Justice Court Update - Apr. 25 Part I

New River Township Justice Court in Fallon convened Thursday morning, Apr. 24, with Judge Benjamin Trotter presiding. 

Dylan Louis Arnold appeared for sentencing on a first-offense DUI charge. Judge Trotter imposed $585 in fines and fees, ordered attendance at a victim impact panel and Level 1 DUI school, and required the installation of an ignition interlock device for 185 days on any vehicle Arnold owns or operates. Arnold, who works weekdays, was assigned to complete 12 hours of community service through Fallon Parks and Recreation and must submit proof of completion by July 1. His license is revoked and must be reinstated through the DMV following the revocation period.

Taylor Heaney appeared for sentencing on one count of Petit Larceny stemming from the theft of a red purse belonging to Wendy Marie Heaney. DDA Priscilla Baker said the purse was recovered and returned, and the State requested a suspended $500 fine and no-contact condition. Judge Trotter imposed a $640 penalty (including assessments), credited Heaney with three days in jail, and suspended the remaining $190 for two years on the condition of no new criminal violations. He declined to impose the no-contact condition, citing lack of victim presence and unclear intent.

Troy Ramsey, having completed a 30-day inpatient treatment program, pleaded guilty to first-offense domestic battery. Judge Trotter credited him for time served and ordered 48 hours of community service at the fairgrounds and 26 weekly sessions of domestic violence or anger management counseling. Ramsey was given until Oct. 1 to complete the community service and nine months for counseling. He was fined $340 and referred to an online provider for counseling due to limited local options.

James Boney pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace under a negotiated resolution. He agreed to pay $243.87 in restitution and received a suspended sentence of 10 days in jail for two years, contingent on no new violations. Sentencing was delayed until May 15 to allow for victim notification under Marsy’s Law.

Steven Smith appeared with counsel Hampton Young for a status hearing. The State and defense indicated that negotiations were ongoing. Smith waived his right to a preliminary hearing within 15 days, and a future date will be scheduled by email coordination.

Brian Webb appeared on two three counts; Conspiracy to Commit Petit Larceny, Possession of Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, a Frist of Second Offense, and Use or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He waived his 15-day preliminary hearing right and advised the court he intends to retain private counsel. The court agreed to schedule both preliminary hearings on the same day to avoid requiring multiple trips from Webb’s home in Austin.

Joseph Keller failed to appear. He had previously told the court he would retain counsel and make restitution payments. No counsel had filed notice, and no payments had been made. Judge Trotter issued a $5,000 cash-only bench warrant. Joseph Keller is facing charges of Overdrive, Torture, Injure, Abandon, or Starve and Animal, and Possession of Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, a Frist of Second Offense. 

Jonathan Keller, also out of custody, failed to submit proof of compliance on court-ordered counseling and service hours for Domestic Battery, First Offense, and Criminal Contempt. The case stemmed from a previous contempt ruling. Judge Trotter issued a $3,000 cash-only bench warrant for failure to comply.

Robert Nicholson, who is facing charges of Obtain Money, Property, Rent, or Labor by False Pretenses, Value $5,000-$25,000, appeared without legal representation and requested appointment of a public defender. The court noted Nicholson had previously declined appointed counsel, claiming he would retain private representation. Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford reminded the court that the State had previously urged appointment of counsel when a preliminary hearing was imminent, but Nicholson refused. Since then, he failed to retain an attorney and had not completed the required paperwork to request a public defender—until the day of this hearing.

Judge Trotter reviewed Nicholson’s financial eligibility and determined he qualified for appointed counsel based on his status as a full-time student receiving $2,100 in monthly disability income. Nicholson explained he believed he had secured private counsel, but the arrangement fell through. The judge granted the request and appointed a public defender. A preliminary hearing will be scheduled administratively in coordination with the newly appointed counsel and the District Attorney’s Office.

Sanford objected to the delays and accused Nicholson of manipulating the system to avoid proceedings. Judge Trotter acknowledged the inconvenience but emphasized Nicholson’s right to counsel and moved the case forward.

This summary includes information from public court proceedings. All defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted in a court of law.