The Juvenile Division prosecutes delinquency and dependency cases. In all cases, juvenile prosecutors are ethically obliged to enforce the Constitutions of the State of Nevada and the United States.

Delinquency cases occur when someone under the age of 18 commits an act that would be a crime if they were an adult. Due to being a juvenile, the act is considered a delinquent act. The attorney’s assigned to these cases will review law enforcement investigative reports involving a variety of charges including theft, battery, robbery, and sexual assault. Juvenile cases are different from adult criminal matters in that the focus of the juvenile system is on providing services, education, and accountability to help rehabilitate youth and ensure they do not reoffend in the future. Juvenile prosecutors seek the protection of the public in all proceedings, but do so with the best interests of the child in mind.

A dependency case occurs when a child is removed from a parent or guardian for abuse or neglect. In these cases, the juvenile prosecutor works with the Division of Child and Family Services to ensure the safety of the children who have been removed and help seek a permanent home for them. Often, this includes case planning with the children’s parents to help them be safe and reunify with their children. If there are aggravating factors, cases may immediately be focused on the child being adopted by a family member, friend, or other willing adult. In these proceedings, a juvenile prosecutor acts in the public interest, which prioritizes the best interests of children and considers the proper use of public resources. Additionally, juvenile prosecutors must ensure compliance with the large body of federal and state law in this area.

 Kelly Brandon, Supervising Deputy District Attorney

Kelly Brandon represents the Juvenile Division in the District Attorney's Office and grew up in Carson City. She attended the University of Oregon for undergraduate school before attending law school at the University of Richmond. Kelly’s goal in attending law school was to practice juvenile law and she has been doing just that since joining the District Attorney’s Office in 2018. 

Contact

Kelly Brandon
Deputy District Attorney
(775) 887-2072