Stalking Charges Attorney In Reno

Defending Your Future When You Face Stalking Allegations

Being accused of stalking can turn your life upside down overnight. You may be worried about jail, a criminal record, and losing contact with important people in your life. You might also feel that no one is listening to your side of the story. At Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover, we represent people accused of stalking and related offenses in this area. Our goal is to guide you through a confusing system, protect your rights, and work to limit the impact this case has on your future. You do not have to try to handle this alone. Our attorney, Kenneth A. Stover, brings a unique perspective as a former Special Prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney. We draw on that experience to anticipate how the state will approach your case and to build a focused defense from the very beginning.

Call (775) 502-1575 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more. Our attorneys are ready to help.

Why Work With Our Defense Firm

When you are facing a serious accusation, you need more than general criminal law knowledge. You need someone who understands how prosecutors think and how they build stalking cases. Because Kenneth Stover previously served as a Special Prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney, we know from the inside how police reports, digital evidence, and witness statements are evaluated. We use that background to identify weaknesses in the case against you. Stalking allegations often involve text messages, social media, prior relationship conflicts, and long-running disputes. We look at how a prosecutor is likely to frame those facts, then work to challenge unfair assumptions and present important context that may be missing from the police file.

Our firm does not rely solely on what is written in an arrest report. We conduct comprehensive investigations, which can include reviewing digital communications, timelines, and other records that help tell your story. Our defense plans are tailored to each client and situation, because no two stalking cases are exactly alike.

In addition to investigation, we focus on strategic negotiation and courtroom advocacy. We assess the evidence, explain your options, and work to pursue outcomes that reduce long-term harm whenever possible. If your case proceeds to hearings or trial, our prior time in the prosecutor’s office helps us prepare for how the state may present its witnesses and arguments. Throughout this process, we work to protect your constitutional rights. We look closely at how officers obtained digital evidence, whether your statements were taken lawfully, and whether any search or seizure crossed legal lines. We also understand that this situation is emotionally difficult. Our team strives to provide clear communication and nonjudgmental support, so you always know what is happening and why.

Nevada Stalking Charges & Penalties

Understanding what you are charged with can help you make informed choices. Under Nevada law, stalking generally involves repeated behavior that would cause a reasonable person to feel frightened, intimidated, or harassed. This might include following someone, showing up uninvited, or sending unwanted messages over time.

There are different levels of stalking, and the specific charge affects the range of potential penalties. Basic stalking may be treated as a misdemeanor. In more serious situations, such as when there are credible threats of harm, a case can be filed at a higher level. The exact charge usually depends on the alleged conduct, any prior history, and whether protective orders are involved. Possible outcomes can include jail or prison time, probation, fines, and conditions that limit where you can go and who you may contact. A conviction can appear on background checks and may affect employment, housing, and some professional opportunities. In some cases, there can also be consequences for firearm possession. The result in any case depends on the facts, your record, and how the matter is handled in court.

Stalking cases in Reno are often handled in the Reno Justice Court or Second Judicial District Court in Washoe County, depending on the level of the charge and where the conduct is alleged to have occurred. Prosecutors frequently rely on digital evidence, such as text messages, call logs, emails, and social media activity. They may also use past incidents or prior protective orders to try to show a pattern of conduct.

Protective orders are a common part of stalking cases. A temporary order can sometimes be issued quickly and may restrict you from going to certain places or contacting the accuser. Longer-term orders may be considered at later hearings. Violating a protective order can lead to additional criminal allegations, even before the underlying stalking case is resolved. We help clients understand these orders so that they do not unintentionally make their situation worse.

Steps To Take After A Stalking Arrest

The choices you make in the days after an arrest or accusation can significantly affect your case. It is natural to want to explain yourself or clear up what you see as a misunderstanding. However, reacting quickly without legal guidance can create new problems.

One of the most important things you can do is avoid any contact with the alleged victim. This includes calls, texts, social media messages, and having friends or relatives reach out on your behalf. Even well meaning contact can be viewed as further stalking or a violation of a protective order, which may lead to new accusations.

It is also wise to avoid discussing the case on social media or in public places. Many stalking cases involve digital communications, and additional posts may become part of the evidence. Instead, keep your conversations about the case limited to your attorney and, when appropriate, close family members who need to know what is happening.

