Aggravated Assault Attorney In Reno

Serious Charges, Steady Guidance for Your Future

An aggravated assault arrest can change your life in a single night. You may be facing the possibility of a felony record, time in jail or prison, and court orders that affect your job and family. In a moment like this, you need clear answers and a plan, not more confusion.

At Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover, we represent people accused of serious violent offenses, including aggravated assault and related Nevada charges. We know the power the State holds in these cases and how quickly prosecutors move to build their file. Our founding attorney, Kenneth A. Stover, is a former Special Prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney, and we use that background to help our clients understand what they are up against and what can be done. We work with you to evaluate the evidence, explain your options, and build a defense strategy that matches your situation and goals. From the first conversation, our goal is to protect your rights and give you a clearer view of what comes next.

Call (775) 502-1575 to schedule your consultation today, or get in touch with us online using our easy to use online contact form.

Facing an Aggravated Assault Charge in Reno

If you are dealing with an aggravated assault type allegation here in Reno, you already know it is not treated like a minor offense. These cases often involve claims of weapons, serious bodily injury, or allegations that the other person was particularly vulnerable. Prosecutors and judges in this part of Nevada tend to treat these matters as threats to public safety, so the stakes are high from the start.

Depending on the specific statute and facts, you could be looking at a felony-level charge, exposure to jail or prison time, strict probation conditions, and long term collateral effects. A conviction can appear on background checks, limit employment and housing opportunities, and affect professional licenses. If a protective order is involved, it can also restrict where you can go and who you can contact.

The exact penalties and options available depend on many factors, including your prior record, the nature of any alleged weapon, the degree of injury claimed, and what the evidence really shows. An arrest or a charge is not the same as a conviction. We help clients separate rumor from reality and start making choices that protect their future instead of reacting out of fear.

How a Former Prosecutor Builds Your Aggravated Assault Defense

When you are accused of a violent offense, it matters who is standing between you and the State. Before founding Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover, attorney Kenneth A. Stover served as a Special Prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney. He spent years on the other side of the courtroom deciding which charges to file, how to structure plea offers, and how to present cases to juries.

That experience gives us insight into how prosecutors look at aggravated assault allegations. We understand what facts tend to drive charging decisions, which details they focus on when deciding whether to reduce or pursue a case, and where the weaknesses in a typical file often lie. We use that knowledge to anticipate the State's strategy and to identify problems in the evidence that may not be obvious at first glance.

In practice, this can affect every stage of your case. When we review a file, we look for issues such as gaps in witness statements, unclear video footage, inconsistent medical reports, and questions about who was truly the aggressor. We study the way the case was investigated, including how law enforcement documented the scene and handled your statements. Then we develop a defense approach that aims to challenge intent, the level of force used, and the reliability of the evidence the State plans to rely on.

Our goal is to use this perspective to put you in the strongest position possible, whether that means arguing for reduced charges, negotiating alternative resolutions, or preparing for trial when that is the right path.

Our Approach to Aggravated Assault Defense

Every aggravated assault case has its own story. We start by listening to yours. In an initial consultation, we learn what happened from your point of view, what you are most concerned about, and what you hope to avoid. Then we obtain and examine the police reports, charging documents, and any available evidence so we can compare the State's version with what you know to be true.

Investigating The Facts & Evaluating Defenses

From there, we move into a detailed review of the facts and law. We consider potential defenses such as self defense, defense of others, mutual confrontation, or misidentification. We look carefully at the timing of events, the location of people involved, and any available messages, calls, or video that may support your account. When necessary, we explore whether law enforcement respected constitutional limits during searches, seizures, and questioning, since violations in those areas can affect whether certain evidence can be used.

Keeping You Informed & Involved

As we analyze your case, we stay in contact and explain what we are seeing in plain language. You should not be left guessing what is happening with your file. We discuss potential motions, the pros and cons of negotiating with the prosecutor at different stages, and what preparing for trial would involve if that becomes necessary.

Throughout this process, we remember that you are more than a case number. We tailor your defense strategy to your history, your responsibilities, and your goals. Our team works to protect both your immediate interests in court and your longer term future outside of it.

