Not Serious Crimes
The Nevada Supreme Court declined to order an interim suspension but sent the matter for an investigation as a result of misdemeanor offenses
This is a petition under SCR 111 informing this court that attorney Roy Laverne Nelson, III has been convicted of two misdemeanor offenses of driving under the influence of alcohol, in violation of NRS 484C.110. Nelson did not self-report the convictions to the State Bar as required by SCR 111(2). Because Nelson was convicted of two misdemeanor
traffic violations involving alcohol, bar counsel investigated and presented the matter to a screening panel before filing this petition, as required by SCR 111(4). The screening panel expressed concern that the convictions could adversely reflect on Nelson’s fitness to practice and recommended that this court return the matter to the Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board for disciplinary proceedings.
Because the convictions are not for a “serious crime” as defined in SCR 111(6), temporary suspension and referral for disciplinary proceedings are not mandatory. SCR 111(7). Having considered the petition and supporting documentation, we conclude that Nelson’s convictions do not warrant the imposition of a temporary suspension. See SCR 111(9). But considering the seriousness of the charges and resulting convictions, we refer this matter to the Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board to consider whether Nelson engaged in conduct that would warrant discipline and, if so, to determine the extent of the discipline to be imposed. See id. (providing that this court “may refer the matter to the appropriate disciplinary board for any action it may deem warranted”).
It is so ORDERED.
A 2011 story in the Las Vegas Review-Journal
A veteran Clark County prosecutor has abruptly resigned.
Clark County spokesman Dan Kulin confirmed Thursday that Chief Deputy District Attorney Roy Nelson was no longer with the office.
Sources said Nelson resigned Nov. 10 “in lieu of termination.”
Nelson, 36, who joined the district attorney’s office in 2001, headed the gun crimes unit. He prosecuted several murder cases and was one of two prosecutors who handled criminal cases against boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Nelson declined to comment Thursday.
Kulin said it would be inappropriate to discuss specifics of Nelson’s resignation.
Las Vegas police Lt. Dave Logue, who runs the Criminal Intelligence Section that has investigated lawyers in the past, declined to comment Thursday, saying Nelson’s departure was a “personnel matter within the district attorney’s office.” District Attorney David Roger declined to discuss the resignation.
Nelson’s sudden departure created a buzz at the Regional Justice Center, where he made regular court appearances. Fellow prosecutors and defense lawyers who frequently sparred with him said they were surprised by his resignation.
“He was a well-respected prosecutor and well-liked by everyone in the courthouse,” said longtime defense lawyer Thomas Pitaro, who had gone toe-to-toe with Nelson in court.
(Mike Frisch)