LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Wednesday brought a new legal twist in the case against a man accused of driving under the influence in the crash that killed 23-year-old Joree Odabi.
Daniel Stakleff's attorney is asking for the case to be thrown out, citing habeas corpus laws. His legal challenge claims there may not be enough evidence to support the charges Stakleff faces.
Stakleff was expected in court on Wednesday morning, but just 45 minutes before the scheduled hearing, his attorney asked for a continuance.
"He's not here, and we will continue this until Monday, but I want him to know — and I'm sure he will find out — that if this happens again, he is going to be sanctioned personally," Judge Ron Israel said in court.
You can watch the complete court hearing here:
If Israel grants Stakleff's habeas corpus motion, charges could be reduced or dismissed. If denied, the case will continue as planned.
Police claim Stakleff had seven times the legal limit of THC in his system when he veered off the road and struck Odabi, who was walking on the sidewalk near Warm Springs Road and Torrey Pines Drive.
Crime
Grand jury indicts driver on felony charges in death of Joree Odabi
Last month, a Clark County grand jury indicted Stakleff on two felony charges: driving under the influence resulting in death, and reckless driving resulting in death or substantial bodily harm.
This latest court filing is another bump in the road for Odabi's family as they seek justice.
You'll remember, Stakleff's case previously provoked outrage when his original bail was set at just $5,000. The bail amount was eventually raised to $50,000.
Stakleff is due back in court on Monday at 10 a.m.
Local News
Judge raises bail to $50K for man accused in deadly DUI crash
-
High school student arrested after being found with loaded gun
A high school student was arrested for bringing a loaded gun to Basic Academy in Henderson on Wednesday.
Suspect in Lesly Palacio homicide makes first court appearance in Las Vegas
After over a year in Mexican custody, and nearly five years after his initial disappearance, Erick Rangel-Ibarra appeared in a Las Vegas court in connection to Lesly Palacio's death.
Duane 'Keefe D' Davis sentenced on charges related to jailhouse fight
Duane "Keefe D" Davis was sentenced to serve a minimum of 16 to 40 months for the fight, with credit for time served, after he was found guilty of battery by a prisoner and challenges to fight.
Las Vegas man gets 47 years for child sexual exploitation, abuse material
A Las Vegas man was sentenced to 47 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a toddler and possession of child sexual abuse material of several minors.