What To Do After an Aggravated Assault Arrest

What you do in the hours and days after an arrest can have a major impact on your case. It is natural to want to explain your side to police, the other person involved, or even on social media, but that can be risky. Statements made in the heat of the moment often end up in reports or screenshots that are later used in court.

Protecting Your Rights Right Away

If you have been arrested on an aggravated assault type allegation, it is usually safest to stay calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and clearly request an attorney. You do not need to answer detailed questions about what happened without legal counsel. There are often factors you cannot see at the time, such as how other witnesses are describing the event or what physical evidence does or does not show.

Preserving Helpful Evidence

It can help to preserve any information that may support your defense. This might include text messages, call logs, photographs of injuries or property, or contact information for people who were present. You should also pay close attention to any release conditions or protective orders the court puts in place. Violating those can create new problems, even before the original charge is resolved.

We encourage you to contact our firm as soon as you can after an arrest or if you learn that you are under investigation. Early involvement allows us to review the situation quickly, advise you on communication with law enforcement, and begin addressing issues like bail, no contact orders, and the preservation of important evidence.

Aggravated Assault Cases in Nevada Courts

Understanding where your case will be heard and what to expect can reduce some of the uncertainty you are feeling. In and around Reno, serious assault and similar violent charges generally begin in a local justice court, which often handles early proceedings such as arraignments and initial bail determinations. If the State pursues a felony, the matter may then be transferred to a Nevada district court for later stages.

At each step, the court and the prosecutor's office look at factors such as the severity of alleged injuries, any claimed use of a weapon, and your prior record. These details can shape bail amounts, the tone of early discussions, and whether the State seeks enhanced penalties. Courts also consider the views of any complaining witness, particularly in cases where a protective order or no contact condition is in place.

Because our firm regularly navigates criminal proceedings in this region, we understand the procedures and expectations that apply in these settings. We guide clients through each hearing so they know when to appear, what will likely happen, and how to avoid missteps that could lead to additional charges or stricter conditions.

Our familiarity with Nevada criminal courts helps us advise clients on what is realistic, where there may be room for negotiation, and when it makes sense to contest issues through motions practice or trial preparation. That local knowledge is one more tool we draw on when planning your aggravated assault defense.

Protecting Your Future After an Aggravated Assault Charge

An aggravated assault accusation does not only threaten your present. It can affect your future long after a case is closed. A conviction for a serious violent offense in Nevada may appear on background checks when you apply for jobs, housing, or professional licenses. In some situations, it may also affect firearm rights or immigration status.

Looking Beyond The Immediate Case

When we defend a client, we keep these long term effects in mind. We look for ways to limit consequences by seeking reductions from more serious accusations to lesser charges when appropriate, or by pursuing resolutions that emphasize treatment or counseling instead of extended incarceration when the law and facts allow. In some cases, we can explore alternative sentencing structures that give clients a chance to show progress over time.

Helping You Make Informed Choices

We are also attentive to how each decision in a case, including any plea, can shape future options. We talk through scenarios with you before choices are made, so you understand not just what might happen at the next hearing, but how it could affect your life months or years later. Our focus remains on protecting your rights while working toward an outcome that gives you the best possible foundation for moving forward.

Throughout, our firm strives to provide steady communication, answer your questions, and respect the stress that you and your family are under. Our clients are partners in their defense, and we work to ensure you feel informed and supported at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Go To Jail For Aggravated Assault In Nevada?

Many people facing an aggravated assault type accusation worry first about jail or prison. Whether you ultimately serve time depends on a combination of factors, including the exact charge filed, the level of injury alleged, your prior record, and how the case is resolved. Nevada law allows for significant custody in serious violent cases, but not every person convicted receives the same outcome.

We review your situation in detail so we can give you a realistic picture of your exposure and of the options that may exist to reduce it. That can include challenging the strength of the State's evidence, arguing legal issues that affect the charge level, and exploring negotiations that focus on alternatives to extended incarceration when possible. Our role is to help you understand the range of potential results, then work to move your case toward the best available outcome.

Can I Claim Self Defense In My Aggravated Assault Case?

Self defense can be a powerful issue in an aggravated assault prosecution, but it is not automatic. Whether it applies depends on what was happening before and during the incident, how much force was used, what threats were present, and what the evidence shows about each person's actions. Nevada law recognizes the right to defend yourself and others under certain conditions, yet the State may still file charges when accounts conflict.

