Spousal Abuse Attorney in Reno

Former Reno Prosecutor. Now Fighting for You.

When a domestic disturbance call ends in an arrest, the legal process moves fast, and the stakes are serious. Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover defends clients in Reno facing spousal abuse and domestic violence charges, bringing something most defense attorneys can’t offer: Kenneth Stover served as Special Prosecutor for the City of Reno and the City of Sparks, so he knows exactly how local prosecutors build these cases and where those cases can be vulnerable.

In Nevada, “spousal abuse” isn’t a standalone criminal charge. It describes domestic violence offenses committed against a current or former spouse or intimate partner, governed primarily by NRS 200.485 and NRS 33.018. Once a charge is filed, the prosecution decides whether to proceed. The accuser can’t unilaterally drop the case, and Nevada’s mandatory arrest rule requires officers to make an arrest when there’s probable cause to believe battery occurred within the past 24 hours, even without a warrant and even when the alleged victim objects.

If you or a family member has been arrested for spousal abuse in Reno, don’t wait. Call Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover at (775) 502-1575 to schedule a free consultation before your first court appearance.

What Conduct Falls Under Nevada’s Spousal Abuse Laws

Under NRS 33.018, domestic violence charges can apply when certain conduct is committed against a spouse or former spouse, a current or former dating partner, a co-parent, someone the accused lives with or has lived with, or a family member related by blood or marriage. The conduct doesn’t have to be a punch. Nevada law defines battery broadly: any willful and unlawful use of physical force, including pushing, grabbing, or throwing an object, can support a charge.

Criminal charges arising from spousal abuse allegations can include:

• Battery domestic violence (NRS 200.485): The most common charge; no visible injury required
• Domestic battery by strangulation: A felony regardless of prior history
• Assault, harassment, and stalking: Charged when threats or repeated conduct are alleged
• Cyberstalking: Applies to threatening or harassing conduct carried out through electronic communications
• False imprisonment: Alleged when a partner is prevented from leaving

If the alleged conduct involved strangulation, substantial bodily harm, or a deadly weapon, charges can be elevated to felony level even on a first offense.

Penalties Under NRS 200.485 & the Cooling-Off Rule

Nevada grades domestic battery penalties by how many prior offenses occurred within a seven-year window. For cases involving a spouse or intimate partner, the same tiers apply:

• First offense: misdemeanor; 2 days to 6 months in Washoe County Jail; 48 to 120 hours of community service; fine of $200 to $1,000; at least 1.5 hours per week of state-certified domestic violence counseling for 6 to 12 months, paid by the defendant
• Second offense within seven years: Misdemeanor; 10 days to 6 months in jail; 100 to 200 hours of community service; fine of $500 to $1,000; 12 months of mandatory counseling
• Third offense within seven years: category C felony; 1 to 5 years in Nevada State Prison; fine up to $10,000

One detail that catches many people off guard: under NRS 178.484, anyone arrested for domestic violence must complete a mandatory 12-hour cooling-off period in custody before bail is even available. A judge can’t waive this requirement. That window is exactly when early legal contact matters most.

A 2022 amendment to NRS 200.485 gave prosecutors modest additional flexibility to consider charge reductions. Even so, getting a favorable plea deal remains an uphill battle in practice, which is why having an experienced defense attorney involved from day one can make a real difference.

Collateral Consequences Beyond Jail & Fines

A conviction carries consequences that follow a person well past sentencing. Under both state and federal law, any domestic violence conviction results in a lifetime loss of the right to possess firearms. That’s permanent, and it applies to misdemeanor convictions, not just felonies.

Additional consequences can include:

• A permanent criminal record affecting employment background checks and professional licensing
• Housing application denials tied to the conviction
• Negative weight in child custody and visitation proceedings
• For non-citizens, potential deportation or denial of immigration benefits
• A protective order requiring removal from a shared home and restricting contact with a spouse, co-parent, or children

How We Defend Spousal Abuse Charges in Reno

Kenneth Stover spent years on the prosecution side in Washoe County, watching how law enforcement gathers evidence and how prosecutors present it at trial. That background directly shapes how we build a defense. We start investigating before the prosecution finishes building its case, reviewing 911 recordings, body-camera footage, text messages and digital communications, medical documentation, photographs, and prior statements from both parties.

Defense Strategies We Use

Even when an accuser recants or declines to cooperate, prosecutors can proceed using independent evidence. That’s why early investigation matters. We look for inconsistencies in witness accounts, constitutional issues in how evidence was obtained, and factual support for defenses including self-defense, lack of sufficient evidence, and false or exaggerated accusations. Prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and an allegation alone isn’t a conviction.

Negotiation, Alternative Sentencing & Trial

We work with court-appointed victims advocates to develop written statements and defense materials that account for the interests of the entire family, not just our client. Where alternative sentencing is a viable path, we pursue it. When the case goes to trial, Kenneth Stover tries it. He has represented clients in over 70 courts throughout Nevada and devotes his practice entirely to litigation.

Why Reno Residents Trust Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover

Kenneth Stover has practiced law for 30 years, with more than 25 of those years focused on criminal defense. A native Nevadan, he earned his B.S. with honors from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 1991 and his J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law in 1995. Before building his defense practice, he served as Special Prosecutor for the City of Reno and the City of Sparks, and as Deputy District Attorney in Lander County and Lyon County. That’s not a generic prosecutorial background. It’s direct experience with the offices and agencies that handle spousal abuse cases in this region.

The firm is rated AV Preeminent 5.0 by Martindale-Hubbell, has received the Client Distinction Award from Martindale-Hubbell, and has been recognized by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys and named to the Premier 100 by the American Academy of Trial Attorneys.

Get a Free Consultation for Spousal Abuse Charges in Reno

A spousal abuse arrest sets off a legal process that doesn’t pause while you figure out what to do. The sooner we can review the facts of your case, the more options may be available to you. We offer a free initial consultation with no obligation.

Contact Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover today at (775) 502-1575 to speak directly with our team about your defense.