Halverson hearing scheduled for April

CARSON CITY -- The state Judicial Discipline Commission has scheduled a hearing for April into allegations that Clark County District Judge Elizabeth Halverson slept during trials, mistreated staff members and held illegal communications with jurors.

The hearing is to start April 14 and last five days. It will be held in Las Vegas, but a location has not been chosen yet.

The commission scheduled the hearing after Halverson declined to waive a requirement that the proceedings be conducted within 60 days of her response to the allegations. Her updated response was filed Feb. 21.

The hearing has been scheduled despite the fact that Halverson, citing undue delays in filing the formal statement of charges, has asked the Nevada Supreme Court to end the proceedings.

The charges were not filed until early January after she sought relief from the Supreme Court.

The court has not ruled on her request.

The Supreme Court on Nov. 1 upheld a decision by the Judicial Discipline Commission to bar Halverson from her duties temporarily.

But the court also warned the commission to move forward quickly with formal proceedings.

The Judicial Discipline Commission complaint lists several allegations of inappropriate and bizarre behavior.

Halverson has denied the allegations.

She has been on an interim suspension with pay since July, and she has filed for re-election to her seat on the bench.