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Agenda Item
12. Recommendation to appoint one candidate to the Washoe County open seat on the Nevada Local Justice Reinvestment Coordinating Council (NLJRCC) for a two-year term beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027, pursuant to Assembly Bill 236 (2019), now codified at NRS 176.014. Candidates include: Amy Baker, Brian Erbis, Darrin Rice, Andrea E. Schumann, and Danielle Shelley. Manager. (All Commission Districts.) FOR POSSIBLE ACTION
My name is Danielle (Dani) Shelley, and I am applying for the Nevada Local Justice Reinvestment Coordinating Council.
As a criminalized survivor of domestic violence, I have experienced firsthand how procedural barriers and a lack of transparency can harm those most in need of protection. In my own case at Sparks Municipal Court (case number 24C491), I was denied access to my own police report and related records despite repeated requests, highlighting a due process failure that can prevent defendants from accessing potentially exculpatory evidence.
With over 15 years of professional experience in eDiscovery and digital evidence management, I understand the importance of robust, transparent discovery practices for fair outcomes. I have also learned that Nevada does not systematically track or report wrongful convictions or exonerations, especially at the misdemeanor level, leaving many injustices unaddressed.
According to the council’s website and state statute, the council is responsible for advising the Nevada Sentencing Commission on legislation, regulations, rules, and budgetary changes, and for making data-driven policy recommendations to the Legislature. This broader mandate—rooted in policy analysis and legislative advocacy—is what most aligns with my background and interests.
If selected, I would advocate for greater transparency and accountability in discovery practices and for statewide tracking of wrongful convictions. While I understand the council may also recommend grants and support nonprofits, my primary interest is in advancing policy and legislative change as described on the council’s website. If the council’s primary focus is limited to grants and nonprofits, I respectfully take that into account in my application.
NLJRCC – Candidate Comments:
My name is Danielle (Dani) Shelley, and I am applying for the Nevada Local Justice Reinvestment Coordinating Council.
As a criminalized survivor of domestic violence, I have experienced firsthand how procedural barriers and a lack of transparency can harm those most in need of protection. In my own case at Sparks Municipal Court (case number 24C491), I was denied access to my own police report and related records despite repeated requests, highlighting a due process failure that can prevent defendants from accessing potentially exculpatory evidence.
With over 15 years of professional experience in eDiscovery and digital evidence management, I understand the importance of robust, transparent discovery practices for fair outcomes. I have also learned that Nevada does not systematically track or report wrongful convictions or exonerations, especially at the misdemeanor level, leaving many injustices unaddressed.
According to the council’s website and state statute, the council is responsible for advising the Nevada Sentencing Commission on legislation, regulations, rules, and budgetary changes, and for making data-driven policy recommendations to the Legislature. This broader mandate—rooted in policy analysis and legislative advocacy—is what most aligns with my background and interests.
If selected, I would advocate for greater transparency and accountability in discovery practices and for statewide tracking of wrongful convictions. While I understand the council may also recommend grants and support nonprofits, my primary interest is in advancing policy and legislative change as described on the council’s website. If the council’s primary focus is limited to grants and nonprofits, I respectfully take that into account in my application.
Thank you for your consideration.