Felony Criminal Defense Attorney in Sparks

Being arrested or investigated for a felony in Sparks, NV can turn your life upside down in a matter of hours. You may be worried about jail or prison, your job, and your family, and you might not know who to trust. This is the moment when having a steady, experienced guide on your side matters most.

At Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover, we represent people facing serious criminal charges in this part of Nevada. Our founding attorney, Kenneth A. Stover, previously served as a Special Prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney. We draw on that background to understand how the state builds its case and how to protect you from the strongest version of that case. If you or someone you care about has been charged with a felony, you do not have to face the criminal justice system alone. We work to explain your options clearly, protect your rights at every stage, and focus on both your present situation and your future.

To talk about your case confidentially, you can contact us at (775) 502-1575.

Why Our Felony Defense Matters

When you are accused of a felony, the stakes are high. A conviction can bring months or years in custody, long terms of probation, and a record that may affect work, housing, and family life long after the case ends. Having the right felony attorney Sparks residents can rely on is about much more than just the next court date.

Because Mr. Stover spent years as a Special Prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney, we understand how charging decisions are made, what evidence prosecutors consider persuasive, and how plea offers are often crafted. We use that insight to evaluate the strength of the state’s case, anticipate the next move, and identify weak points that can be challenged. We do not rely on a single formula for every client. Instead, we create defense strategies that are tailored to your specific facts and goals. That can include a detailed investigation, careful analysis of police procedures, and strategic negotiation when that is in your best interest. If your case needs to go to trial, we prepare for that reality from the start, so we are not caught off guard if negotiations do not lead to a resolution.

Throughout the process, we stay focused on how the outcome will affect your future. We consider employment, licensing, family responsibilities, and other long-term impacts when we advise you about your options. Our goal is to give you clear information, realistic expectations, and a defense that is aligned with what matters most to you.

Facing Felony Charges in Nevada

Felony charges in Nevada cover a wide range of situations, from allegations of violence to property, drug, and financial crimes. What they share is that they are more serious than misdemeanors and can bring significant penalties. If you have been accused of a felony in or around Sparks, you are likely dealing with a process you have never seen before.

Many cases in the Sparks area begin with an arrest by the Sparks Police Department or another law enforcement agency. Depending on where the alleged conduct occurred, your case may first appear in Sparks Justice Court or another local justice court, then proceed to the Second Judicial District Court in Washoe County if it is formally filed as a felony. Early hearings can set the tone for key issues like bail, release conditions, and scheduling.

The exact type of charge you face, such as a violent offense, a serious theft allegation, a drug trafficking count, or a white collar accusation, affects potential penalties and how the Washoe County District Attorney approaches your case. The prosecution may be reviewing police reports, forensic evidence, and witness statements even before you appear in court. Working with a felony criminal defense attorney Sparks residents trust as early as possible can help ensure that your side of the story and your rights are protected during these first steps.

Felony cases usually move through stages that can include arraignment, motion hearings, negotiations, and trial settings. Timelines vary with the court’s calendar and the complexity of the case. We guide clients through each of these stages so they understand what is happening and why, instead of feeling like decisions are being made around them without explanation.

What To Do After A Felony Arrest

The hours and days after an arrest or a knock at the door from investigators are often the most stressful. You may feel pressure to explain yourself to officers or to the prosecutor, or to accept an early offer just to make the situation go away. The choices you make now can have lasting effects, so it helps to understand some basic steps.

You have the right to remain silent, and using that right is often one of the most important protections you have. Speaking with police or investigators without legal guidance can lead to statements that are later used against you. You also have a right to a lawyer, and exercising that right signals that you are taking the case seriously and that you want communication to go through counsel.

Court appearances in Sparks Justice Court or the Second Judicial District Court can be confusing, especially if you have never stood before a judge. We help clients prepare for these hearings, explain what the court is likely to address, and work to present you in a way that supports your release and your defense. We also encourage clients to preserve any potential evidence, such as text messages, emails, or contact information for witnesses, and to avoid posting about the situation online.

After a recent felony arrest, some practical steps you can consider include:

• Contacting a felony criminal defense lawyer Sparks residents can turn to for guidance before speaking to law enforcement.
• Write down details about what happened while they are still fresh in your mind.
• Providing your attorney with documents, photos, or messages that could relate to the case.
• Following any release conditions closely, such as staying in touch with pretrial services or avoiding certain locations.

