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Recent Posts in Criminal Defense Category

  • A Fatal DUI Will Not Result in a Murder Charge in NV

    On September 15, 2020, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled that drunk drivers who cause fatal accidents will no longer be charged with second-degree murder. The most serious charge a DUI motorist can face is felony DUI causing death. DUI causing injury or death in Nevada is a category B felony, which carries a prison sentence between two and 20 years, a fine of up to $5,000, and driver’s license ...
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  • 4 Common Reasons to Suppress Evidence

    Just because you have been arrested for an alleged crime does not mean you are guilty. You may be able to avoid conviction by omitting certain evidence from trial by filing a motion to suppress evidence – with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. The suppression of the right evidence – or all the evidence – can result in either the judge dismissing your case before trial or the ...
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  • Nevada Theft Laws & Porch Pirates

    Online shopping has significantly grown in popularity over the last few years, especially during the holidays and now during a pandemic. However, there is a new type of thief – known as the “porch pirate” – who unlawfully capitalizes on this recent trend. In the past few years, several states have passed laws that specifically address this type of mail theft . In Texas, for example, stealing mail ...
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  • What is the Difference Between Reasonable Suspicion & Probable Cause?

    There are two main legal concepts that the police apply in a criminal investigation to determine whether to detain someone, search and seize evidence, or arrest someone: reasonable suspicion and probable cause. While these concepts are used interchangeable, different circumstances must be met in order to establish each one. Reasonable Suspicion Law enforcement officials must first establish ...
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  • Decrease in Crimes in Reno During COVID-19 Outbreak

    The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020. In order to curb the spread of the coronavirus throughout Nevada, Governor Steve Sisolak issued a statewide stay-at-home order on April 1, requiring residents to stay at home and nonessential businesses to close until further notice. Since many businesses are closed and people are not out as much, the ...
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  • What Happens If I Violate a Restraining Order in NV?

    When a person has been arrested for allegedly committing a domestic violence offense in Nevada, he/she may also be subject to a restraining order filed by the alleged victim. Also known as protective orders, restraining orders generally prohibit contact between both parties, order the alleged offender to stay away from the alleged victim’s home, workplace, school, or any other location he/she ...
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  • Mandatory Arrest Law in NV Domestic Battery Cases

    Domestic battery , also known as domestic violence, is one of the most charged crimes in Nevada. The main reason why is because the state has a “mandatory arrest law.” According to NRS 171.137, if a police officer has probable cause – unless mitigating circumstances are present – to believe someone has committed domestic battery within the past 24 hours, the officer must arrest the alleged primary ...
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  • New Nevada Laws in 2020

    Along with a new year and a new decade in Nevada, many new laws took effect on January 1, 2020. Some of these new laws made additions and changes to the state’s criminal justice system. The following are several new Nevada criminal laws in 2020: Guns – Under AB 291, family members may ask the court to keep guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves or others. The new ...
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  • Will My Criminal Record Show Up on a Background Check?

    According to the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS), 95% of companies will conduct some type of background check during the hiring process. That means if you are applying for a new position, your potential employer might look at your criminal history before making a selection decision. If you have ever had a run-in with the law, you might be wondering what ...
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  • What Kind of Offense Is Pickpocketing?

    Generally defined, pickpocketing is a type of theft crime that occurs when a person uses dexterity to take another individuals property or money without them knowing. Movies usually depict someone committing the offense by bumping into an individual and slipping their wallet out of a pocket or sliding a watch off their wrist. Although the act seems like a petty offense, In Nevada, it is actually a ...
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  • What Is Transferred Intent?

    For many offenses, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant intended to carry out a criminal act. For example, under N.R.S. 200.481, battery is defined as the willful use of force against another person. To land a conviction for this offense, the prosecutor must show that the defendant purposefully meant to injure someone else. If a person other than the intended victim is harmed during the ...
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  • Arrested for Indecent Exposure in Nevada?

    Nevada law defines indecent exposure as showing your own or someone else’s private parts in a public or private area. Men are often charged with this crime for urinating in public, while women are typically charged for exposing their breasts (only when they’re not feeding a child). However, people engaged in sexual activity in public can also be charged with indecent exposure. A first offense is ...
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  • Can I Be Charged with Kidnapping My Own Child?

