The case of a man who attacked a Las Vegas judge in open court is back before Nevada’s legal system, this time over questions about his attorney’s performance.
Deobra Redden drew national attention in January 2024 when he leapt over the bench during a sentencing hearing and assaulted Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus. The attack, captured on courtroom video, left the judge injured and also hurt a marshal and a police officer.
Redden later pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was sentenced in December 2024 by District Court Judge Susan Johnson to 26 to 65 years in prison. At the time, Johnson described the incident as “an attack on the judiciary.”
Following sentencing, Redden’s attorney, Carl Arnold, initiated an appeal. Court records show Arnold failed to meet multiple filing requirements, including deadlines for transcripts, a docketing statement, and an opening brief. The Nevada Supreme Court ultimately removed him from the case and referred him to the State Bar.
The court has since disciplined Arnold with a six-month suspension, to continue for one year. Under the order, he must work with a mentor, submit quarterly reports, cover disciplinary costs, and avoid further violations during the stay.
Arnold said in a statement he would comply with the ruling, adding that missed communications contributed to the issue.
Public defenders representing Redden argue he received ineffective legal representation. In filings to the Nevada Supreme Court, they contend Arnold failed to pursue pretrial motions, did not properly handle the appeal, and that Redden entered a guilty plea without securing any negotiated benefit.
The defense requested that the court overturn the conviction or order a new trial.
Prosecutors dispute those claims, stating Arnold provided consistent and strategic representation throughout the case and arguing that Redden is not entitled to a new trial.
The Nevada Supreme Court has not yet ruled on the request. The justices may seek additional briefing, review the trial record, or decide the matter without a hearing. A decision could take months.
The outcome will determine whether Redden’s sentence remains in place or whether the high-profile case returns to court for further proceedings.
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