Lawyer challenges judge chosen for her DUI hearing

Henderson City Attorney Elizabeth Quillin has challenged the appointment of a visiting judge from a rural township to preside over her trial on a misdemeanor drunken driving charge.

Quillin's case was turned over to Moapa Valley Township Justice of the Peace D. Lanny Waite after hometown judges disqualified themselves.

Quillin's lawyer, William Terry, filed documents this week in Clark County District Court alleging that Henderson Municipal Court judges didn't follow proper procedures in selecting Waite.

Quillin, 51, has pleaded not guilty to charges in connection with a May 23 crash. A prosecutor said her blood-alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit for Nevada drivers. Waite set a Sept. 27 trial.

Judge Susan Johnson scheduled an Aug. 11 hearing on Terry's claim that Waite wasn't drawn from an approved list.

Quillin is on paid leave from her job after a stay in an alcohol treatment program. Her base salary is $190,000 a year.

Waite has a reputation as a tough law-and-order judge from a small township about 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas.

Waite and Chief Deputy Clark County District Attorney L.J. O'Neale declined comment on the court documents filed Tuesday and Wednesday.

O'Neale was named as special prosecutor in the case because Henderson deputy city attorneys work for Quillin.