    When it comes to our children, we are all intuitively possessive. Law and reason don’t always register when it comes to parental instincts. We feel responsible for them and many of us cannot accept having to answer to someone else regarding our role in their lives. For example, in cases of domestic violence or a contentious divorce, you may feel the need to protect your children by removing them ...
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  • Preparing For Your First Criminal Court Appearance

    Whether we like to admit it or not, appearances matter. You can never make a first impression twice, especially in front of a judge or jury who will determine if you are guilty or innocent. No one enjoys or is fully comfortable with attending their first criminal court appearance, as it can be incredibly nerve-wracking and stressful not knowing what to expect. Preparation is key in alleviating ...
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  • Is Prostitution Legal in Nevada?

    Many visitors flock to Las Vegas, Reno, and other cities throughout Nevada to not only enjoy gambling, but also participate in the nightlife--including paying for sexual favors. Although Nevada is the only state in the country where prostitution is legal, it is only permitted in certain areas. Counties with a population of no larger than 700,000 people can operate a few brothels or so, depending ...
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  • Arrested on Vacation in Nevada?

    From enjoying the nightlife in Las Vegas to gambling in Reno or vacationing in Lake Tahoe, Nevada has plenty of fun activities to offer its visitors. Unfortunately, some tourists end up being arrested for criminal offenses, which means there is a significant possibility of having to travel back and forth from their home state or country back to Nevada. If you are a visitor in Reno or Nevada in ...
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  • Social Media & Your Criminal Case

    How Your Posts Can Haunt You Despite what we all hope, privacy settings are not always private. Many of the social media sites, including Facebook and Instagram, cooperate with law enforcement when it comes to a criminal case. Additionally, even if you “delete” a post, it remains in the ether of the internet, waiting to be retrieved when the time is right. Once you share a post or photo, it is ...
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  • Domestic Violence & Your Firearm Rights

    Domestic Violence Charges Can Affect Your Gun Rights Domestic violence charges not only tarnish your reputation and result in possible jail time, they also can permanently revoke your rights to own firearms . A large number or violent charges that result in a guilty plea or conviction can mean permanent loss of gun rights. In addition, your concealed carry permit can be revoked with just a ...
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  • Why Nevada DUI Representation Is Always Beneficial

    Driving while under the influence (DUI) charges are serious, and successful DUI convictions can lead to years of penalties for the convicted. Unfortunately, many people plead guilty to DUI charges without contemplating the consequences and thinking through their options. Hiring experienced DUI representation is always beneficial to a case, and here are the reasons why. Defensive Investigations Can ...
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  • Police Accountability & DUI Arrests

    Police officers have authority over American citizens, but this authority comes with tremendous responsibility; officers must adhere to strict policies and statutes while in the line of duty. If an officer breaches a policy while performing their job, it calls into question their integrity and character as a cop. Therefore, the police must follow the rules of the arrest process, and a DUI arrest ...
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  • Overview of Casino Crimes

    The casinos, entertainment, and nightlife in Nevada attract millions of tourists and residents alike every year. Since the state gambling industry generates billions of dollars, casino crimes are prevalent. That is why Nevada law makes have passed harsh laws to severely punish those who cheat or defraud casinos. The following are the most common casino crimes in Reno and throughout Nevada: ...
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  • Courtroom Etiquette: Preparing Yourself for Court

    Etiquette is essential when you want to make a good impression. It’s important when you go on a job interview, when you meet your new neighbors, when you attend a funeral or church service, when you go to Back to School Night for your kids, and when you go on a date – etiquette is important in everyday life. It’s especially important when you have to appear in court. One of the first things ...
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  • Is Public Intoxication Illegal in Reno?

    If you’re not from Nevada originally, you’re probably used to strict liquor laws. Bars in your home state probably have a state-mandated “closing time” and some stores might not even sell beer or hard liquor. You may have to go to an actual liquor store to buy a bottle of Merlot or Jack Daniels. While the legal drinking age in Nevada is 21 and it’s against the law to drive under the influence of ...
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  • Hire a Former Prosecutor as Your Criminal Defense Lawyer

    If you are facing serious criminal charges and you are in the process of seeking legal representation for your case, you want a criminal defense attorney with the experience and credentials to obtain the best results possible. Which is why having a former prosecutor as your lawyer has many advantages. A prosecutor is an attorney who determines what charges to file against a defendant and then ...
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  • Is It Illegal to Sleep in Your Car in Nevada?

    When a person is too drunk to drive, one of the most common alternatives to intoxicated driving is sleeping in the car. Unfortunately, depending on the circumstances, a sleeping individual can still get a DUI in Nevada. Is it Illegal to Sleep in your Car in Nevada? Under certain circumstances, sleeping in a car is illegal and can result in a DUI in Nevada if: The individual is drunk or high, or ...
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