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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And we do not handle any cases outside of California.
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Voluntary manslaughter in Nevada (NRS 200.050) is an intentional killing of a human being done in the heat of passion. Involuntary manslaughter in Nevada (NRS 200.070) is an unintentional killing of a human being done in the commission of an unlawful act or a negligent act. Both homicide crimes are felonies, but voluntary manslaughter carries one to ten years in prison while involuntary manslaughter carries one to four years in prison.
Voluntary manslaughter occurs when an enraged person “snaps” and kills someone right after being been provoked in a significant way that would upset a reasonable person. The classic scenario of voluntary manslaughter is a husband walking in on his wife with another man and immediately pouncing on them and killing them.
If too much time passes between the provocation and the killing, then the person would instead face charges for first-degree murder. This is because time gives people the opportunity to premeditate – which is an element of first-degree murder but not voluntary manslaughter.
Voluntary manslaughter is a category B felony carrying one to ten years in Nevada State Prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000. It does not carry the death penalty.1 Defendants convicted of voluntary manslaughter can get the record sealed ten years after the case ends.2
Potential defenses to voluntary manslaughter charges include that the defendant acted in self-defense, that the incident was an accident, or that the defendant was insane. Depending on the case, the prosecutor may agree to reduce the charge down to involuntary manslaughter.
Involuntary manslaughter is unintentionally killing another person in the commission of either an unlawful act or a negligent act. An example is carelessly handling a gun, causing it to fire and kill someone. In short, involuntary manslaughter comprises lethal accidents that could have been avoided.
Involuntary manslaughter is a less serious crime than second-degree murder, which is unintentionally killing someone through extremely reckless conduct. An example of 2nd-degree murder is playing Russian Roulette. Holding a loaded gun to someone’s head is more than merely careless or negligent. Any reasonable person would know that it would likely result in a death, even if there is no intention for anyone to die.
Involuntary manslaughter is a category D felony, punishable by one to four years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.3 A conviction can be sealed ten years after the case closes.4
Potential defenses to involuntary manslaughter charges include that the defendant acted in self-defense, that the incident was an accident, or that the defendant was falsely accused.
Vehicular manslaughter (NRS 484B.657) is an entirely separate crime from voluntary- and involuntary manslaughter. It is when a driver “proximately causes the death of another person through an act or omission that constitutes simple negligence.” There is no malice or intent to injure – just momentarily failing to act as a reasonable driver.
Unless the matter involves reckless driving or DUI, vehicular manslaughter is only a misdemeanor. A conviction carries up to six months in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines.5
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.