Full article can be found at:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Jun-01-Wed-2005/news/26638692.html

Wednesday, June 01, 2005

Las Vegas Review-Journal

Attorneys: Sentencing unfair for immigrants

Illegal immigrants convicted of crimes in Southern Nevada are increasingly facing recommendations for prison time -- and not probation -- simply because of their illegal status in the country, two defense attorneys said Tuesday.

Defense attorney Andrew Leavitt and Clark County Public Defender Phil Kohn said an unmistakable pattern has developed in the district courts: namely, that illegal immigrants are increasingly seeing recommendations of prison time from Nevada's Division of Parole and Probation.

"It's happening. Everyone knows about it, and I think it violates every constitutional right there is," Leavitt said. "It's outrageous." .....