Here’s a hypothetical: You’re arrested on multiple outstanding traffic tickets and post $300 bail. The complaint is dismissed before charges are brought.
Under Nevada law, the default time before your money is returned is 30 days, unless a request for earlier repayment is granted.
Some lawmakers in Carson City want the money returned immediately after a case is dismissed.
But concerns have been raised about a proposed bill’s impact on those charged after their case is initially dismissed.
Clark County Deputy Public Defender William Waters drew attention to what he called a loophole that could lead a person to have to post bail twice in the same case. “You see the sort of unintended consequences of well-meaning legislation,” he said.
An amendment recommended by Clark County Public Defender’s Office would prevent defendants from having to post bail on the same counts more than once.
Keith Lee, a lobbyist for Nevada Judges of Limited Jurisdiction, said the group was open to changes in the bill.
“We’re going to continue to work with the stakeholders on this and see if we can come back to you with a solution,” he said.