In this section, our attorneys explain Nevada’s criminal laws and legal concepts, A to Z
Criminal Law A to Z
In this section, our attorneys explain Nevada’s criminal laws and legal concepts, A to Z
Crimes by NRS Section
Every crime in Nevada is based in a section of the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS). For each crime, our attorneys explain the laws, penalties and best defenses to fight the charge.
Nevada DUI
Getting arrested for DUI does not mean you will be convicted. Police misconduct, defective breathalyzers and crime lab mistakes may be enough to get your charges lessened or dismissed. Visit our page on Nevada DUI Laws to learn more.
Post-Conviction
Even if you’ve already been convicted of a crime, there is still much you can do to seal your record and restore your rights. Our attorneys explain how.
Please note: Our firm only handles criminal and DUI cases, and only in California. We do not handle any of the following cases:
And we do not handle any cases outside of California.
Call Us NowPosted on
Misdemeanors are more serious offenses than felonies. Consequently, Nevada judges are more willing to impose rehabilitative sentences like probation rather than punitive sentences like jail, especially for first-time offenders.
The length of your misdemeanor probation term will depend on the specific crime you were convicted of, but it rarely lasts longer than one year.
To remain on misdemeanor probation in Nevada, you must comply with a set of probation requirements unique to your case. Five common terms include:
Misdemeanor probation is typically referred to as “informal probation” because you are not assigned a probation officer (in most cases).1
Early termination of probation is never guaranteed, but it is a possibility if you comply with all of the requirements of your probation and show good behavior during the probation period.
To seek early termination of probation, you must file a motion with the court. (Your criminal defense attorney can do this for you.)
The court may then schedule a hearing where you (or your attorney) can present oral arguments for why you should be granted early termination of probation. The court will consider relevant factors, such as
If the court grants your motion, you will be released from probation early. This discharges you from probation for good, and your case is closed.
Staying out of custody on probation is a privilege, not a right. If you violate a term of probation, the judge has full discretion to revoke (cancel) your probation and remand you to jail to serve out the remainder of your sentence.
Five common probation violations are:
Before the judge can revoke your probation, you are entitled to a probation revocation hearing.
Probation revocation hearings are similar to trials, but they are much harder to win. The state does not have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you violated probation; instead, they just have to prove their case “by a preponderance of the evidence.”
At the hearing, the court will consider
If the court determines that you violated the terms of your probation, it can:
It is important to take your probation seriously and comply with all of the terms and requirements.
If you are struggling with any aspect of your probation, such as drug or alcohol counseling, it is important to seek help. Your criminal defense attorney can help you find resources and support.
A former Los Angeles prosecutor, attorney Neil Shouse graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School (and completed additional graduate studies at MIT). He has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, The Today Show and Court TV. Mr Shouse has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Criminal and Top 100 Civil Attorneys.