Nevada "Victim Restitution" Laws
Explained by Las Vegas Criminal
Defense Attorneys
As you know, a standard penalty for Nevada crimes is paying a fine (such as for traffic tickets). But if the case involved a victim, the judge may also order that "restitution" be paid to the victim.
Our Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys have been very successful in minimizing or eliminating restitution penalties for our clients. Keep reading to learn about victim restitution law in Las Vegas and how we can help.
What is victim restitution in
Las Vegas, NV?
Restitution is money that a person who gets convicted of a crime is ordered to pay to the victim of that crime in order to make the victim "whole." For example, if John is convicted of stealing Betty's $5,000 TV, the judge may then order John to pay Betty $5,000 as restitution.
Does every crime have restitution as a penalty in
Las Vegas, NV?
No. Many Nevada crimes are "victimless" such as soliciting prostitution or possession of drugs. So in those cases the judge may impose fines to be paid to the government but no restitution since there was no victim.
Which crimes have restitution as a penalty in
Las Vegas, NV?
It depends. But restitution is a standard penalty for violent crimes where the victim gets hurt and for property crimes where the victim loses money.
What expenses does victim restitution cover in
Las Vegas, NV?
Restitution is typically meant to reimburse the victim for doctor's bills, property damage, and the value of stolen property.
How does the judge determine victim restitution in Las Vegas, NV?
The victims give copies of their bills, receipts and estimates for repairs to the prosecutor in the case to inform the judge about it. The victims (or victim's lawyer) may also speak to the judge about their losses in court during the defendant's sentencing hearing or a restitution hearing.
Victims sometimes fabricate or exaggerate claims to try to get more money through restitution. Your attorney should investigate the victim's claims and tell the judge if they don't seem legitimate. And even if the victim's claims are legitimate, your attorney can often negotiate down the restitution costs.
Can victims receive extra compensation in
Las Vegas, NV?
In some cases. The Nevada Victims of Crime Program (VOCP) specifically helps victims and families of deceased victims of violent crimes including:
- The Las Vegas crime of assault and battery
- The Las Vegas crime of sexual assault
- The Las Vegas crime of battery domestic violence
- The Las Vegas crime of child abuse
- The Las Vegas crime of elder abuse
- The Las Vegas crime of homicide
- The Las Vegas crime of drunk driving
VOCP awards money only for medical bills, lost earnings, psychological counseling, and funeral/burial bills. It does not cover legal fees, property losses, pain & suffering, or other living expenses. For more information about eligibility and applications go to the VOCP website.
Counties also offer assistance with medical bills for victims of sexual offenses. For more information call the Las Vegas Metro Police Department's Sexual Assault unit at 229-3421 or the Rape Crisis Center Hotline at 1-800-553-7273
What if defendants don't pay victim restitution in
Las Vegas, NV?
Defying a court order to pay victim restitution can have dire consequences. Your probation may be revoked, a suspended jail sentence may be imposed, and you may go to prison.
If you can't pay restitution, it's important you tell your attorney as soon as possible. He or she may be able to make alternative arrangements with the prosecutor.
Victims who aren't receiving promised restitution should contact the prosecutor in their case or the Parole & Probation Board at 775-684-2600.
Have you been arrested? Call us . . .
Phone our Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys at 702-DEFENSE (333-3673) to discuss your case for free. We may be able to negotiate your charges down to a dismissal or less serious offenses. And if necessary we'll fight for you all the way to trial for a "not guilty" verdict.
For more information go to our informational articles on: the Las Vegas crime of assault and battery; the Las Vegas crime of sexual assault; the Las Vegas crime of battery domestic violence; the Las Vegas crime of child abuse; the Las Vegas crime of elder abuse; the Las Vegas crime of homicide; the Las Vegas crime of drunk driving. For information on California victim restitution laws, go to our page on California victim restitution laws.
