KINGMAN, Ariz. – Attorneys engaged in plea negotiations before the court during an Oct. 23 settlement conference conducted by Mohave County Superior Court Judge Megan McCoy. Defense attorney Ryan McPhie expressed frustration that Deputy Mohave County Attorney Tonda Hill wouldn’t budge much during the back and forth.
Kelly Nimtz, 25, Prescott, faces DUI related charges, as well as aggravated assault and criminal damage counts for a two-vehicle collision in Golden Valley on Nov. 10, 2024. A Laughlin woman driving the other vehicle suffered an assortment of serious injuries when struck by Nimtz’ vehicle, after Nimtz allegedly ran a stop sign.
McPhie told Judge McCoy that his client should be offered a better plea resolution, given her prior military service and lack of previous felony convictions.
One case resolution offer from Hill involves a mandatory 3.5-year prison sentence while the other allows the court to impose a prison term in the range between two and 8.75 years.
McPhie said his client is willing to go to prison, but that one year would be sufficient punishment.
“I wouldn’t do just one year,” said Hill. My floor is 2.5 years.”
Hill said Nimtz had marijuana and ecstasy in her bloodstream at the time of the accident. McPhie contested the allegation as lacking in credibility.
McPhie subsequently said Nimtz is ready to accept a deal involving a stipulated 2.5-year prison term. Hill refused, though she said her new and third plea offer would allow the court to decide a prison term ranging between 2.5 to 3.75 years.
Nimtz has until Nov. 4 to take one of the offers, or go to trial.
