Ok, so here is the longer writeup, with some video to follow.
So I went down to the Regional Justice Center today to take care of a "No Proof of Insurance" citation (I didn't produce the card fast enough when pulled over). I brought in my proof of insurance, and that was dismissed. And I lost 1.5 hours of my life to that...
Anyway, after taking care of the business, I went to the information counter. I asked the attending person about the "No Firearms" policy posted at the entrance. I just asked if they could advise me as to the statute that is cited to support that posted policy, since it wasn't listed on the sign. The info person stated that I would need to go upstairs to the second floor and see the Clerks Office. After an hour or so wait, my number came up and I went to the counter. I restated my question, and she advised me to go see the Court Admin office. (I have video of this brief interaction)
I went to the Court Admin office, where I approached the front reception desk, and asked the receptionist the same question. Conversation follows:
(her) "I think you can't have any firearms in any federal....just like it would be the airport, here, any federal or government buildings.
(me) Ok, how can I go about getting the actual statute....(she interrupts)
(her) (she puts her hand over her face briefly) "Do you have me..., are you recording me?"
(me) Yes, I'm in a public building, right?
(her) "I don't think you can record.....me? Huh?" ( you just have to see the video to appreciate her body language and inflection on this part)
(me) I'd like to get the actual statute that covers that? It's contrary to what I believe, but before I....
(her) "Ok, can you stop recording me?"
(me) Uhh, am I in a public building?
(her) "Umm, yeah, hold on one sec" (starts typing at her computer, presumably looking up the number to call to get the Marshals here. She then picks up the phone and makes an in-building call. About the time the other end would have likely picked up, she turns away from me, and appears to be whispering into the phone. She hangs that call up, as if no one had picked up. Then the phone rings, she greets the call, and places it on hold. She then states to me..) "If you want to have a seat, I'll have our staff attorney come out.
(me) Ok, thank you.
I wait for several minutes. She advises me a couple of times that "She (the attorney) will be right with you". I continue to wait. While waiting, I notice that this office is flying the Seal of the Great State of Nevada. I figure that is relevant, for something surely. Got a picture of it. I continue to wait for the "attorney" (Marshals) to come see (accost) me.
A few minutes later, the Marshals show up. Two enter, one Lt. Steve Moody, and one Sgt. Saunders. They proceed to the desk, to find out who they are here for. Once the receptionist gives them the nod in my direction, Lt. Moody approaches me. he is making wide hand gestures, and states:
(Moody) "Looks like you were ... had a problem with... had questions about bringing a gun into the courthouse. What can we do for you?"
(me) Well, actually what I wanted to know was...
(Moody) "Why don't you turn that off?" (indicating my phone that is recording)
(me) Am I in a public building?
(Moody) "Turn that off."
At this point, he snatches my phone and from my grasp and shuts it off. He then hands it to the other Marshal. I immediately advise that I do not authorize access to my private property, and ask if I am free to go (to establish if I am being detained). He advises that I am free to go, so I request my phone back. He refuses, and tells me that they are going to escort me out of the building.
I asked if I was being trespassed from the property, and he said yes. I confirmed again that I am "being trespassed from a public building, and I have committed no crime". He avoids the question and just says "Let's go". I follow his direction and start walking where he points me to. I asked him every minute or so if I was free to go, and if I could have my property back. He declines to answer, and just tells me to keep walking.
When we get downstairs near the exit door, he stops at the counter and asks for my name (at first), to which I did not reply. He demands my ID, to which I replied "Am I required to give it to you?" He says "Yes". I asked "Are you giving me a lawful order?" He says "Yes". I stated briefly that I am doing so in protest, and turned over my ID.
He proceeded to start writing up what looked like a citation. I continued to ask if I was free to go, with no reply. He eventually left for a few minutes. While he was gone, I asked Sgt. Saunders for her card, and she refused, and said that the only name I needed was that of Lt. Moody. AGain, I asked if I was free to go, since at this point, Lt. Moody was not there, and they still had my phone. She said no, I was not free to go. I asked if I was being detained, and she said "Yes...Investigatory Detention". I confirmed, so I am being actively detained, correct? She said "yes". During this time, my phone changed hands between various Marshals, and each time I stated clearly, that "I do NOT authorize anyone to access my personal property". They continued to ignore me. I stated it again, at which time Sgt Saunders said something to the effect that "She heard you" (referring to the Marshal that had my phone at that moment). I responded with "she isn't acknowledging me...". Sgt. Saunders stated "She's ignoring you". "Oh, ok, but YOU heard, me, right?" "Yes". (so they can't say that I didn't make it abundantly clear).
After a few minutes, Lt. Moody gets back, and returns my ID. He asks Sgt. Saunders if my phone had been returned to me yet. She advises that it had not. He then directs her to return it to me. I get my phone back, and he immediately instructs me to leave....
(me) So I am free to go?
(Moody) Yes.
(me) Do I have to leave?
(Moody) Yes.
(me) So I am still being trespassed from the property?
(Moody) Yes.
(me) Am I being cited for anything?
(Moody) No, not at this time.
(me) But I am still being trespassed?
(Moody) Yes.
(me) This is a public building, and you can't trespass me without me violating the law, and since you aren't citing me, then I haven't broken any laws. I still haven't gotten my question answered, so can I go back upstairs and pickup where I left off?
(Moody) No.
::sigh::
At this point, it was going on 1pm, and I had already been there for going on 4 hours. I decided to leave, and consider it all a good start. At this point, I still fully expected to have all of my videos deleted. Once I got outside, to my surprise, they had NOT deleted anything, as best I can tell. The one good decision they made.
So, I'll work on getting what video I did get uploaded soon, but at this point, I am open to input from those more experienced than me. I fully intend to go back and go at this again, with backup recording gear, and maybe a buddy (or three) to record from a distance. But before I do so, I want to be certain that I am good on the recording in the courthouse thing. Anyone have anything on that? I am aware that the actual courtrooms and jury areas are regulated, but I did not enter any of those areas at any time, nor did I have any intention to.
Thoughts?
Lt. Steve Moody
Deputy Marshal
MoodyS@clarkcountycourts.us
702-671-4567
702-306-2443 (c)
702-671-4565 (f)
