Three defendants recently appeared before Sixth Judicial District Court Judge Michael Montero to learn their fate regarding alleged charges against them.
Darian Solis
At 19 years old, Darian Solis pleaded guilty to one count possession of a controlled substance, a category E felony. The court made a motion to dismiss a second charge of the same pursuant to plea negotiations.
Potential penalties for the crime include one to four years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000 and this is a charge for which probation is mandatory in most sentences. Solis was arrested on May 24, 2019 on an allegation of possessing methamphetamine in his vehicle.
Solis’ attorney Public Defender Matthew Stermitz said his client had just graduated highschool last year and was arrested with methamphetamine and heroin. Stermitz said his client wanted treatment right away and does not have any other criminal history.
“Obviously the diversion program is something he would benefit from,” said Stermitz in an argument to the court asking that his client be granted the diversion program, which would allow him to avoid a felony charge on his record.
Solis said he would like to participate in the drug court program so he can have a chance to get his life together.
“At 19 years old if this court were to sentence you to the felony, that would be a significant blow to the rest of your life,” said Montero. “This is a true opportunity for someone 19-years old to avoid a felony record. You have to take it seriously though, if you don’t take it serious then you may lose that privilege and be convicted of a felony.”
Montero granted the diversion program for Solis, who will begin participation in the 18-month adult drug court program and follow additional probation terms including prohibition from liquor stores, bars (which Montero pointed out he isn’t old enough to be in anyway), vape shops, smoke shops and no marijuana or alcohol. Solis was also ordered to pay a $25 administrative assessment fee, $3 DNA collection fee, $60 forensic fee and $250 public defender fee.
Maryann Maxam
Maryann Maxam was transported back to Nevada from Arizona after absconding from her probation. She had been on probation since her sentencing in 2014 when she was granted the diversion program and placed on formal probation in order to avoid a felony drug charge.
Maxam was alleged to have violated the terms of her probation on both March 7, 2014 and May 7, 2019. She was not supposed to leave the state unless permission was obtained from her probation officer and she fled to Arizona where she said she was clean and sober living with her boyfriend.
Maxam said she needed to get away from people here in order to stay clean and sober. She said she has gainful employment in Arizona and asked to be allowed to go back.
The court rescinded her diversion program and sentenced her to 146 days time served, along with the requirement that she pay a $3 DNA collection and processing fee, $25 administrative assessment fee, $60 forensic fee and a $702.45 extradition fee.
Robert Augustus Campbell
Robert Augustus Campbell previously pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor charge of possession of a dangerous weapon, brass knuckles. He reported to Montero that he had found a job, something that the judge had previously recommended he do.
Deputy District Attorney Richard Haas said that the state wanted to see him get a job and pay the fine that was owed, which he did in court.
Campbell was convicted of possession of a dangerous weapon, a gross misdemeanor and ordered to pay a $600 fine, $25 administrative assessment fee and $3 DNA fee.
“I just want to say thank you for giving me this opportunity and pushing me more or less the last time I was in here,” said Campbell to Montero.