You can help your defense by preserving information that may be important. Save text messages, emails, call records, and any relevant screenshots, and avoid deleting or changing anything. Writing down your recollection of events and the history of the relationship can also be helpful while details are still fresh. This can include noting dates, locations, and the names of anyone who witnessed key interactions.

Before agreeing to detailed interviews with law enforcement, consider speaking with a stalking charges lawyer in Reno. Officers and investigators are trained to ask questions in ways that support their theory of the case. We review the situation with you, help you understand your rights, and advise you on whether and how to communicate with law enforcement. Our firm can then start using the information you provide to evaluate the strength of the state’s case and identify evidence that supports your side. Early involvement often allows us to address issues such as release conditions, protective orders, and the handling of digital records in a more focused way.

How We Defend Stalking Allegations

Every stalking case has its own history and context. Our work begins with a careful review of available information, including police reports, charging documents, and any protective orders. We also examine digital records, such as messages and call logs, to see how they fit into the larger picture of the relationship or dispute.

We look for defense themes that fairly reflect what happened. In some cases, there may have been mixed messages or ongoing two-way communication that the reports do not fully capture. In others, identity issues or misunderstandings about who sent certain messages may arise. We also consider whether the accuser has reasons to exaggerate or misinterpret conduct, particularly in situations involving breakups, custody disputes, or workplace conflicts.

Constitutional issues are another key part of our analysis. We evaluate how officers obtained digital and physical evidence, whether any warrants were properly obtained when needed, and whether any statements you made were taken in accordance with your rights. If we find legal problems with how evidence was gathered, we can raise those concerns with the court. Our prior work in the prosecutor’s office helps us assess how strong the state’s case really is. We understand how prosecutors in Washoe County typically weigh evidence, evaluate witnesses, and approach plea offers. This insight helps us provide realistic advice about risks and options, and it guides our strategy in negotiations.

In some situations, we may work to seek reduced charges or explore alternative sentencing options that focus more on treatment, counseling, or monitored conditions rather than lengthy incarceration. The availability of these options depends on the specific circumstances and the policies of the court and prosecution at the time. When cases proceed toward trial, we prepare thoroughly, including planning how to question witnesses and present evidence that supports your position. Throughout the case, we stay focused on your goals and your future. We talk with you about the potential impact of different outcomes on employment, licensing, and family life. Our approach is to build a defense that addresses both the legal issues in court and the practical realities you will face after the case is over.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first after a stalking arrest?

After an arrest, avoid contacting the accuser and do not discuss the case on social media. Preserve messages and other records, then speak with an attorney as soon as you can. We review your situation, explain the process in the Reno courts, and help you avoid missteps that could harm your case.

Can stalking charges be dropped or reduced?

Stalking charges can sometimes be reduced or dismissed, depending on the facts, your prior record, and how the prosecutor views the evidence. We evaluate the strength of the case, use our prior prosecution insight to identify weaknesses, and work to negotiate outcomes that limit long term damage whenever possible.

How does your prosecutor background help my case?

Our attorneys’ experience as a former Special Prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney helps us see your case the way the state may see it. We understand how evidence is evaluated, what issues worry prosecutors, and how they approach negotiations. We use that knowledge to anticipate strategy and build focused defenses.

Will I have to appear in court in Reno?

You will usually need to appear for scheduled hearings in the Reno Justice Court or Second Judicial District Court, depending on the case. The number and type of hearings depend on the charges and case progress. We explain each appearance, help you prepare, and stand with you in court throughout the process.

What happens if there is a protective order against me?

A protective order can limit where you go and who you can contact, sometimes including your home, workplace, or family. Violations can bring new allegations. We review the order with you, explain the rules clearly, and help you avoid accidental violations while we address the underlying stalking case.

Talk To A Stalking Defense Lawyer

If you are facing stalking allegations, the decisions you make now can strongly influence your options later. Speaking with a stalking defense lawyer in Reno early in the process gives you a clearer picture of what to expect and how to protect yourself.

At Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover, we draw on Kenneth Stover’s background as a former Special Prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney, our tailored defense strategies, and our careful investigations to guide clients through these difficult cases. We work to safeguard your rights, address the impact on your life, and pursue the best outcome available under the circumstances. You do not have to navigate the criminal courts in Reno on your own or guess about the meaning of each hearing or document. We are here to answer your questions, review your options, and stand between you and the full weight of the prosecution.

To discuss your situation in a confidential consultation, call (775) 502-1575.