Felony Attorney in Las Vegas

Indictment vs. Information

Indictment – This is a charging document approved by the grand jury. A grand jury is a secret proceeding where a jury hears evidence only from the prosecution side and makes a decision on whether there is enough evidence to proceed to a trial. The defense is not allowed to the grand jury proceedings and cannot present evidence at the proceeding. If the grand jury finds enough evidence they will give an Indictment.

Information – This is a sworn statement that accuses the defendant of committing a criminal act. An authorized public official presents the Information to the court, indicating there is sufficient reason to prosecute the defendant.

Indictment and Information are two methods used to charge the defendant with a crime, each with different implications on how the prosecution proceeds.

The Arraignment Hearing

Appearing in court for the initial hearing to respond to charges is called an "arraignment". The presence of the defendant and/or their attorney at this hearing is vital. If the defendant misses the arraignment, allows the judge to issue a bench warrant for arrest, further complicating the defendant's legal situation.

• The defendant receives a formal notice of the charges.
• The defendant can plead guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest).
• If the defendant is in custody, the lawyer may request a bail reduction or release.
• Pleading "not guilty" will then give the defendant another court date.
• The Court will schedule a trial, pretrial, or status check date relevant to the defendant’s situation. Nevada courts aim to schedule a trial date 60 days after the arraignment. However, legal motions or unforeseen issues may extend this timeline.

Jury Trial Process in Las Vegas

This law states that any defendant who is facing a possible sentence of more than 6 months in jail is entitled to a trial by jury. Anyone charged with a felony in Nevada automatically have the right to a jury trial. Trials that take place in Las Vegas Justice Court, the jury consists of 6 people. For District Court trials, the jury must consist of 12 people. The jury has to unanimously decide whether to find the defendant “guilty” or “not guilty” otherwise, it is a “hung jury” and the judge declares mistrial.

In cases of mistrial, the prosecution may either choose to:

• Start all over and prosecute the case again, or
• Offer a plea bargain to a lesser charge, or
• Drop the case completely.

The List of Felonies Prosecuted in Nevada

Felonies range from E (least serious) to A (most serious) categories, each with distinct legal ramifications. Regardless of the severity of the charge, the rights to a jury trial remain intact.

Understanding Felony Charges & Penalties in Las Vegas

Facing a felony charge in Las Vegas carries notable consequences, including significant fines, extended prison terms, and a permanent criminal record. Goodman Law Group's experienced felony defense lawyers in Las Vegas pledge to protect your rights and provide the best possible legal representation throughout each stage.

Understanding the various felony charge categories and their associated penalties is crucial:

• Category E Felony: This is the least grave offense in Nevada, yet carries substantial penalties, with imprisonment up to 4 years and fines reaching $5,000.
• Category D Felony: Conviction may lead to 1 to 4 years in prison with fines up to $5,000.
• Category C Felony: This involves prison sentences from 1 to 5 years and fines up to $10,000.
• Category B Felony: Offending here means 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
• Category A Felony: Reserved for the gravest offenses, it may result in life imprisonment without parole, or even the death penalty.

Our team of criminal defense attorneys has a proven history of success in handling felony cases and achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Our familiarity with local judges, jury selection patterns, and procedural nuances means that our felony lawyers have the knowledge and insight to help you navigate the local court systems effectively. 

Types of Las Vegas Felony Charges & Offenses

Category E Felony Laws

These crimes are usually considered as non-violent offenses such as:

• Soliciting a child for prostitution
• Criminal gang recruitment
• A second offense of peeping with a camera or video recorder

Penalties for a Category E Felony Conviction

• 1 to 4 years in prison, with the option for probation in most instances
• A fine up to $5,000

Category D Felony Laws

Considered the second most minor class of felony, includes charges such as:

• Involuntary manslaughter
• Forgery
• Unpaid casino markers
• 3^rd degree arson
• Pandering

Penalties for a Class D Felony Conviction

• 1 to 4 years in prison
• A fine up to $5,000

Category C Felony Laws

These offenses fall in the "middle-ground" category:

• A 3^rd offense of battery domestic violence
• Grand larceny
• Buying or receiving stolen goods
• Stalking
• Violating an extended protective order

Penalties for a Class C Felony Conviction

• 1 to 5 years in prison
• Fine up to $10,000

Category B Felony Laws

This second most severe type offense includes:

• Voluntary manslaughter
• Invasion of home
• Grand larceny (value of property is $2,500 or more)
• 2^nd degree kidnapping
• Robbery

Penalties for a Class B Felony Conviction

• 1 to 20 years in prison
• Maybe a fine depending on the specific crime

Category A Felony Laws

These represent the most egregious offenses such as:

• 1^st or 2^nd degree murder
• 1^st degree kidnapping
• Sexual assault
• Using a minor to create child pornography
• Battery (with intent to commit sexual assault, resulting in significant injury or done by strangulation)

Penalties for a Class A Felony Conviction

• Death (murder cases)
• Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole
• Life imprisonment with the possibility of parole

The Stages of a Jury Trial in Felony Cases

1. Jury selection or Voir Dire
2. Opening statements
3. Presentation of evidence (case chief), including examination and cross-examination of witnesses
4. Closing arguments
5. Jury deliberation
6. Verdict

A jury trial is a complex process. A skilled felony attorney knows how to select jurors wisely and form compelling arguments to enhance the likelihood of a “not guilty” verdict or prompt favorable plea negotiations.

Is It Possible to Get a Felony Expunged in Las Vegas?

Expungement laws in Nevada are complex, and not all felonies qualify for removal from your criminal record. However, it is possible to have your felony record sealed under certain conditions after a specific period. Consulting with Goodman Law Group can provide insights into your options and guide you through the process.

Keep a Felony Conviction Impacting Your Future

A felony conviction in Las Vegas can profoundly affect your life, leading to difficulties in securing employment, housing, and even personal relationships. It can also result in the loss of the right to vote or bear arms. Addressing these challenges promptly with a qualified felony attorney is crucial to mitigate long-term impacts. The dedicated and highly qualified team at Goodman Law Group is ready to help you. Reach out to our team of Las Vegas felony lawyers today.

To learn more about your possible defense options, contact a felony lawyer from Goodman Law Group at (702) 825-7854 for a free consultation.