When we evaluate a possible self defense claim, we look at witness statements, physical evidence, any available video, and communications before and after the event. As a former prosecutor, Kenneth Stover understands how the State tends to assess these claims and where they may see weaknesses. We use that perspective to build a clear presentation of why your actions may have been lawful self protection, and we advise you on how that argument could affect negotiations or trial.

How Does Your Former Prosecutor Experience Help In Aggravated Assault Cases?

Our former prosecutor experience helps by giving us insight into how the other side thinks. As a Special Prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney, Kenneth Stover was responsible for choosing charges, reviewing evidence, and presenting cases to judges and juries. That background helps us anticipate which parts of a file prosecutors may rely on most and where they may worry their proof is thin.

In aggravated assault matters, this understanding allows us to focus our investigation and legal arguments where they will be most effective. We can better predict how certain facts will influence plea discussions and what issues are likely to matter at hearings or trial. Clients benefit because we build defense strategies with a clear view of both sides of the case, and we communicate those strategic considerations in straightforward terms.

Should I Talk To The Police About What Happened?

In most situations, it is safest not to discuss the details of what happened with law enforcement until you have spoken with an attorney. Anything you say can typically be included in reports and may be used later in court. In an aggravated assault investigation, where emotions often run high, statements made quickly can be incomplete, misunderstood, or taken out of context.

You do have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer. Using those rights does not make you look guilty, and it often protects you from unintentionally harming your defense. We can help you decide whether there is any benefit to providing information and, if so, how to do it in a way that considers your legal position. Until then, it is usually better to avoid detailed explanations and to let us handle communications with police and prosecutors.

How Long Will My Aggravated Assault Case Take?

The length of an aggravated assault case can vary, but it is rarely over in a few days. Cases may move through several hearings in a Nevada justice court before they are resolved or transferred to a district court. The timeline depends on factors like how complex the facts are, whether motions are filed, how busy the court's calendar is, and whether the case is resolved through negotiation or set for trial.

We work to move cases forward at a pace that protects your rights while recognizing your need for closure. During each stage, we explain what has happened, what is coming next, and why certain steps may take more time. Our goal is to prevent surprises and help you plan around upcoming court dates and decisions.

What Can Your Firm Do To Protect My Future After This Charge?

Protecting your future begins with a careful defense in the present case. We analyze the evidence and legal issues so we can pursue strategies that may reduce the severity of charges or penalties when the circumstances allow. That may involve negotiating for lesser offenses, seeking sentencing structures that focus on rehabilitation, or contesting key issues at hearings or trial when it is in your interest.

We also talk with you about how different options may affect employment, housing, and other aspects of your life. Our goal is to help you make informed choices that consider both the immediate risk and the longer term picture. While we cannot control every variable, we can provide guidance grounded in experience with Nevada criminal cases and a commitment to your long term prospects.

How Soon Should I Contact An Attorney After An Aggravated Assault Arrest?

It is wise to contact an attorney as soon as you can after an arrest or when you learn that you are under investigation. Early legal guidance can influence important issues such as bail, release conditions, and how you interact with law enforcement. It can also help with preserving evidence that might otherwise be lost and with avoiding statements or actions that could make your situation worse.

When you reach out to our firm promptly, we can review the available information, explain what your first court appearance will involve, and start developing a plan tailored to your case. You do not need to wait until formal charges are filed to ask for help. The sooner we are involved, the more options we typically have to shape the path of your aggravated assault matter.

Talk With Our Firm About Your Aggravated Assault Case

Dealing with an aggravated assault accusation is overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. Speaking with a knowledgeable defender who understands both prosecution strategy and Nevada criminal law can help you regain a sense of control and start building a path forward.

At Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover, we draw on Kenneth Stover's background as a former Special Prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney, our detailed approach to investigation, and our focus on communication to guide clients through some of the most difficult moments in their lives. When you contact us, we review your situation, explain how the process works locally, and discuss defense options in clear terms, without promising any particular result.

To talk with our aggravated assault defense lawyer Reno and learn how we can help, call (775) 502-1575 today.