Misdemeanor Charges

Misdemeanor Charges

Ross Goodman is an outstanding Las Vegas Arrests attorney practicing in Las Vegas, Nevada. Get a free and confidential consultation of your case with a Las Vegas Arrests lawyer who will put your best interests at heart. • Read Ross’ Testimonials • View Ross’ Not Guilty Verdicts & Dismissals

Misdemeanor Charges in Las Vegas

Crimes in Las Vegas are categorized into 3 classifications:
  1. Misdemeanors
  2. Gross Misdemeanors
  3. Felonies
Misdemeanor charges in Las Vegas are known to be the least serious of the three. It also has the least severe penalty which is possible to avoid jail time on the first offense. However, minor it may sound; misdemeanor charges would still look bad on your criminal record that sometimes would cause prospective employers to pass you over a job.

Misdemeanor charges in Nevada

In the state of Nevada, a misdemeanor trial is conducted before a judge and not a jury. The prosecutor still has to establish their case beyond a reasonable doubt, but it is the judge who decides whether the prosecutor has met their burden.

Common Misdemeanor Charges in Nevada

Nevada Revised Statute Section 200.47: Assault

This law states that intentionally placing another person in reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm. Under Nevada law, the prosecution must prove that the suspect had the intent to cause harm to the victim and the victim should be aware that the assault is taking place.

Nevada Revised Statute Section 200.390: Battery

This statute means any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another. Remember that a battery differs from an assault because the alleged offender must have an intention and actual force must be applied to the victim’s body. For assault no touching needs to take place.

Nevada Revised Statute Section 200.485: Battery Constituting Domestic Violence (1st and 2nd Offense)

Nevada Law defines battery constituting Domestic Violence as any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon a family member, spouse, or significant other.

Nevada Revised Statute Chapter 480: Driving Under the Influence (1st Offense)

This statute means operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Nevada Revised Statute Section 205.0821: Petit Theft

This law means a person who without lawful authority knowingly controls any property of another person with the intent to deprive that person of that property. The theft is considered a misdemeanor when the value of the property is not greater than $250.

Nevada Revised Statute Section: Local Drug Possession

Any person within the state of Nevada who possesses any drug which may not be legitimately introduced into interstate commerce under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Nevada Revised Statute Section 201.354: Prostitution

Any person within the state of Nevada who possesses any drug which may not be legitimately introduced into interstate commerce under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Nevada Revised Statute Section 207.200:  Trespass

The statute defines a person who goes upon the land or into any building of another with the intent to displease or infuriate the owner or occupant. It is also considered trespassing if a person willfully goes or remains upon any land or in any building after being provided a fore warning by the owner or occupant that entry is not allowed.

Nevada Revised Statute Chapter 205: Vandalism

This law states intentional and malicious criminal damage to property.

Nevada Revised Statute Section 205.08321: Shoplifting

This means taking the property of another without consent with the intent of permanently depriving the owner of the property.

Nevada Revised Statute Section 200.390:  Resisting Arrest

This falls under the category of battery with the main difference of the victim. The victim of the physical attack is a police officer. Resisting arrest charges could also stem from running away (fleeing) from an officer on foot or in a vehicle.

Nevada Revised Statute Section 480.230: Traffic Tickets

Nevada law has an extensive array of traffic violations such as speeding, non-moving violations, parking violations, driving on a suspended license and failure to wear a seatbelt. Visit the Traffic Crimes page for more information on misdemeanor traffic crimes.

Gross Misdemeanors

Gross misdemeanor is the major version of a regular misdemeanor. Usually more than a few convictions for the same misdemeanor can bump up the offense to a gross misdemeanor which ranks right below the felony category of crimes in Nevada. Examples of gross misdemeanors are:
  • Possession of one oz. or less of marijuana
  • Stalking (1st or 2nd offense)
  • False imprisonment
  • Indecent exposure
  • Open or gross lewdness
The punishment for a person convicted of a gross misdemeanor is imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 1 year, or by a fine of not more than $2,000 or both imprisonment and fines. Gross misdemeanor trials are conducted before a jury. The process is identical to a felony charge if handled.

Las Vegas Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer, Ross Goodman

Ross Goodman is dedicated in aggressively defending you against misdemeanor charges in Las Vegas. In some occasions, being charged of a misdemeanor will stop you from owning a firearm, suspension of driver’s license, can necessitate you to register as a sex offender, and can have an important impact should you ever face federal charges. Having a good legal representation means you will be conscious of these possible pitfalls and more than likely avoid them. Get in touch with the Ross Goodman for a free legal consultation.