Could You Be Charged With Domestic Violence in Las Vegas?
If you are charged with a domestic violence crime in the Las Vegas area, you must have reliable legal advice and effective defense representation immediately. You will need to consult a Las Vegas domestic violence defense attorney as swiftly as possible.
In the State of Nevada, a conviction for a crime of domestic violence can potentially land you in prison and negatively impact your future for years to come. How is domestic violence defined by Nevada law, and what are the consequences of a domestic violence conviction?
In Nevada, What Constitutes Domestic Violence?
In Nevada, “crimes of domestic violence” are particular crimes when those crimes are committed against household members, family members, or someone the perpetrator has had a relationship with in the past. Crimes of domestic violence in Nevada include but are not limited to:
- battery and assault
- kidnapping and stalking
- sexual assault and abuse
- elder and child abuse
- financial exploitation and emotional abuse
- trespassing, harassment, arson, destruction of property, and unlawful entry
- the violation of a restraining order
How Are Domestic Violence Convictions Penalized in Nevada?
Nevada police and prosecutors take domestic violence complaints seriously because any failure to respond quickly and seriously to these complaints may lead to tragedy. The following penalties may be imposed on those who are convicted of domestic violence charges in this state:
- A first domestic battery charge is a misdemeanor if no weapons were used and no strangulation or significant harm occurred. A first domestic battery conviction may be penalized with jail, community service, a fine, and court-ordered counseling.
- A second domestic battery offense is also charged as a misdemeanor. A conviction may be penalized with a lengthier jail sentence, a costlier fine, up to two hundred community service hours, and court-ordered counseling for up to a year.
- A third domestic battery offense will be charged as a Category C felony. A conviction may be penalized with a fine of up to $10,000 and up to five years in prison without any possibility of parole.
- Battery domestic violence involving strangulation is a Category C felony punishable upon conviction with a fine of up to $15,000 and up to five years in prison.
- Battery domestic violence that causes substantial bodily harm is a Category C felony punishable upon conviction with a fine of up to $10,000 and up to five years in prison.
- Battery domestic violence with a deadly weapon is a Category B felony. If no substantial bodily harm took place, a conviction is punishable with two to ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine. If bodily harm took place, the prison term may be extended to fifteen years.
However, the penalties imposed by Nevada courts for domestic violence convictions are only the immediate, legal penalties. Convicted offenders may also lose some of their rights and face additional “extra-legal” penalties.
What Are the Additional Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
Under federal law, if you are convicted of any domestic violence crime, even a misdemeanor, you may never have the right to possess or use a firearm again. If you’re a convicted felon, you’re not allowed to vote, and the conviction also prevents you from receiving public benefits.
Additionally, a domestic violence conviction establishes a criminal record that can make it exceedingly difficult to obtain employment, find housing, or obtain a loan. Your travel rights may also be restricted, as many nations, including Canada, deny entry to convicted felons.
If you are a parent who is divorced or who is involved in a pending Nevada divorce proceeding, after a conviction for a crime of domestic violence, you could lose the custody of your child or children.
If you hold a professional license, you will probably face disciplinary action from your state licensing board. And if you are not a U.S. citizen, a conviction for a felony or any “crime of moral turpitude” could prompt a removal proceeding and put you at risk for deportation.
What Should You Do if You Are Charged With a Domestic Violence Crime?
If you are accused of a domestic violence crime anywhere in or near the Las Vegas area, you must contact a Las Vegas domestic violence defense lawyer immediately. After reviewing the details of your case, your lawyer will develop an appropriate and effective defense strategy.
Usually, a criminal defense lawyer’s first step in these cases is asking the prosecutor to drop the charge or filing a motion with the court to have the case dismissed. If the charge isn’t dropped and the case isn’t dismissed, your defense attorney will either:
- negotiate a plea bargain, allowing you to plead guilty to a lesser charge and serve an alternative or reduced sentence, or
- take your case to trial and explain to the jurors why they should find you not guilty
But with so many criminal defense attorneys practicing in the Las Vegas area, how can you choose the right Las Vegas domestic violence defense attorney – the attorney who will make your case a priority and fight aggressively for the justice you need?
Take Your Domestic Violence Case to Goodwin Law Group
The stakes will be high if a domestic violence charge is brought against you, so you can’t take your case to an untested or inexperienced attorney. Instead, if you are charged with a crime of domestic violence in Las Vegas or anywhere else in Southern Nevada, take your case at once to Las Vegas domestic violence defense lawyer Charles Goodwin at Goodwin Law Group.
Attorney Charles Goodwin has built a reputation in the Las Vegas area for exceptional client service and legal excellence. He has an extraordinary record of success on behalf of his clients who face charges for domestic violence and other serious offenses.
If you’re charged with committing a crime of domestic violence – now or in the future – call Goodwin Law Group as quickly as possible at 702-819-8242. Your defense begins with an in-depth evaluation of your case that Goodwin Law Group provides with no cost or obligation.