Question 1

What are the qualifications for District Court Judge?

Answer

Resident of the State of Nevada; At least 25 years of age; Admitted to the practice of law for at least 10 years, in good standing. This means all candidates must have been practicing attorneys for ten years without suspension. Tegan Christine Machnich has been a resident and practicing attorney in Clark County, Nevada, for over 10 years and has never been disciplined or suspended by the Nevada State Bar (nor has she been the subject of a formal complaint). And while any suggestion to the contrary is very kind, she is well over the required age.

Question 2

What does “department” mean?

Answer

They are what we call judicial seats here in Nevada. When cases are filed, they are randomly assigned a judicial department. Judges are elected to fill these seats. When a judge is out sick, retires early, or is voted out of office, the “department” remains and the judge changes.

Question 3

What kind of cases does Department 15 hear?

Answer

Department 15 is one of our departments of general jurisdiction – that means that it hears civil (generally, cases concerning disputes over money – over $10,000) and criminal (Gross Misdemeanor and Felony) matters. It does not hear family court matters.

Question 4

Can I vote in this race?

Answer

If you are a resident of Clark County, Nevada – YES. This is County-wide race and every vote counts.

Question 5

Is there a primary in Department 15?

Answer

Yes – Early Voting runs May 23, 2020 – June 5, 2020. Election Day is June 9, 2020

Question 6

Are District Court Judges required to have trial experience?

Answer

Unfortunately, no. In an ideal world, our judicial departments would hear only civil or criminal matters making this unnecessary. But that is not how our courts are currently structured. The current occupant of Department 15, and the other challenger, have NEVER practiced criminal law. What does that mean? Neither has any experience in representing criminal defendants or the State in difficult matters involving life and liberty. Tegan Christine Machnich has proudly represented indigent criminal defendants for approximately nine years. Prior to that, she worked at a large, very well-respected, civil firm here in Las Vegas. Her practice was largely in commercial litigation (business contract disputes that come before our courts), with a small amount of insurance, employment and civil rights work as well. She the ONLY candidate in this race who has practice both civil and criminal law.

Question 7

Why do we elect judges?

Answer

Because that is Nevada law. There was a ballot measure several years ago that sought to change that, which failed. Our current system of appointments (during judicial department vacancies that happen outside of elections) is only as perfect as the politicians in charge. The current occupant of Department 15 was appointed during a vacancy. He was appointed over a more-qualified female attorney at a time when his father was high up in the state legislature with a Governor of the same party making the final decision. Until we can guarantee this won’t happen again, perhaps electing our judges is a better bet for Nevada.

Primary Early Voting occurs May 23, 2020 to June 5, 2020. Election Day is June 9, 2020.

FOR JUDGE | DEPT. 15

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