State of Nevada v. Foote

  • Filed: April 9, 2026
  • Status: Ongoing
  • Court: Las Vegas Municipal Court
  • Latest Update: May 18, 2026
Blue-toned graphic featuring the ACLU of Nevada logo on the left and the case title ‘State of Nevada v. Foote’ on the right. The background shows the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas, including the overhead canopy, casino signs, and pedestrians walking along the street.

We are representing Fremont Street performer Toney Foote in a First Amendment challenge involving restrictions on street performers on the Fremont Street Experience pedestrian mall.

Our client is a Michael Jackson impersonator who has performed on Fremont Street for almost a decade and was cited in October 2025 under a city ordinance for allegedly performing outside one of the designated six-foot performance circles used for street performers.

We filed a motion seeking dismissal of the charge, arguing that the ordinance violates the First Amendment. Our motion argues that Fremont Street is a public forum where free speech protections are strongest, and that street performing is a protected expression. We also argue that the ordinance unfairly treats independent street performers differently from certain street performers affiliated with Fremont Street Experience.

Case Number:
25-071255
Judge:
Hon. Peter Bellon
Attorney(s):
Jacob Valentine, Esq., Christopher Peterson, Esq.