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Recent Posts in Criminal Defense Category

  • Probation Violation in Nevada

    If you are convicted of a crime in Nevada, a judge may impose probation, in lieu of—or along with—a jail or prison sentence. The main purpose of probation is to rehabilitate an offender, rather than punish him/her. Common terms of probation may include: Community service Random drug testing Routine meetings with a probation officer Regular court hearings Educational courses Counseling Electronic ...
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  • Nevada Disorderly Conduct Laws

    Disorderly conduct is one of the most common offenses in Reno and throughout Nevada since the state is littered with casinos, bars, clubs, pool parties, and other nightlife activities. Although you are allowed to walk on the streets with a drink in your hand and public intoxication alone is not a crime, being drunk in public can result in a disorderly conduct charge. Disorderly conduct is a ...
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  • Nevada Resisting Arrest Laws

    Dealing with law enforcement officials can be a nerve-wracking experience, which is why it is not uncommon for someone to resist arrest or attempt to evade a police officer. Unfortunately, doing so can result in separate criminal penalties on top of the original criminal charges. In Nevada, resisting a public officer means attempting to stop the police from executing their legal duties, which ...
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  • Washoe County's Adult Drug Court

    Unfortunately, many people suffering from substance abuse or addiction are charged with various drug crimes in Nevada. However, criminal courts throughout the state understand these individuals would greatly benefit from rehabilitation services to help them overcome their dependency on drugs. In 1995, the Second Judicial District Court established the Adult Drug Court—which was the first Special ...
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  • Misdemeanors & Felonies in Nevada

    There are two main forms of crimes in Nevada: misdemeanors and felonies. Although felony crimes are more serious and result in harsher criminal penalties in comparison with misdemeanor offenses, getting convicted of either can lead to a permanent mark on your criminal record, which can make obtaining employment, applying for a college or university, seeking a loan, or living a normal life very ...
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  • Breaching the Peace in Nevada

    Whether you are being extremely loud in public or involved in a physical altercation in Nevada, you could be charged with “breaching the peace.” Also known as disturbing the peace, this offense is defined as intentionally or willfully disturbing a person, family, or neighborhood with either loud and strange noises, offensive and tumultuous conduct, threats, or fights or challenges to a fight. ...
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  • Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor?

    Because misdemeanors are not as serious of an offense compared to felonies, many people do not consider hiring a criminal defense lawyer when facing such criminal charges. However, no matter what type of charge you face, a conviction will always result in serious consequences. The following are three reasons why you need to hire an attorney for a misdemeanor: You can still spend time behind bars – ...
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  • 4 Common Crimes Committed During the Holidays

    The holiday season is generally filled with joy and cheer. However, there is a spike in certain crimes during this time of year, which causes local law enforcement officials to increase their patrols throughout residential areas, as well as areas where festive gatherings take place, such as bars and restaurants. The following are the four most common holiday crimes: DUI – Since alcohol consumption ...
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  • What is Pre-Prosecution Diversion?

    A misdemeanor conviction in Nevada is punishable by harsh criminal penalties, including fines and even a jail sentence. If seeking a not-guilty verdict appears to be unattainable, it is still possible to avoid conviction by entering “pre-prosecution diversion.” Pre-prosecution diversion enables eligible defendants to complete several conditions (e.g., rehabilitation, educational courses, etc.) in ...
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  • 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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