Joe Heck on Crime

Don't let defendant inform grand jury charges were dismissed

Analysis by "Nevada Appeal", June 4, 2007:ÿAB364 would allow a defendant in a criminal proceeding to file a statement with the grand jury if charges against him had earlier been dismissed in a preliminary hearing. That statement could include the fact that a judge had dismissed the charges for lack of evidence or other legal problems. [The lead sponsor] said the change would provide defendants with some fairness by essentially requiring district attorneys to bring new evidence before a grand jury after losing in a preliminary hearing, [and noted that] even the district attorneys had agreed they could live with the change.

Veto Message:ÿThe grand jury system is a fair and workable system that protects the rights of defendants and there is no compelling need to change it.

Legislative Outcome:ÿJun/4/07 Senate 8-13-0 (sustained veto); State Sen. Joe Heck voted NO on override; Jun/4/07 Assembly 31-11-0 (overrode veto).

Rated 85% by the NAPO, indicating a tough-on-crime stance.

Ratings by the National Association of Police Organizations indicate support or opposition to issues of importance to police and crime. The organization's self-description: "The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) is a coalition of police units and associations from across the United States. NAPO was organized for the purpose of advancing the interests of America's law enforcement officers through legislative advocacy, political action, and education.

"Increasingly, the rights and interests of law enforcement officers have been the subject of legislative, executive, and judicial action in the nation’s capital. NAPO works to influence the course of national affairs where law enforcement interests are concerned. The following list includes examples of NAPO’s accomplishments:

• Enactment of the Fair Sentencing Act
• Enactment of the National AMBER Alert Act
• Enactment of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act
• Enactment of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act
• Enactment of the Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act (Right to Carry Legislation)

VoteMatch scoring for the NAPO ratings is as follows:

• 0%-50%: soft on crime and police issues;
• 50%-75%: mixed record on crime and police issues;
• 75%-100%: tough on crime and police issues.