In Las Vegas domestic violence cases, it is not uncommon for the events in question to have occurred very differently from what the prosecution believes. Charges for domestic violence, such as assault or harassment, can come out of nowhere and cause serious problems for the accused. A heated argument with your spouse that ends with the neighbors calling the cops or shoving a family member in an act of self-defense that makes them feel threatened are examples of how you could end up facing domestic violence charges.
Criminal charges can be stressful and even downright scary to face. That is why an attorney is essential if you have been accused of domestic violence Las Vegas. Although an arrest does not equal conviction, prosecutors and juries sometimes assume you are guilty unless you have a chance to explain your position. Even then, you are fighting an uphill battle and will need a qualified defense attorney on your side.
For immediate help, contact the Law Office of Joel M. Mann by phone, online, or by using the live chat option on our website.
Here are three important things you need to know about domestic violence charges:
What Constitutes Domestic Violence
Many people accused of domestic violence are not exactly sure what they did wrong. The laws on domestic violence are broad and prohibit a wide range of activities. According to the Nevada Revised Statutes, the following acts could amount to domestic violence:
- Battery
- Assault
- Using force or threat of force to compel someone to perform an act
- Sexual assault
- Harassment
- False imprisonment
- Unlawful entry into another person’s residence
The wide-ranging definition used in the Nevada domestic violence laws can be used to falsely accuse or wrongly charge people with the crime. I have seen many cases where someone acted purely out of self-defense or the facts of the case were misunderstood by authorities. Do not allow your future to hang in the balance because of a crime you did not commit. Get in touch with our firm as soon as possible.
What to Consider Before Hiring a Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
If you are charged with a crime in Las Vegas, you will want good solid legal representation. In order to properly represent your interest, you need an attorney that will take the time to listen to you and your concerns. Unfortunately, not all defense attorneys spend the time necessary to get to know you and your goals. To determine whether a specific domestic violence attorney is a good fit for you, ask them the following:
- How many years of experience do you have?
- Who will actually be working on my case?
- Do you regularly take cases to trial?
- What professional organizations do you belong to, if any?
Our firm is happy to answer these questions at length for you, but here are the basic answers and why we believe our firm could be a great fit for your case. I am a well-established criminal court trial attorney with over 15 years practicing in Clark County. My main goal is to make sure clients have a say in their case and feel supported throughout the legal process. When you hire me, you work with me. Together, we will discuss your goals and the desired outcome of your case to make sure we are working toward a positive resolution.
Above all, you want an attorney who can deliver results. Although we cannot guarantee any outcome, we have a strong record of having charges reduced or dropped completely. In terms of domestic violence, we have seen it all and feel comfortable handling cases from misdemeanor battery to battery-strangulation and battery with a deadly weapon. I have been recognized by the Nevada Attorneys for Criminal Justice, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, Desert Companion Magazine, and other professional organizations for my work with individuals charged with crimes. My team cares about protecting your rights and helping you get your life back on track. Call us if you, or someone you love, has been accused of domestic violence in Las Vegas.
Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
A domestic violence conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. The consequences of a conviction can affect everything from your employment to your future relationships, so it is important to take the charges seriously before it is too late.
The NRS outlines the following consequences for misdemeanor domestic violence first offense convictions:
- Imprisonment in the city or county jail or detention facility for not less than two days, but not more than six months
- Not less than 48 hours, but not more than 120 hours, of community service
- A fine of not less than $200, but not more than $1,000
The fines, jail time, and community service requirements increase exponentially for repeat offenders. In order to avoid domestic battery jail time and the serious consequences brought by the state, hire an attorney that knows the laws, has extensive experience, and will take the time to get to know you and your case.
In addition to the official criminal punishment, domestic violence conviction can affect the following:
- Likelihood to win or maintain custody of your child
- Current and future employment options
- Ability to possess a firearm, in the case of a felony conviction
- Personal relationships
- Financial stability
These are not aspects of your life worth risking. Contact a domestic violence lawyer you can trust for the representation you deserve as soon as possible. If your domestic battery charge has not turned into a conviction, there is still time to act and make sure these charges do not follow you into the future. Far too often, individuals accused of a crime do not take action until it is too late and the damage is already done. Our firm can preserve your rights or appeal your conviction.
Fight Your Charges with Help from an Experienced Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyer
Whether you are a lifelong Nevadan who had a temporary slip in judgment or a Las Vegas tourist caught in a misunderstanding, your domestic violence charges need to be taken seriously. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you fight to get your charges reduced or dropped completely. Call the Law Office of Joel M. Mann or fill out an online contact form to learn more about what we can do for you.
