FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 31, 2017  ***MEDIA ADVISORY***

New Las Vegas City Councilman Endorses Marsy’s Law for Nevada

Among His First Actions in Office Councilman Steve Seroka Stands Up For Crime Victims’ Rights

Marsy’s Law for Nevada is proud to announce that newly elected Las Vegas City Councilman Steve Seroka is standing up for crime victims’ rights and supporting Marsy’s Law for Nevada. Seroka was elected in June to represent Ward 2 following a distinguished career in the US Air Force.  Now, as he begins his service to the people of Las Vegas he has endorsed Marsy’s Law for Nevada.

We thank Mr. Seroka for his dedication to our country, and now to the City of Las Vegas as a Councilman. He joins the growing list of civic leaders, law enforcement officials, District Attorneys, advocacy groups, victims and citizens uniting to endorse Marsy’s Law for Nevada. Just as the accused have important protected rights, the victims deserve a protected voice, information and consideration during the judicial process.

Marsy’s Law has passed two consecutive sessions of the Nevada Legislature in 2015 and 2017. Voters of Nevada will have the opportunity to vote on the question in November 2018.

Equal Rights for Nevada Crime Victims. It’s just fair. #VictimsRightsNV              

 SJR 17 would ensure the:

• Right to receive information about the services available to crime victims
• Right to be treated with fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice process
• Right to be protected from the defendant
• Right to notice of all public proceedings in the case
• Right to be reasonably heard, upon request, at all public proceedings regarding the case
• Right to reasonably confer with the prosecuting agency, upon request, regarding the case
• Right to full and timely restitution

History of Marsy’s Law

The effort is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in California in 1983.  A week later he was released pending his court proceedings and went face to face with the victim’s family, who had no idea he was out of jail.  Today her brother, Dr. Henry T. Nicholas is working to secure a voice and protection for victims and their families, nationwide. Marsy’s Law measures have already passed in Illinois, California, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana.

Senate Joint Resolution 17  

SJR 17 was first approved by Nevada state lawmakers in 2015 and again in 2017 as required by Nevada law for a constitutional amendment.  The measure will now go to a vote of Nevada residents in 2018 as a ballot question.