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Dan Papez the man who handed out life terms to Kody Patten and Toni Fratto announced his retirement this week in a letter to governor Brian Sandoval.
“It has been an honor and a privilege serving the citizens of Nevada and especially the citizens of my beloved rural Nevada during my career of public service.” Papez wrote.
Born and raised in White Pine County, Papez the son of Croatian immigrants grew up during a time when south eastern Europeans were not considered exactly ‘white’ in Ely.
“Sure we experienced some bigotry,” Papez in a 1998 interview with the High Desert Advocate. “But we didn’t obsess about it. It sure wasn’t as bad as what our parents had to go through. And they taught us that even with some prejudice this was the greatest country in the world and that you could achieve anything so long as you were honest and worked hard.”
An outstanding student Papez like most of his generation was drafted during the Vietnam era and because his vaguely Hispanic sounding surname was sent to unit comprised mostly of Latinos.
A graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, and McGeorge School of Law, Judge Papez began his public service career as a game warden for the Nevada Department of Wildlife (1973-78). After law school, he spent four years as the White Pine County District Attorney (1986-90) before going into private practice in the law firm of Dobrescu & Papez in Ely (1991-92). His partner, Steven Dobrescu, now sits in Department 1 of the Seventh Judicial District Court. Judge Papez was elected to the Department 2 seat in 1992.
It was during his time as the White Pine DA that Papez first made a name for himself by tackling corruption in the White Pine county School District.
When it became known that the young prosecutor was investigation the district’s administration Papez was warned that if he continued he would not be elected dog catcher in the next election.
Papez did not however let up. He not only won a conviction of an immensely popular superintendent, he went on to win the next election for District Judge as well as every contest for reelection.
Nevada Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Cherry said “Judge Papez has been someone we could always call upon throughout his career to serve all residents of Nevada, not just those of the Seventh Judicial District.”
“Judge Papez has been a strong advocate for the rural courts and has worked tirelessly to improve access to justice for those who live in our least populated communities,” Chief Justice Cherry added. “We at the Supreme Court will miss his passion and commitment.”
Judge Papez, 62, said that in retirement he plans “to spend more time in the great outdoors, tramping around the mountains, photographing wildlife and definitely spend more time fishing.”
“I have been a fierce advocate for rural Nevada … where my heart lies,” he said. “I will continue working for our rural residents.”
Judge Papez said he has made no decision about serving as a Senior District Judge.
He is past president of the Nevada District Judges Association, Co-Chair of the Judicial Council of the State of Nevada, and past president of the Nevada District Attorneys Association.
He also was a soldier of the Nevada National Guard (1972-78) and was awarded the Nevada Commendation Ribbon for saving the life of an injured soldier during a training exercise.
As a visiting judge, Judge Papez has presided over cases in most Nevada counties during his career and recalls that he was “always warmly welcomed.”
Following the death of Elko District Judge Andrew Puccinelli, Papez was appointed to the murder cases of Kody Patten and Toni Fratto last year.
While a change in judges often entails long delays, Papez kept Puccinelli’s calendar and schedule to the letter often making the grueling 200 mile trip by car to hear specific motions.
“I’m going to miss the people I worked with,” he said. “I appreciate their support and the support of the Nevada Supreme Court to improve access to justice for rural citizens of our great state.”
The vacancy at the Seventh Judicial District will be filled by appointment by the Governor.