Felony Attorney in Reno, NV

Felony Defense Built on Prosecutorial Experience in Washoe County

A felony conviction in Nevada can mean years in state prison, substantial fines, and a permanent record that follows you into every job application, housing search, and civil rights question for the rest of your life. When the stakes are that high, who handled cases before becoming a defense attorney matters. Kenneth A. Stover served as Special Prosecutor for the Cities of Reno and Sparks and as Deputy District Attorney in Lander and Lyon Counties before devoting his career to criminal defense. That background isn’t a marketing point. It’s direct experience building felony cases from the same side of the courtroom the Washoe County District Attorney’s office is using now.

Our firm defends clients facing felony charges throughout Washoe County, including Reno and Sparks. When you work with Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover, you get a defense strategy shaped by an understanding of how prosecutors think, what evidence they prioritize, and where their cases are most vulnerable.

Felony charges carry penalties that can change the course of your life. Call us to speak with a felony criminal defense attorney in Reno now.

Comprehensive Felony Criminal Defense in Reno

Our firm provides full-service defense for clients facing felony charges across Washoe County. Common charge types we defend include drug trafficking, robbery, assault, theft crimes, sex offenses, firearms violations, and white-collar crimes. Each case is different, and our defense work reflects that.

What our felony defense work covers:

• Customized Defense Strategies: We develop a defense approach built around the specific facts, charges, and procedural history of your case, not a template.
• Thorough Investigations: We examine evidence, witness statements, police reports, and the procedures officers followed at every stage, looking for constitutional violations, inconsistencies, or errors that can affect your case.
• Fourth and Fifth Amendment Issues: Unlawful searches and seizures, Miranda violations, and coerced confessions can support suppression motions or, in some circumstances, dismissal.
• Aggressive Courtroom Advocacy: When a case goes to trial, you need a litigator. Ken Stover’s practice is 100% devoted to litigation.

We keep you informed at every stage. Understanding what’s happening in your case, and why we’re making each decision, gives you the clarity to participate confidently in your own defense.

How Felony Cases Move Through Reno’s Courts

Felony cases in Washoe County follow a defined procedural path, and missing a deadline or filing requirement at any stage can limit your options. Preliminary hearings for felony charges are handled at Reno Justice Court. If the case proceeds, it moves to the Second Judicial District Court, where felony trials are held.

The typical progression runs from arrest through arraignment, where a plea is entered, to preliminary hearing, pre-trial motions, and potentially a jury trial. Pre-trial motions are often where the most consequential work happens. Challenging how evidence was obtained, contesting the sufficiency of the charges, or raising procedural misconduct issues at this stage can reshape what the prosecution has to work with before trial ever begins.

Nevada courts may also consider alternative sentencing options, including diversion programs and probation, depending on the defendant’s history and the nature of the charge. Ken Stover has represented clients in over 70 courts throughout Nevada, and his familiarity with local judges and prosecutors in Washoe County informs the strategy we bring to every case.

Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover: 30 Years in Nevada Courts

Ken Stover has been practicing law for 30 years, with more than 25 years focused on criminal defense. Before that, he spent nearly five years on the prosecution side, including serving as Special Prosecutor specifically for the Cities of Reno and Sparks. He has sat at the prosecution table and built felony cases. He knows what Washoe County prosecutors look for in evidence, how they approach witnesses, and what it takes to construct a case they consider strong. That knowledge now belongs to the defense.

His credentials are independently recognized. He holds an AV Preeminent 5.0 rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer-review rating available, and has been consistently named among the top trial attorneys in the nation. His practice is entirely devoted to litigation. This means when you retain Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover for a felony case, you’re working with a trial attorney whose full professional focus is the courtroom.

Local experience matters in felony cases. Our felony criminal lawyer in Reno has tried cases in Washoe County courts and understands how prosecutors approach these charges. Contact Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Nevada?

A misdemeanor in Nevada is punishable by up to six months in county jail and fines up to $1,000. A gross misdemeanor carries up to 364 days and fines up to $2,000. Under NRS 193.130, felonies fall into five categories: Category A carries a sentence of death or life in prison, with or without the possibility of parole; Category B carries 1 to 20 years; Category C carries 1 to 5 years and up to $10,000 in fines; Category D carries 1 to 4 years and up to $5,000 in fines; Category E also carries 1 to 4 years, though courts are generally required to suspend the sentence and grant probation. Beyond incarceration, a felony conviction carries collateral consequences including loss of voting rights, loss of firearm rights, restrictions on professional licenses, and barriers to housing and employment.

How Can a Felony Defense Attorney Help My Case?

A felony defense attorney examines every aspect of how the prosecution built its case, including how evidence was gathered, whether your constitutional rights were observed during arrest and questioning, and whether the charges as filed are supported by the evidence. Ken Stover’s prosecutorial background gives our firm a specific advantage: he has built these cases from the other side and knows where they tend to be weakest. We handle strategy, procedural deadlines, pre-trial motions, plea negotiations, and trial representation, and we keep you informed throughout.

What Should I Expect During the Felony Legal Process in Reno?

Felony proceedings in Reno begin with arraignment, where charges are read and a plea is entered. A preliminary hearing follows at Reno Justice Court, where the judge determines whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed. If the case moves forward, it goes to the Second Judicial District Court for pre-trial motions and, if necessary, trial. Each phase has its own deadlines and strategic considerations. We can walk you through what to expect at each step and prepare you for what comes next.

Can Felony Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?

In some cases, yes, depending on the circumstances. We examine the evidence for Fourth Amendment search and seizure violations, Fifth Amendment Miranda issues, insufficient evidence, and procedural or prosecutorial misconduct, all of which can support suppression motions or dismissal arguments. Where the evidence is strong but the circumstances warrant it, we pursue charge reductions through plea negotiation. We also evaluate whether Nevada diversion programs or alternative sentencing options may apply. The right path depends on the specific facts of your case.

What Sets Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover Apart from Other Felony Defense Firms?

Kenneth Stover spent nearly five years as a prosecutor, including as Special Prosecutor for the Cities of Reno and Sparks, and holds an AV Preeminent 5.0 rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He understands how the Washoe County District Attorney’s office builds its cases, and that experience shapes how we investigate, challenge evidence, and negotiate. Combined with 30 years in Nevada courts and a practice devoted entirely to litigation, our firm brings a defense informed by both sides of the criminal justice system.

Speak with a Felony Defense Lawyer in Reno

Felony charges are serious, and the window for building the strongest possible defense is narrowest at the start. A free consultation gives us the chance to review the specifics of your situation, explain your options, and outline a strategy. Call Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover at (775) 502-1575 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.

Our felony criminal defense attorney in Reno can review your arrest, challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us now to begin your defense.