Misdemeanor charges in Las Vegas are known to be the least serious of the three classifications (misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, felonies). It’s the least severe penalty and makes it easier to avoid jail time on the first offense. However, misdemeanor charges will still look bad on your criminal record which can cause prospective employers to pass you over a job.
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.
Las Vegas Misdemeanor Charges
Assault
This law states that intentionally placing another person in reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm. 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. Learn more about Aggravated Assault here.
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.
Battery Constituting Domestic Violence
Battery constituting Domestic Violence is any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon a family member, spouse, or significant other. Understand Battery & Domestic Violence here.
Driving Under the Influence
This statute means operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Learn more about DUI here.
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. Understand Petit Theft better here.
Local Drug Possession
Possession of drugs which may not be legitimately introduced into interstate commerce under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Prostitution
Prostitution and solicitation is not a crime in Nevada, as long as it is performed within the vicinity of certified brothels. Since there are no certified brothels in Las Vegas, it is thus a crime.
Trespassing
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.
Vandalism
This law states intentional and malicious criminal damage to property.
Shoplifting
This means taking the property of another without consent with the intent of permanently depriving the owner of the property.
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.
Traffic Tickets
An extensive array of traffic violations such as speeding, non-moving violations, parking violations, driving on a suspended license and failure to wear a seat belt. Visit the Traffic Crimes page for more information on misdemeanor traffic crimes.
Gross Misdemeanor Examples
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.
Below are some gross misdemeanor examples:
- 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 Attorney
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. Call a criminal defense attorney now!