Henderson Justice Court Dept 1
Said one, “I would say that I would think that Sandy DiGiacomo, singularly for her role in the Kristen Lobato debacle, is disqualifying to be a judge.” Another: “(DiGiacomo) has no, no business being on the bench. She's like the Babe Ruth of prosecutorial misconduct … it's like it never happened. And it's kind of frustrating how bad the reporting has been about it.” And on Renteria: “She's a super hard worker … She really wants to get it right. She always supports the people on her team and the rest of the office, and never says no one you ask her to do something. And as a public defender, you get asked to do stuff all the time, so I think she's a great candidate.” Much agreement. The bottom line: Clear nod to Renteria
Sandy DiGiacomo
Career Highlights
- Educational Background:
- High School: Graduated from Bishop Gorman High School in 1987.
- Undergraduate: Earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University in 1991.
- Law School: Obtained her Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School in 1995.
- Bar Admissions:
- States: Admitted to practice law in California, Ohio, and Nevada.
- Federal Courts: Admitted to the U.S. District Courts in California and Ohio.
- Professional Experience:
- Clark County District Attorney's Office (1999-2022)
- Role: Prosecutor and Chief Deputy District Attorney.
- Special Victims Unit: Prosecuted cases involving crimes against vulnerable populations.
- Major Violators Unit: Handled serious criminal cases.
- Domestic Violence Unit: Focused on domestic violence prosecutions.
- Search & Seizure Instructor.
- Liaison to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Southeast Area Command.
- Clark County District Attorney's Office (1999-2022)
- Henderson City Attorney’s Office (2022-Present)
- Role: Key figure in the Criminal Division and member of the Management Team.
- Oversees the Investigative Unit and the Victim Advocate Unit.
- Actively participates in bench and jury trials, weekend bail hearings, and the Municipal Court’s drug court.
- Supervisory duties within the Criminal Division.
- Litigation Experience:
- Conducted over 85 jury trials, 200 preliminary hearings, and 100 bench trials.
- Recognized as a Panel Chair for the State Bar of Nevada - Southern Nevada Disciplinary Panel.
- Volunteer pro bono attorney for the Children’s Attorneys Project, representing abused and neglected children.
- Previous Legal Practice:
- Practiced law in California and Ohio before returning to Nevada.
- Handled cases involving civil litigation, family-based immigration, and children’s rights.
- Community and Civic Involvement:
- Graduate of Emerge Nevada.
- Active involvement in the Junior League of Las Vegas and Las Vegas Prom Closet.
- Endorsed by multiple law enforcement associations, including the Henderson Police Officers Association.
- Personal Background:
- Born and raised in Las Vegas; resident of Henderson since 2002.
- Mother of two college-aged children and in a loving long-term relationship with a partner who has two daughters.
- Passionate about travel and reading.
- Prior Elected or Appointed Government Experience:
- Candidate DiGiacomo ran for Henderson Justice Court Dept. 3 in 2008, Henderson Municipal Court Dept. 1 in 2013, and Eighth Judicial District Court in approximately 2007 and 2014, but was not elected for any.
Court Docket
Investigative Unit and the Victim Advocate Unit within the criminal division
Ethics History
- Candidate DiGiacomo has never been convicted of a violation of of federal, state, or local law
Judicial Experience
None
Practice Areas
- Practice Areas: oversees both the Investigative Unit and the Victim Advocate Unit within the criminal division
Prior Job Titles
- Prior Job Titles: Assistant City Attorney III for Henderson
Volunteer and Community Service
- Children’s Attorneys Project
- Volunteers as a pro bono attorney, representing children who have been subjected to abuse and neglect.
- Junior League of Las Vegas
- Sandy has been engaged with this organization, which focuses on community improvement and empowering women.
- Las Vegas Prom Closet
- She has participated in this initiative, which provides prom attire to high school students in need.
Years Licensed
Bar # : 6204 Member since: 10/13/1997
Endorsements & Contributions
Candidate has a page with many “supporters” including: Clark County Prosecutors Association, Clark County DA Investigators Association, LiUNA, Nevada Association of Public Safety Officers, Henderson Police Officers Association, Henderson Police Supervisors Association, Clark County Juvenile Justice Supervisors Association, Juvenile Justice Probation Officers Association, Las Vegas Police Protective Association Civilian Employees, Nevada Peace Officer Association, Elko County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Pershing County Law Enforcement Association, Mesquite Police Officers Association, Southern Nevada Central Labor Council, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Plumbers, Pipefitters and Service Technicians Local 525, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 631, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 986, and International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 14
Marla Renteria
Career Highlights
- Educational Background:
- High School: Graduated from Reed High School in Sparks, Nevada
- Undergraduate: Earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Political Science from Seattle University
- Law School: Obtained her Juris Doctor from UNLV, William S. Boyd School of Law
- Professional Experience
- Clark County Public Defender's Office (10 years)
- Role: Team Unit Chief Deputy Public Defender
- Responsibilities: Extensive litigation in Justice Court, addressing root causes of criminal behavior, and ensuring community safety
- U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review
- Role: Attorney Advisor
- Responsibilities: Provided legal counsel in immigration cases, ensuring fairness in legal processes
- Federal Public Defender's Office, District of Nevada
- Role: Law Clerk
- Responsibilities: Assisted in defending federal cases, conducting legal research, and preparing cases for trial
- Snell & Wilmer, LLP
- Role: Professional Development Program Fellow
- Responsibilities: Developed professional legal skills and gained experience in various aspects of law
- Kreitlein and Walker, Ltd.
- Role: Legal Assistant/Office Manager
- Responsibilities: Managed office operations and assisted with legal tasks
- Clark County Public Defender's Office (10 years)
Court Docket
Extensive litigation experience in the Justice Court, focusing on cases involving vulnerable populations and protecting constitutional rights
Ethics History
- Ethics Violations:
- None reported
- Sanctions:
- None
Judicial Experience
None
Practice Areas
- Protecting the constitutional rights and dignity of the most vulnerable people in the community as a public defender
Prior Job Titles
- Team Unit Chief Deputy Public Defender, Clark County Public Defender's Office
- Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review
- Law Clerk, Federal Public Defender's Office, District of Nevada
- Professional Development Program Fellow, Snell & Wilmer, LLP
- Legal Assistant/Office Manager, Kreitlein and Walker, Ltd.
Volunteer and Community Service
- Pro bono attorney for the Children's Attorneys Project
- Community Engagement: Active involvement in Henderson and broader Nevada community
Years Licensed
Bar # : 12479 Member since: 10/6/2011
Endorsements & Contributions
Candidate has a page lists many: AFL-CIO, Hispanics in Politics, Southern Nevada Central Labor Council, National Latino Peace Officers Association, SMART local 88, SEIU Nevada Local 1107, SN Building Trades Unions, ATSIE, Culinary Workers Union Local 226, Teamsters Local 986, International Brotherhood of Teamsters 631, International Brotherhood of Teamster 14, National Organization for Women Nevada