“Category D Felonies” in Nevada (NRS 193.130)

Category D felonies are the fourth most serious class of felony crimes in Nevada. upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a sentence of up to four (4) years in Nevada State Prison, and up to $5,000 in fines

Depending on the case, a defense attorney may be able to plea bargain a category D charge down to a reduced offense or get it dropped completely. If the prosecutor refuses to settle, the defendant may pursue a jury trial.

Category D convictions may usually be sealed five (5) years after the case closes. Under certain circumstances, aliens convicted of category D felonies risk being deported from the U.S.

Below our Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys answer frequently-asked-questions about category D felonies in Nevada, including definitions, punishments, and record seal time frames. Click on a topic to go to that section.

• 1. What are Category D felonies in Nevada?
• 2. What are the penalties for a Category D felony in Nevada?
• 3. Can I get a jury trial?
• 4. Can I get a record seal?
• 5. Will I get deported?

Category D felonies have a minimum penalty of one year in prison. But it may be possible to get probation in certain cases.

1. What are Category D felonies in Nevada?

Category D crimes in Nevada are the most minor class of felonies, second to category E felonies.¹ Some examples of category D felonies are:

• Involuntary manslaughter²
• Forgery³
• Unpaid casino markers⁴
• Third-degree arson⁵

Note that attempting to commit a category D felony is prosecuted as a “wobbler” crime. Wobblers can be treated as either a category E felony or a gross misdemeanor.⁶ Learn more about Nevada wobbler offenses.

2. What are the penalties for Category D felonies in Nevada?

Category D felonies in Nevada carry the following sentencing scheme:

• one to four (1 – 4) years in prison, and
• maybe a fine of up to $5,000⁷

When Nevada judges order a sentence range for a Nevada felony conviction, the minimum time is not allowed to exceed 40% of the maximum time. For example, if a judge imposes three (3) years in prison, the minimum time must be no more than 14.4 months, which is 40% of three (3) years.⁸

Category D felony defendants in Nevada may elect to a have a jury trial or bench trial.

3. Can I get a jury trial?

Yes. Defendants facing charges for category D felonies in Nevada may request a jury trial.⁹

4. Can I get a record seal?

A Nevada court can seal a category D felony conviction once five (5) years pass from the case’s end. But felony “crimes of violence” may not be sealed until ten (10) years have passed since the case’s end.

Furthermore, Nevada courts may never seal a category D felony if it was a:

• sex offense,
• crime against a child, or
• felony DUI¹⁰

There is no waiting period in Nevada to seal category D felony charges that resulted in a dismissal (no conviction).¹¹

5. Will I get deported?

Non-citizens convicted of certain category D felonies may be removed from American soil if the offenses qualify as crimes involving moral turpitude or aggravated felonies. But if the charge can be dismissed or changed to a non-removable crime, the threat of deportation may vanish.¹² Learn more about immigration law at our informational page on the criminal defense of immigrants in Nevada.

We are here to help . . .

Have you been arrested for a felony or misdemeanor in Nevada? Then our Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorneys want to try to get your charges reduced or dismissed so your record stays clean. You can call us anytime for a free meeting to discuss how we can put this matter behind you.

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