Acting quickly to involve counsel can help protect your rights during questioning, at bail hearings, and as the District Attorney considers how to charge your case. We work to step into that role as early as possible so you are not navigating these moments on your own.

How We Build Your Felony Defense

Building a strong defense is not about a single document or argument. It is about careful, persistent work over time. When you hire our firm, we start by listening to you. We want to understand what happened from your perspective, what you are most concerned about, and what your goals are for the outcome of the case.

We then examine the state’s materials, such as police reports, witness statements, and any digital or physical evidence that has been disclosed. Because Mr. Stover has worked inside a prosecutor’s office, we are attentive to how the case may look from that side of the courtroom. We consider what charges the state may be prepared to pursue, what proof problems they may be facing, and whether there are constitutional issues that can be raised.

Our own investigation can involve reviewing recordings, analyzing timelines, and evaluating whether law enforcement followed proper procedures when searching, seizing property, or questioning you. If there are grounds to challenge evidence, such as an unlawful stop or a statement taken after you request an attorney, we work to bring those issues before the court through appropriate motions.

As a felony defense attorney Sparks clients can turn to, we also take negotiation seriously. Not every case goes to trial, and many clients want to know whether there is a path to reduced charges or alternative sentencing options. We approach these discussions informed by how prosecutors evaluate risk and what may persuade them to look at the case differently. When trial is the right path, we prepare with the understanding that a judge or jury will be evaluating every detail. Throughout this process, we communicate with you about developments, options, and potential consequences. We explain legal terms in everyday language and answer questions so that you can make informed choices rather than feeling rushed into decisions. Our goal is to provide a focused, organized defense that reflects both the legal and personal realities of your situation.

Protecting Your Future & Next Steps

A felony case is not only about what happens in court over the next few months. A conviction can affect the rest of your life. It can influence your ability to hold certain jobs, obtain or keep professional licenses, secure housing, and travel freely. For some people, there can also be immigration consequences tied to certain Nevada felony charges.

We keep these long-term issues in mind as we evaluate options. When we look at a plea offer or consider a trial strategy, we discuss not only the immediate sentence but also how the outcome might affect you years from now. In some situations, exploring alternatives to traditional sentencing or working toward reduced charges can help limit the lasting impact on your record. We also know that facing charges in Sparks courts can be isolating. Our team strives to provide steady support, clear communication, and realistic guidance so that you know what is happening and what may come next. We want you to feel that you have someone in your corner, not just a name on a piece of paper.

If you are looking for a felony lawyer Sparks residents can rely on to take their situation seriously, we are ready to talk about how we can help. Every case is different, and a conversation with an attorney is the best way to understand what applies to you. We encourage you to reach out as soon as you can so we can start protecting your rights and your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How serious is a felony charge in Nevada?

A felony charge in Nevada is very serious because it can lead to substantial jail or prison time and a permanent criminal record. Exact penalties depend on the charge, your history, and other factors. We review your specific situation and explain the range of outcomes the court may consider.

When should I call a felony lawyer after an arrest?

You should contact an attorney as soon as you can after an arrest or when you learn you are under investigation. Early involvement allows us to help protect your rights during questioning, address bail issues, and start preparing for hearings in Sparks courts before important decisions are made.

How does a former prosecutor help my defense?

A former prosecutor understands how the state evaluates evidence, files charges, and negotiates pleas. Mr. Stover uses that insight to anticipate the government’s strategy, identify weaknesses in the case, and look for leverage in negotiations. It gives us a practical view of what may persuade the District Attorney.

Will I have to go to every court hearing?

In many felony cases, you are required to appear in court, especially at key hearings. There can be limited exceptions, depending on the type of proceeding and the judge. We explain which hearings you must attend, what to expect, and how to manage conflicts with work or family responsibilities.

How will your firm keep me informed?

We work to keep you informed by discussing developments, answering questions, and explaining each stage of your case in clear terms. Our goal is that you understand what is happening in court, what options you have, and how decisions today can affect your future in Nevada.

To discuss your felony case confidentially with Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover, call (775) 502-1575.