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.
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You’ve been charged with a Nevada misdemeanor in Reno. You believe, correctly, that misdemeanors are generally less serious offenses than felonies. But if you believe that because it’s “just” a misdemeanor you don’t face the possibility of jail time, you are sadly mistaken.
While an experienced Reno, Nevada criminal defense attorney usually can help you avoid jail for a first or second-offense misdemeanor, the risk of winding up behind bars if convicted of a misdemeanor is very real.
Up to Six Months in Jail for Nevada Misdemeanors
The penalties Reno, Nevada judges may order for most Nevada misdemeanor convictions in are:
The “jail” that you could be sentenced to is not the same as “prison.” Though those two terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different types of correctional facilities. If a judge in Reno orders you incarcerated for a misdemeanor offense, you will serve your time in Washoe County Jail. If you’re convicted of a Nevada felony, you will likely do your time in one of Nevada’s state prisons, often far away from your home and family.
Nevada “Gross Misdemeanors” Can Lead to a Year in Jail
In addition to misdemeanors and felonies, Nevada has a third class of criminal offenses called “gross misdemeanors.” These crimes are considered less serious than felonies but carry greater penalties than regular misdemeanors. Examples of Nevada gross misdemeanors include:
If you are found guilty of a Nevada gross misdemeanor, you face the possibility of:
Even if you avoid jail time, a conviction for either a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor in Reno can carry other consequences that can have a serious and negative impact on your life. You’ll have a criminal record that can make it harder to obtain employment. If you’re a non-citizen and your misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor is considered a “crime involving moral turpitude” in Nevada, you face the risk of deportation.
If you have been charged with either a Nevada misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor, the risk of jail time, heavy fines, and other penalties make it crucial that you speak with an experienced Reno, Nevada criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Please give us a call to discuss your situation.
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.