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 NowThe parties to Nevada criminal cases are the state versus the alleged offender. Victims may help police with their investigations, but they technically fall outside the purview of the case. However, Nevada’s Victims’ Bill of Rights helps to ensure those crime victims
This page provides an overview of crime victim advocacy in Nevada including links to helpful resources throughout the state. Victims of violent crimes, property crimes, and identity theft in Las Vegas are encouraged to scroll down to learn more.
Victims are not required to retain counsel in Nevada, but it still may be a good idea. Lawyers may be more familiar with the law and can help victims achieve the following:
Victims who do not hire lawyers can learn about the self-help resources below.
If a defendant gets convicted of a crime, the judge may order the defendant to pay money, called “restitution,” to any victims of the crime. Restitution typically covers the victims’
To learn more go to our informational article on Nevada victim restitution laws.
Based on Marsy’s Law out of California, the Nevada’s Victims’ Bill of Rights is a set of rights that crime victims are entitled to. These rights include:
If a victim is being deprived of these rights, the victim can bring a lawsuit to force public officers to follow the law. (The Nevada Victims’ Bill of Rights was passed by voters in the 2018 midterm elections as Question 1. The rights are codified in the Nevada Constitution, Article 1, Section 23.)
One resource Nevada victims can call is the Las Vegas Police Victim Services Detail at 702-828-2955. Office hours are Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This service provides crisis intervention and referrals to organizations offering financial or emotional support.
Another resource is the Clark County Victim-Witness Assistant Center (WVAC) at 702-671-2500. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They provide witnesses with the following assistance:
WVAC is located on the third floor of the Regional Justice Center, located at 200 Lewis Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89101.
Keep reading this page for more specialized self-help resources for crime victims in Nevada.
Victims of violent crimes may be eligible for financial assistance through the Nevada Victim of Crimes Program (VOCP). If the victim has died, his/her family may also be eligible. The victim must have sustained physical injuries (or threats of physical injuries) from a violent offense such as:
The victim (or victim’s family) must also meet the following criteria to be eligible for VOCP assistance in Nevada:
VOCP can help pay for expenses that are incurred because of a violent crime and that are not covered by other sources. Possible expenses include:
However, each beneficiary of VOCP is limited to a $35,000 payout. Note that victims who are denied assistance through VOCP may appeal the decision. Also note that the money is not meant to cover the following expenses:
To apply go to the Nevada VOCP application and instructions.
Rape victims may be eligible for the Nevada Victim of Crimes Program (see the previous question). In addition, Nevada counties must pay for sex offense examinations and some other medical care within 72-hours of the victim arriving for treatment. The county can also cover up to $1,000 for counseling. Contact the Clark County D.A.‘s office for more information at 702-671-2500.
First, contact the Clark County Victim-Witness Assistant Center (WVAC) at 702-671-2500. Upon written request, they will notify victims with the defendant’s case status including bail amount, if the defendant is released from custody, and whether the defendant is convicted.
Also go to the VINE website (which is short for Victim Information and Notification Everyday). VINE permits victims to obtain up-to-date information about the custody status of offenders and criminal cases twenty-four hours a day. You can also call VINE at 888-268-8463.
In addition, the Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) can answer questions regarding a prison inmate’s status including release dates, parole board hearings and credit for good behavior. The NDOC’s number is 775-887-3285.
Under Nevada’s recently passed Victims’ Bill of Rights, victims are entitled to the following:
If a victim is being deprived of these rights, the victim can bring a lawsuit to force public officers to follow the law.
Yes, victims have the right to be heard at a defendant’s sentencing hearings and parole hearings:
To learn how to remain informed about a defendant’s upcoming sentencing hearing, victims should contact the Clark County Victim-Witness Assistant Center (WVAC) at 702-671-2500.
To be notified of upcoming parole hearings, victims need to make a written request to the Nevada Division of Parole and Probation. For more information call 775-684-2600.
Under Nevada’s recently passed Victims’ Bill of Rights, victims are entitled to the following:
Furthermore, the parole authority is mandated to extend the constitutional right to be heard at the parole hearing to any person harmed by the defendant.
Nevada has dozens of non-profit organizations aimed to help crime victims with emotional, social and financial issues. Some of them include:
Salvation Army: 702-399-2769
Senior Protective Services: 702-455-8672
Nevada Child Abuse hotline: 702-399-0081
SafeNest Domestic Violence hotline: 702-646-4981
SafeHouse hotline: 702-564-3227
Family Violence Intervention Program: 702-455-3400
Sexual Assault hotline: 702-366-1640
If you are a victim of a crime in Nevada, call Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys. They can talk to you for free about the best way to go about getting you some compensation and safeguarding you and your family.
See Assembly Bill 51 (2023)(re. victim advocate training).
To learn about victim advocacy in California criminal cases, go to our webpage on Victim advocacy in California.