Problem gambling measure would help intervention efforts

A measure that would expand efforts to help problem gamblers has been endorsed by judges, counselors and a Las Vegas lawyer who stole nearly $400,000 from clients to support his gambling addiction.

Douglas Crawford, recently suspended from law practice by the state Supreme Court, told the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Friday he was "uniquely qualified" to endorse AB102, creating a specialized court for problem gamblers.

Crawford said the court would help in assuring early intervention for problem gamblers, adding, "Had I been properly intervened earlier, I would have caused less harm to people that suffered harm as a result of my compulsive gambling."

Crawford was suspended from law practice after admitting to 65 professional conduct violations primarily involving misappropriation of client funds.

Clark County Family Court Judge Cheryl Moss also backed the specialized-court measure, saying it would be an expansion of specialty courts in Nevada that deal with people with drug or alcohol problems.

Moss added that AB102 would "nail down" a referral network for problem gamblers, who account for about 6 percent of the patrons in Nevada casinos, to ensure they get help promptly.

The Judiciary Committee also was asked to raise the fees for filing court documents to help pay for nine new district judgeships in Clark County, bringing the total there to 52, and one new judgeship in Washoe County, raising its total to 15.

Jeff Wells, assistant Clark County manager, said that under AB64 nine judges would be added in his county at a cost $28 million. The cost for the Washoe County judgeship would be about $1.2 million. Those who want to fill the new positions would have to run in 2010.

A companion bill, AB65, calls for a $99 increase in the cost of filing a lawsuit; $1,359 for filing a suit involving business; $349 for a class-action suit and $200 for filing a motion for summary judgment. The fees would be in addition to current fees. The bill also gives county commissions the authority to impose an additional $20 fee for filing a civil suit.

AB64 and AB65 also were endorsed by Chief Justice Jim Hardesty.