Judge Lippis was courteous, ruled fairly, and was very nice

By Christopher Hansen,

I was in Judge Deborah Lippis’ courtroom this morning.

She was very nice. I watched her deal with a man that obviously had some problems with alcohol and trying to get into the wrong homes while drunk. He had also violated the conditions of his previous arrest and conviction. She was kind in her tone and respectful to the man. No rude or sarcastic comments I have seen form other judges. I was impressed. She acted like I believe judges should act.

I was shocked when my name was called next. I had a court date of April 16th at 8 a.m. so had put 20 quarters in the parking meter expecting to be waiting for hours for my Motion to Dismiss to be considered. But there it was 8:02 and I was called up.

Judge Lippis started by saying she was very impressed with my Motion to Dismiss. That floored me. It was unexpected. Not only the compliment but it demonstrated this judge had actually read the Motion. That is not a first but still impressive. She then asked the DA if she had received a copy of the motion. The DA told the court that she had not. I immediately gave the bailiff the Green Certificate of Mailing signed by the DA’s office.

Judge Lippis examined it and said: “I am going to rule that you received this motion. Or at least your mailroom did.” Once again she was kind, not directly blaming the DA, just saying that there was an obvious problem.

I asked if I could explain the reason why the DA may not have the motion telling the court how I had sent it back in December and how the Court Clerk, in December, had refused to allow my Motion to Dismiss to be filed because the DA had not turned in some type of paperwork. I said that I had been frustrated by the Court Clerk and so asked my brother, who is an attorney…”

Judge Lippis interrupted me saying, “Is Joel your brother?” I could not pass up a chance to campaign for him so I said: Yes Judge. He is a wonderful guy and currently running for Attorney General.” She almost giggled and responded, “Well hopeful that got him a few votes.”

Joel F. Hansen, Candidate for Nevada Attorney General

I went on to show the judge a copy of an Affidavit from Joel’s Law office saying that the same Motion to Dismiss was once again refused by the Court Clerk. Judge Lippis had a confused look on her face. I told her that I had then called her assistant and the assistant put me in touch with the head of the Court Clerk Department. That straightened everything out and I finally got it filed.

The judge asked the DA if she could respond to my Motion to Dismiss in two weeks. The DA said she could. The judge told the DA that the court would supply her with a copy of the Motion but I was ready and just handed her the extra copy I had with me. The judge nodded with approval.

The Court date for to hear the arguments concerning: Entry into Record of True Name as per NRS 174.025 Notice; Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Authority of Peace Officers at Scene as per NRS 484.801 Due to Failure to Follow Mandatory Requirements of NRS 484.799 Causing Insufficient Proof of Service; and Motion to Dismiss for Blatant Violation by State of NRS 178.556 “Speedy Trial” Causing Unlawful Unnecessary Delay will be heard on May 14th, 2010 AD at 8 a.m. for anyone that is interested in attending.

And be there on time. Judge Lippis runs a tight ship.