Kerri Maxey
Career Highlights
- Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada
- A Foundational member of the Minor Guardianship Advocacy Program, established in early 2020 to address the legal needs of vulnerable children in guardianship cases. Maxey played a pivotal role in shaping the program’s direction, including developing attorney duties and standards of practice.
- Scheduled to teach a Continuing Education Class on the differences between NRS 159A guardianship and NRS 432B guardianship.
- Maxey participates in a committee proposing legislative reforms to NRS 159A to better reflect the realities of minor guardianship.
- Clark County Public Defender’s Office
- Represented minors aged 8-21 charged with a wide range of offenses, including serious felonies and cases involving transfer proceedings from juvenile court to the adult criminal system.
- Continued to represent clients through the completion of their cases in the adult criminal system.
- Has taught Continuing Education Classes on Juvenile Sex Offenders and the process of transferring minors from the delinquency system to the criminal system.
- Supervised student attorneys from the Boyd School of Law, training them in juvenile defense.
Court Docket
Civil/Criminal Split
Ethics History
- Ethics Violations: None reported.
- Sanctions: No sanctions or disciplinary actions have been recorded.
Judicial Experience
None
Practice Areas
Juvenile Law, Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation, Guardianship
Prior Job Titles
Staff Attorney in the Minor Guardianship Advocacy Program (2020-Present), Chief Deputy Public Defender – Juvenile Division 2005-2019)
Significant Cases
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- In the Matter of Guardianship: A.C.L. (2020):
- Summary: This case involved a five-year-old girl, A.C.L., who was placed under guardianship following the death of her mother due to a drug overdose. The situation was complicated by severe dental neglect—when her father picked her up, A.C.L.'s teeth were rotting, broken off at the gum line, and oozing pus. The dentist, shocked by her condition, offered to testify for free. Meanwhile, the child’s maternal grandmother, unhappy with the custody arrangement, filed for guardianship despite having a troubling (CPS) history, including failing to protect her own daughters from sexual abuse by her husband, who was later imprisoned. Maxey’s investigation revealed these details, which were crucial in the custody battle.
- Significance: This case was Maxey’s first guardianship non-jury trial, which later evolved into a custody trial due to procedural issues. It was a significant learning experience for her, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and thorough representation. Despite the dismissal of the guardianship case on a technicality, Maxey continued to represent A.C.L. in the custody proceedings, where she successfully argued that placing the child with her grandmother would not be in her best interest.
- In the Matter of A.C., a Subject Minor (2020):
- Summary: A.C., a five-year-old girl removed from her mother’s care due to a history of drug addiction, domestic violence, and severe disciplinary abuse by the mother’s boyfriend. A.C. was initially placed with her maternal grandparents, who were advised by CPS to file for guardianship under NRS 159A. When Maxey visited A.C., she observed troubling behaviors—pacing, squeaky noises, and a lack of eye contact, which indicated significant trauma. Through play, Maxey was able to build trust with A.C., who reacted strongly when asked about her mother, confirming the depth of her emotional distress.
- Significance: By explaining the differences between guardianship through a guardianship court and a dependency court to the grandparents, Maxey helped them understand the importance of CPS oversight. Her efforts led to the withdrawal of the guardianship petition, ensuring that A.C.’s case remained under the more suitable jurisdiction.
- In the Matter of Guardianship: E.C., Proposed Protected Minor (2022):
- Summary: E.C., a ten-year-old boy diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and acute anemia, required a life-saving blood transfusion. However, his devout Jehovah’s Witness parents refused the procedure due to their religious beliefs. An employee of Summerlin Hospital filed for guardianship to authorize the transfusion against E.C.’s wishes. E.C., fully aware of the consequences, objected to the transfusion, preferring to adhere to his faith even if it meant facing death.
- Significance: This was the first time she represented a client whose wishes were not in their best medical interest. She upheld E.C.’s strong religious convictions, prioritizing his autonomy and beliefs over medical advice. The petition was ultimately withdrawn, but the case reinforced Maxey’s commitment to truly client-directed representation, even in life-and-death situations.
- In the Matter of Guardianship: A.C.L. (2020):
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- State of Nevada vs. Darrnell Townsel, 2017:
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- Summary: In 2012, Darrnell, Darnell, diagnosed with Mild Mental Retardation (MMR) and an IQ of 59, was found competent to stand trial despite his impairments. The State of Nevada moved his case to adult criminal court, a decision Maxey appealed, arguing it violated his due process rights and was cruel and unusual punishment. After five years, the Nevada Supreme Court upheld the decision. Throughout this time, Maxey regularly visited Darnell, offering support. He eventually admitted to a registrable sex offense, served probation, and earned an honorable discharge in 2021. This case taught Maxey the value of persistence, positivity, and kindness. Darnell taught me that no matter how many trials and tribulations life throws at you, always do the best you can, stay positive, and no matter what, be kind.
- Significance: This case taught Maxey that no matter how many trials and tribulations life throws at you, always do the best you can, stay positive, and no matter what, be kind
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- In the Matter of J.G., a Subject Minor; 2013:
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- Summary: J.G., a deaf 13-year-old, was incorrectly deemed incompetent due to miscommunication during his evaluation. He used "home signs" that standard ASL interpreters couldn't translate accurately, and no Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) was provided. As a result, J.G. was placed in juvenile sex offense treatment without proper communication support, leading to further misinterpretations and his detention in a "hearing only" group home.
- Significance: Maxey filed motions to ensure J.G. received both ASL and CDI interpreters. Once provided, J.G. was deemed competent, completed all court orders, and successfully finished probation without reoffending. This case highlighted for Maxey the critical importance of accurate and appropriate communication support in legal proceedings.
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Trial Statistics
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- Time in Court: Approximately 100% of her practice has involved trial litigation, with 3% involving appellate work.
- Total Trials: 25
- Jury: 0
- Bench: 25
- Estimate percentage of time spent:
- Domestic/family: 20%
- Juvenile matters: 80%
- Trial court civil: 95%
- Appellate civil: 3%
- Trial court criminal: 5%
Volunteer and Community Service
- Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada:
- Position: Volunteer Attorney
- Mission: Provides pro bono legal services to underserved populations.
- Clark County Defender's Union
- Mission: Advocate for the rights and interests of public defenders.
- Positions: Board Member, Vice President, President, and current member.
- Rosel Seastrand Performing Arts Foundation
- Mission: Support performing arts in the community.
- Position: Volunteer Choreographer.
Years Licensed
Licensed since 2004; 20 years
Endorsements & Contributions
- Endorsements:
- Veterans in Politics International
- Nevada Democratic Veterans and Military Families
- Nevada Veterans Association
- Armed Forces Chamber
- National Latino Peace Officers Association
- Laborers’ international Union of North America
- Hispanics in Politics
- Southern Nevada Central Labor Council
- Service Employees International Union Nevada Local 1107
- National Organization for Women
- International Alliance of Theatrical State Employees
- Plumbers, Pipefitters & Service Technicians Local 525
- International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 14
- International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 631
- International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 986
- Ironworkers Local 433
- Culinary Workers Union Local 226
- Bartenders Local 165
- Contributions:
- Primarily grassroots with small donations from individual supporters.