Work in the States: Sentencing and Corrections in Nevada (2008)
Sentencing and Corrections Profile: Nevada (2008)
Increasing Public Safety and Generating Savings: Options for Nevada Policymakers (2007)
Helpful links
Governor Brian Sandoval
Nevada Department of Corrections
Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners
Nevada Board of Pardons Commissioners (pardons and commutations)
Nevada Legislature
Nevada Court System
Nevada Drug Courts: No website available.
Want help finding a lawyer in this state? Click here or contact the local association of criminal defense lawyers. You can learn more about how to work with an attorney by reading our answers to frequently asked questions.
Want to search this state’s laws? Click here
Want to find out how a bill becomes a law in this state? Click here
Want to find your state legislative representatives?: Click here
Want to work on changing the laws in your state?: Learn how through our Citizen Action Kit!
Sentencing/Criminal Justice Reform Groups in the State
ACLU of Nevada
DISCLAIMER: FAMM does not endorse or support and is not affiliated with any of the attorneys, organizations, or sites listed on this page. FAMM cannot guarantee that the laws listed on its website or the content appearing on any of the links listed on this page are accurate or fully up-to-date. Laws change often, and before taking any action in reliance on the information presented on FAMM’s website or on the sites linked to on this page, you should always verify that the information is still accurate or talk with an attorney. If you feel you need legal advice, you should seek the help of an attorney in your state. FAMM cannot provide legal advice, representation, research, or referrals.