"Alternative Sentencing" in Nevada
Criminal Cases
Explained by
Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorneys
Some defendants in Nevada may be eligible to do an alternative sentencing program instead of incarceration.
Every criminal conviction in Nevada carries potential jail time. Even speeding tickets can result in up to six months behind bars. But a skilled Las Vegas criminal defense attorney may be able to keep defendants out of custody as long as they complete an "alternative sentencing" program.
This article summarizes how "alternative sentencing" in Nevada works. Scroll down to learn what alternative sentencing is, how to qualify for it, and the available programs in Las Vegas.
What is alternative sentencing in
Las Vegas, Nevada?
Like it sounds, alternative sentencing is an alternative form of punishment that Nevada judges may impose in lieu of traditional penalties such as jail and fines. Alternative sentencing is meant to help defendants learn to make better choices so they won't resort to crimes in the future.
Alternative sentencing in Nevada usually takes the form of either:
- educational classes
- rehabilitation programs
- community service
Note that defendants who are accepted into alternative sentencing programs are required to pay for any expenses associated with them. Doing community service is free, but fees for rehab or classes may run into hundreds of dollars.
Are all defendants eligible for alternative sentencing in Las Vegas, Nevada?
No. Alternative sentencing is typically available only to defendants convicted of certain misdemeanors in Nevada such as:
- The Nevada crime of drug possession
- The Nevada crime of shoplifting
- The Nevada crime of prostitution
- The Nevada crime of simple battery
- The Nevada crime of battery domestic violence (with no major injuries)
- The Nevada crime of drunk driving (with no major injuries)
Note that Las Vegas also offers alternative sentencing for people convicted of a third DUI within seven years, which is a felony in Nevada.
How can defendants get alternative sentencing in
Las Vegas, Nevada?
Defendants (or their attorneys) usually need to request alternative sentencing from the judge in the case. And prosecutors sometimes offer alternative sentencing as part of a plea bargain.
In Municipal Court cases involving alcohol or drugs, defendants are first screened by the Las Vegas Municipal Court Evaluation Center. The judge will then consider their recommendations in deciding whether the defendant would benefit from alternative sentencing.
And in Municipal Court cases involving battery domestic violence, the court will order a Pre-Sentence Investigation of the defendant's criminal history. The judge will then use this information to determine whether to grant alternative sentencing.
What alternative sentencing programs are available in Las Vegas, Nevada?
The following are some of the alternative sentencing programs offered by
Las Vegas Municipal Court:
- Las Vegas Municipal Court Community Service: Court fines can usually be paid in cash or in community service. One hour of community service is the equivalent of ten dollars ($10) in court fines. There are many organizations defendants may volunteer at such as Help of Southern Nevada and Goodwill of Southern Nevada. Call (702) 229-6870 for more information.
- Las Vegas Municipal Court Work Program: This program allows defendants who can't afford to pay a court-ordered fine to work off the fine instead. Call (702) 229-6870 for more information.
- Las Vegas Municipal Court Impulse Control Class: People convicted of battery against non-family members (with no substantial bodily harm in Nevada) may take this course to learn about more constructive ways to handle conflict.
- Las Vegas Municipal Court First Offender Prostitution Program: People convicted of a first offense of prostitution may take this course to learn about the hazards of selling sex for money including STDs. Call (702) 229-2251 or (702) 229-2252 for more information.
- Las Vegas Municipal Court DUI School: DUI School is a standard penalty in all misdemeanor drunk driving cases. It includes information about alcoholism and ways to avoid getting behind the wheel while inebriated.
- Las Vegas Municipal Court Domestic Violence Program: People convicted of misdemeanor domestic abuse can take this course to learn anger-management methods to help prevent confrontation with family members, significant others or roommates.
- Las Vegas Municipal Court Traffic School: Judges will sometimes reduce speeding tickets an other moving violations down to an illegal parking ticket if the defendant completes traffic school. Call (702) 229-2244.
- Las Vegas Municipal Court Petty Larceny Program: This program is geared for people convicted of shoplifting less than $250 in merchandise. It teaches about how a simple shoplifting incident can end violently and how potential employers may not hire convicted shoplifters.
- Las Vegas Municipal Court Substance Abuse Program: This program helps educate defendants on the dangers of drug use and how to overcome addiction.
- Las Vegas Municipal Court House Arrest: In some cases the judge may agree to allow a defendant to "serve time" at home instead of the Clark County Detention Center. With house arrest comes strict rules such as curfews and orders to avoid certain locations. The defendant also has to submit to electronic monitoring in Nevada.
Clark County Justice Court provides nearly identical programs to the ones listed above. In addition they offer the following:
- Las Vegas DUI Court: DUI Court is an intensive alcohol rehabilitation program for people convicted of drunk driving without causing serious injuries. First- and second-time offenders may be eligible for Misdemeanor DUI Court in Nevada, while third-time offenders may do Felony DUI Court in Nevada.
- AIDS Awareness Counseling: This class is targeted to defendants convicted of prostitution to educate them on how AIDS may be transmitted by sexual activity.
Arrested? Call for help . . .
If you've been accused of a crime in Nevada, call Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorneys at 702-DEFENSE (333-3673). If the D.A. refuses to dismiss your case, your attorneys will try to get your charges reduced. You may be eligible for an alternative sentencing program in lieu of jail. And remember there's also the option of going to trial and fighting for a "not guilty" verdict.
For more go to our articles on: Substantial bodily harm in Nevada, Clark County Detention Center, electronic monitoring in Nevada, misdemeanors in Nevada, The Nevada crime of drug possession, The Nevada crime of shoplifting, The Nevada crime of prostitution, The Nevada crime of simple battery, The Nevada crime of battery domestic violence, The Nevada crime of drunk driving, felony in Nevada, Las Vegas DUI Court, Misdemeanor DUI Court in Nevada, and Felony DUI Court in Nevada.
