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Board warned of heavy costs after 20 murder cases filed in White Pine County; department readies counsel and funds
Summary
A public commenter told the board about roughly 20 murder cases filed in White Pine County after a July prison riot — including three capital cases — and the board heard that appointed counsel and statutory contingency funds will be needed to cover substantial litigation costs.
A public commenter told the State of Nevada Board on Indigent Defense Services on Feb. 6 that about 20 murder cases have been filed in White Pine County arising from a July prison riot, and the board discussed the likely budgetary and staffing implications for appointed defense counsel.
David Schieck, speaking during public comment, said “there has been a filing of some 20 murder cases in White Pine County … three cases are going to be capital cases and the other 16 are going to require category A qualified attorneys.” He warned the costs of litigating those cases in White Pine County would be tremendous. Director Peter Handy responded that the department has appointed counsel for almost all of those defendants so far but may still need two or three additional category A-qualified attorneys; he said costs for investigators, mitigation specialists and other support services will be substantial and that he has alerted budget offices to anticipate extraordinary expenses. "We are checking on if funds can come out of 518 the account with the PDs office for paying complex litigation counsel," Handy said, and he noted statutory contingency funds may be used.
Board members asked operational questions: Chris Giunchigliani asked whether the trials must be held in White Pine County or could be moved by change of venue; Handy replied that trials typically occur where the offense took place but the department will monitor options. Board member Dayvid Figler suggested the board might prepare a white paper or subcommittee to explore collective representation, housing for counsel and other approaches to limit economic strain on county contracts while preserving defendants’ right to representation.
What happens next: The department said it will continue to track counsel appointments, coordinate with the Governor’s Finance Office and Administrative Services Division about funding sources, and alert the board if emergent action is needed before the next scheduled meeting.
