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Facing domestic violence charges in Las Vegas requires a strong defense. At LV Criminal Defense, our skilled Las Vegas domestic violence lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome for your case.
Are you facing domestic battery charges? Our experienced domestic violence lawyers in Las Vegas are here to get the results you need. And we have the track record to prove it. Attorney Nicholas Wooldridge is one of the Nation’s top criminal defense lawyers who has helped thousands of clients successfully resolve their domestic violence cases.
At LV Criminal Defense, we provide comprehensive legal representation to those facing domestic violence charges in Las Vegas. Throughout the state of Nevada, domestic violence encompasses a wide range of offenses. These offenses may include:
If you are facing domestic violence charges, it is important to seek legal representation from an experienced domestic violence lawyer in Las Vegas. A domestic violence lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and your legal options. They can also represent you in court and help you get the best possible outcome in your case.
In layman’s terms, domestic violence or domestic battery can be defined by any form of unwanted physical contact between family members, or two people with familial relations. This physical contact can be as simple as a push, or incredibly violent, involving the use of weapons leading to hospitalization, or even death. Furthermore, visible injuries may or may not be present depending on the events leading up to arrests for the domestic violence charge(s).
In Nevada, some domestic violence allegations may include other forms of abuse such as:
These additional allegations can be equally damaging to a domestic violence case, and may carry severe legal consequences separate and apart from the domestic battery charge.
Nick Wooldridge has a long track record of representing clients accused of serious federal and state crimes in Nevada.
So, if you or a loved one have been accused, arrested, or charged with battery domestic violence, call us right now for a free consultation and case evaluation. You can reach our Las Vegas domestic violence attorneys 24/7! We do not use an answering service, so you’ll speak directly to our staff when you us at 702-623-6362.
Lastly, if you’re facing a more serious domestic violence related charge like felony domestic battery by strangulation, call us immediately. There are certain measures we take, and we must do it quickly, so we can effectively begin laying the foundation for your defense.
In Las Vegas, NV, domestic violence cases typically start with a single call to the police or hotel security. Regardless of a battery domestic violence taking place, or a vindictive family member making false accusations, a single call to law enforcement will most often lead to an arrest on domestic violence charges. Yes, you read that correctly! All it takes is one call to law enforcement with a report of unwanted physical contact.
Upon arrival, law enforcement officers usually split up the complaining parties. The officers will proceed to question each of the parties separately. Per your 5th Amendment right, you are not obligated to make any statements to law enforcement, written or oral. So, it’s best not to speak to police. However, if you and or your family member provide a statement, and the officers can determine a battery domestic violence occurred, they will arrest the primary aggressor. This action initiates the domestic violence case and legal process.
Once arrested, the person determined to be the primary aggressor must spend a minimum of 12 hours in jail before they can be released. This is mandated through Nevada law and there is no way around this 12 hour hold period.
When I initially met with Mr. Wooldridge, he took the opportunity to sit and go over my problem with me. He described details in my case which he found disturbing and explained why he I should have him on my side.
There are several steps throughout the court process relative to a misdemeanor domestic violence charge. These steps are generally the same as long as the charge remains a misdemeanor. The court process involves Arraignment, Pretrial, Entry of Plea or Trial, and Sentencing. These steps may have different names depending on the location of your case (Justice Court or Municipal Court), but the process is identical.
The first step is Arraignment, where the person accused of a domestic violence charge, usually referred to as the defendant, enters a plea. The defendant can submit a plea of Not Guilty, Guilty, or No Contest.
Understanding each type of plea and its consequences is crucial, as explained by top-rated Las Vegas domestic violence attorney, Nicholas Wooldridge. This initial legal step underscores the necessity of having an expert domestic violence defense attorney by your side.
If you hire LV Criminal Defense, our experienced Las Vegas criminal lawyers will always enter a plea of Not Guilty on your behalf. Regardless of guilt or innocence, entering a plea of Not Guilty allows us to fight for our clients rights and potentially obtain more favorable outcomes.
On most other misdemeanors, your attorney will typically set a second court date. This second court date is usually referred to as a Pretrial Conference, Status Check, or Status Check on Negotiations. Again, these terms are all synonymous relative to Nevada misdemeanors, and really boils down to the court in which the case is located. However, domestic violence cases are a bit different.
Generally speaking, prosecutors will not offer a negotiation or plea bargain on domestic violence cases. This is due to prosecutors’ statutory obligations on domestic violence cases. Additionally, Nevada law prohibits reduced sentences for domestic violence offenses through plea deals.
Thus, our criminal defense attorneys will usually bypass the Pretrial setting, and set domestic violence cases for Trial, during the initial Arraignment.
The trial phase is the critical arena where the strength of the prosecution’s case is tested against our defensive tactics. The prosecution’s evidence may include:
Then, the defense will try to refute the evidence and witness testimony. If the defense is successful, the prosecutor will not be able to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defendant should be found Not Guilty.
Navigating a domestic violence trial in Las Vegas requires a strategic and informed defense, especially given the complexities of Nevada law. Thus, our defense team’s role is to methodically challenge the prosecution’s evidence, aiming to establish reasonable doubt about the defendant’s guilt.
To establish reasonable doubt against domestic violence charges in Nevada, some common defenses include:
Particularly in cases lacking physical evidence, expert testimonies from psychologists may be essential to contest emotional or financial abuse claims. As such, our defense strategies may involve scrutinizing these claims and preparing counterarguments that highlight mitigating factors or discrepancies in the prosecution’s case.
Should the trial not result in a favorable outcome, our commitment does not end. We provide post-trial support, including filing appeals or negotiating for reduced sentencing, reflecting our dedication to our clients’ long-term well-being.
