Panel gives Halverson 67 days to prepare for hearing

The Nevada Judicial Discipline Commission today agreed to give embattled Clark County District Judge Elizabeth Halverson just over 60 days to prepare for an upcoming hearing where she could be removed from the bench.

The panel also allowed the three attorneys who had been representing her to withdraw from her case.

Halverson, who said she could not pay the legal bills, will now represent herself in the hearing originally scheduled for June 9. Because her attorneys were allowed to withdraw, the commission gave Halverson 67 days to prepare. The new hearing date is Aug. 4.

Halverson is currently suspended with pay. She has filed for re-election.

The commission hearing will consider numerous allegations against the new judge. They include claims that Halverson slept during trials, mistreated staff members and held illegal communications with jurors.