Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Helping Clients in Las Vegas Seek Justice
In Nevada, being charged with domestic violence is very serious. A conviction could mean anywhere from a misdemeanor to a category C felony, depending on whether it is a first offense or a subsequent domestic violence offense. Further consequences could be a criminal record that makes it difficult to find employment, fines, and the inability to possess a firearm. However, we realize that there are two sides to every story, and your domestic battery charges are more complicated than the prosecution might lead a judge and jury to believe. The laws regarding domestic violence battery are sometimes inadequate for resolving such complex matters. For this reason, you need an NV domestic violence attorney who knows how to investigate and analyze all the details in your case to build the strongest defense possible for you.
At Goodwin Law Group, PLLC, we believe that every person charged with criminal activity deserves to be listened to. We will take the time to understand your story, making sure we explain the legal process to you in terms you can understand as well. This communication is a critical part of the attorney-client relationship, making it possible for us to work together as you make life-changing decisions in your battery domestic violence case. When you choose attorney Charles Goodwin, you will have a criminal defense lawyer on your side who is committed to finding justice for you and protecting your constitutional rights throughout your case. Reach out to us today to find out how we can help you by scheduling a free consultation at (702) 819-8242.
What Happens in a domestic violence case in Las Vegas, NV?
Finding out that you are being charged with battery and domestic violence can come to some people as a complete surprise. It can be helpful to know what to expect following the charges and during the legal process of your domestic battery case. Whenever the police show up to a domestic dispute, the FIRST thing they do is attempt to determine:
- If there was violence
- Who was the aggressor
That is because in Nevada if there is an incident of domestic violence, the aggressor MUST go to jail for at least twelve hours – though they are often there much longer. If you were deemed to be the aggressor in a domestic dispute in Nevada, you must call Nevada Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Charles Goodwin today. That is because:
- A Domestic Violence charge stays on your record for SEVEN years; and
- A Domestic Violence conviction WILL result in the loss of your Right to Bear Arms is protected by the Second Amendment
Charles Goodwin has handled hundreds of Domestic Violence cases all throughout Southern Nevada. He knows how to fight back in cases where it is almost always “he said, she said.” Don’t jeopardize your future or your Constitutional rights! Call Goodwin Law Group, PLLC today!
What Are My Legal Options When Facing Domestic Abuse Charges in Las Vegas?
The laws concerning domestic violence in Nevada are changing quickly, so consulting with a criminal defense lawyer is a critical aspect of building the best defense against your Nevada domestic violence charges. Some of the difficult decisions facing those charged with domestic violence in Nevada are:
- Whether to have a jury trial or bench trial
- If you are charged in a municipal court, whether you should challenge their jurisdiction
- Whether a deferred sentence is in your best interest
Each one of these decisions requires complex analysis. To properly protect your rights, you need to use a Nevada domestic violence attorney. A first offense is generally viewed more leniently, while subsequent convictions can result in higher and higher sentencing. The type of contact involved between the parties, as well as the relationship between the aggressor and the victim, all play a part in how your case will be viewed by a judge. We can use these details to our advantage in building a defense for you, sometimes even getting charges dropped completely. Part of your criminal defense also depends on how well the law enforcement officers respected your rights during the investigation, as every person arrested in Las Vegas has constitutional rights that must be protected. Failure to do so by policemen can sometimes get a case dismissed as well.
Domestic violence situations are often much more complex than what the police are ready to deal with at that time. They simply find the aggressor and take them to jail for the courts to figure out. If this happened to you, contact Goodwin Law Group, PLLC immediately. We can help advise you on the next steps and fight back against these allegations.
What Should I Do if I am Charged with Domestic Violence in Las Vegas, NV?
Nevada Domestic Violence laws are strict and unforgiving. To be convicted for domestic violence only requires two elements:
- Battery or assault; and,
- Domestic relationship (spouse, brother, sister, mother, etc.)
What makes it worse is that a battery in Nevada is simply offensive touching! This means that throwing water, moving an angry spouse out of the way, or even a food fight could result in a domestic violence conviction on your record, resulting in a loss of your right to bear arms and a conviction on your record for seven years. A second conviction results in stiffer penalties, and a third is a felony with mandatory prison time. That’s right. You could potentially spend up to five years in prison for a food fight.
At times, a spouse is falsely accused of aggressive behavior in order to damage their credibility during divorce proceedings. For example, a husband who is convicted of the domestic battery will be unlikely to win custody of the children in a legal battle. However, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can predict these moves and see through such underhanded tactics for the lies that they are. At Goodwin Group, PLLC, we are determined to make sure you know your full rights under the law as well as to protect you from devious legal moves by the prosecution. We don’t want you to worry that you will be alone or taken advantage of during this difficult time. Please reach out to us if you are charged with domestic violence battery in Nevada for an attorney who will be a strong ally in your corner.
What are the Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction?
The sentencing for a domestic violence conviction varies widely depending on whether you have been convicted of domestic battery before, how long ago the previous conviction was, whether a deadly weapon was used, and many other factors. In general, domestic battery is viewed more harshly than many other violent crimes in Nevada, so you should enlist a domestic violence lawyer to help build a strong defense no matter what the situation is around the charges you are facing.
First Domestic Violence Offense
If you have only one conviction in a domestic violence case in the last seven years, you will likely be charged with a misdemeanor. You may spend a minimum of 2 days and up to six months in jail, serve up to 120 hours of community service, and be required to go through domestic violence counseling. You may also have a fine of between $200 and $1000.
Second DV Offense
With a second domestic battery conviction in a period of seven years, the sentencing increases slightly. The minimum is 10 days in jail and can extend to 6 months in jail. You may be required to serve 200 hours of community service and pay a fine of anywhere from $500 to $1000. Domestic violence counseling may also be required.
Third Offense and Beyond
Repeat offenders of domestic battery charges face much higher sentencing. For example, since this crime is considered a felony, you would be spending time in federal prison as opposed to jail. Rather than months incarcerated, you could face between 1 year and 5 years in prison, as well as a fine of up to $10,000.
If you find yourself facing domestic battery charges in the Las Vegas, NV area, you need a lawyer who understands the law thoroughly and can help you get the lightest sentence possible. Attorney Charles Goodwin has a proven track record of helping clients get reduced sentencing and even having all charges dropped. Contact us today to see how we can help you.
Can Goodwin Law Group Help You with Your Domestic Violence Charges?
Nevada’s domestic violence laws do not adequately cover domestic violence. Domestic violence is about control. Nevada’s laws are simply an easy answer to a complex question. That is why you need an experienced and knowledgeable domestic violence defense attorney on your side. You need Charles Goodwin from the Goodwin Law Group, PLLC. Charles has tried several domestic violence cases and resolved hundreds more. He has experience throughout Southern Nevada and has a thorough understanding of the legal system as well as domestic violence laws. Whether you face charges of spousal abuse, child abuse, or other criminal charges, Charles can help you.
Don’t gamble with your future. Put our exceptional legal skills, practical solutions, and professional integrity to work in your case. We help our clients understand the process they are going through so they can make the best decisions at this difficult time. The case you are going through now can impact your life for years to come, not to mention your relationship with your family members, your ability to work, as well as your social life. Call today for your free case assessment and let Charles Goodwin help you.
We never give up on our clients, no matter what legal difficulty they are facing. We promise to leverage all of our talent, experience, and dedication to get the positive results you are looking for in your criminal defense case. Please reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation where we can discuss the details of your Nevada domestic violence charges and see how our skilled Las Vegas criminal defense attorney can help you. Call us at (702) 819-8242.