For those facing accusations of domestic violence, securing an experienced Las Vegas criminal defense attorney is crucial. Contact LV Criminal Defense for a free consultation to discuss how we can protect your rights and formulate a robust defense strategy tailored to the specifics of your case.
In Nevada, the sentencing phase follows a conviction for domestic violence. The penalties are stringent and escalate with the severity and recurrence of offenses, as outlined in the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS 200.485). Understanding the potential consequences is crucial for anyone facing these charges, and underscores the importance of skilled legal representation from a Las Vegas domestic violence attorney.
Given the severe implications of a domestic violence conviction in Nevada, it is essential for defendants to secure experienced legal counsel. Our Las Vegas criminal defense lawyers are well-versed in the nuances of Nevada law and are committed to providing a robust defense to mitigate these potential penalties.
Contact a domestic violence attorney in Las Vegas NV who can help you understand how to avoid sacrificing your future by simply pleading guilty now to get it over with.
Understanding the legal framework surrounding protective orders, commonly known as restraining orders, is crucial for anyone involved in domestic violence cases in Nevada. These legal tools are designed to provide immediate safety and set legal boundaries for individuals accused of domestic violence.
Violating a protective order in Nevada is considered a serious offense. Consequences can include:
If the case is dismissed or you are acquitted (found Not Guilty) at trial, the record can be sealed immediately after the case closes.
If you are convicted of a first or second domestic violence offense, you must wait 7 years from the date the case is closed to request that your record be sealed. This includes completing all of the required sentence, such as community service, first.
If the conviction was for a felony domestic violence charge in Nevada, you must wait 15 years from the date the case is closed to request that your record be sealed.
In Clark County, and across Nevada, family courts prioritize the best interests of the child in determining custody outcomes. A domestic violence conviction can significantly influence a judge’s decision regarding child custody matters. When one parent is found guilty of domestic violence, particularly a battery domestic violence conviction, courts are often hesitant to award custody or may limit visitation rights to protect the child’s welfare.
The victim does not have to attend the arraignment or pretrial conference, but can if they want. Also, the victim can speak to the judge before a defendant is sentenced if there is no trial. If there is a trial, the victim will probably be sent a subpoena to testify at trial.
A commonly asked question is whether a domestic violence victim can “drop” the charges against the accused. They cannot. The reason is that in reality, the state of Nevada or the City of Las Vegas is bringing the charges against the accused, not the accuser. In essence, the jurisdiction where the alleged crime happened is prosecuting the case on the Peoples’ behalf, and the accuser is simply a witness to the prosecutor’s case.
Facing domestic violence charges in Nevada can be a daunting and stressful experience. Our law firm understands the complexities and sensitive nature of these cases. We are here to provide robust legal support and guidance throughout the legal process. To help you get started, we offer a free consultation to discuss your specific situation and explore your legal options.
First off, if you haven’t read through our 400 plus Google reviews from clients like you, then we suggest checking them out. We go above and beyond the call of duty for our clients because we truly care about our results. Our head trial attorney, Nicholas Wooldridge, isn’t just any criminal defense attorney. His foremost passion is defending clients at trial and outmaneuvering the prosecution.
We strive to provide:
Don’t navigate the complexities of domestic violence allegations alone. Our experienced team of criminal defense attorneys is ready to help you fight for your rights and work towards the best possible outcome. By contacting us for a free consultation, you take the first step towards securing a strong defense and gaining peace of mind during these challenging times.
To schedule your free consultation, call us at 702-623-6362 or fill out the contact form. We are available 24/7 to answer your call, provide immediate legal assistance, and begin building a strong defense on your behalf.
Reach out today—let us show you how our dedicated legal team can make a difference in your case.
Click here for a full version of the infographic “Domestic Violence in Nevada – Statistics”
In Nevada, the prevalence of domestic violence is a significant concern, reflecting broader societal issues that necessitate urgent attention and action. Data from the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides a sobering glimpse into the reality faced by many in the state.
While a single act of emotional or verbal abuse is typical not criminal, a pattern of behavior can definitely result in a variety of criminal charges, including for stalking or harassing. If the verbal or emotional abuse takes the form of a threat to the victim’s safety, then it may be possible for a defendant to be arrested on the basis of that single threat even without a pattern of menacing behavior or actual physical action. Whether the defendant broke the law could hinge upon whether his conduct was viewed as a reasonable threat of causing imminent harm.
Physical abuse, including hitting, biting, choking, or other acts of aggression is always considered criminal behavior and even a single instance could lead to the arrest of the alleged abuser.
In Nevada, victims of domestic violence have access to a robust network of resources and support designed to offer refuge, legal advocacy, and recovery assistance. Here are the vital services available to those affected by domestic violence:
Victims can also obtain help from local law enforcement. In addition to calling 911, other first responders and peace officers can be contacted at the following telephone numbers:
Peace officers can respond when domestic violence complaints are made and can provide guidance to victims on how to secure a temporary protective order in an emergency situation. There are also specialized, dedicated Clark County officials who can assist with emergency temporary protective orders as well as long-term orders of protection. Resources for those seeking a protective order include:
There are also a number of homeless and emergency center who can provide housing and other crisis services. Here is the contact information for shelters and services that could be helpful for victims interested in escaping a shared living space where an abuser is located:
Finally, because it can take time to establish a new residence after leaving an abusive situation, there are a number of resources available for transitional housing including:
Read more about what is required to prove domestic battery, domestic violence battery with strangulation, spousal abuse, and child abuse and neglect, as well as defenses to these crimes in Nevada and the possible sentences.
Learn more about temporary protective orders (also known as restraining orders), including how long they last and what happens if they are violated.
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