We are living in unprecedented and uncertain times. The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has had enormous consequences on daily life, closing nightlife and recreation even in the nation’s entertainment capital. Las Vegas has been severely affected. With The Strip closed, many of our residents are out of work. Over 150 Nevadans have been killed by the virus.
The many stressors have ramped up tensions, even in healthy relationships. You may find yourself snapping when you don’t mean it, or arguing over small things. This context is ripe for hurt feelings.
In this situation, scared and stressed individuals may falsely accuse someone of domestic violence in order to settle a score. A domestic violence charge, however, can impact you for life.
If you’ve been accused of domestic violence in Las Vegas, you’re entitled to a thorough legal defense. At Adras & Altig, Attorneys at Law, our lawyers will treat you with the same care we would a family member. Don’t wait to begin the process of clearing your name. Contact Adras & Altig today.
What Are the Domestic Violence Laws in Las Vegas?
The main domestic violence law in Nevada is NRS 200.485. Under that statute, domestic battery is defined as “willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another.”
The law is purposefully broad. It encompasses any violence rather than defining the crime narrowly. Harmful behavior from slapping and biting to kicking and poisoning can be considered domestic battery.
Because the definition of domestic battery is so broad, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible if you are accused of it. You may not have intended to hurt your partner or family member. That doesn’t matter under the law. You can still be charged with a serious crime.
At Adras & Altig, we’ll ask you to share all the details of your situation with us. We want to build a convincing case on your behalf, so that your charges are ultimately dismissed and you’re able to move on with your life. All your information is kept private and confidential. We’ll have a much better chance of helping you move on if you contact us soon, and give us as much information as possible to work with.
How ‘Sheltering in Place’ Affects Domestic Violence
COVID-19 and domestic violence may seem like unrelated problems. What does a disease have to do with intimate partner violence? Unfortunately, major news outlets have reported that stay-at-home orders, like “Operation Nevada,” are exacerbating existing domestic violence situations.
“Movement restrictions aimed to stop the spread of the coronavirus may be making violence in homes more frequent, more severe and more dangerous,” The New York Times reports. We’re all sacrificing our movement to ensure the safety of our state. But no individual should sacrifice their personal safety to stay at home.
In the event that you or someone you know is stuck in an unsafe domestic situation, contact the authorities. There are Nevada state laws meant to protect victims of abuse. Organizations exist to find housing and other support for those who need it.
Keep in mind, however, that not all personal conflicts rise to the level of domestic abuse. Sometimes, people in difficult relationships will accuse their partner of abuse in order to punish them. Former partners may report their ex to the police to get back at them after the breakup. In these situations, you need a domestic abuse defense attorney to help protect you from consequences, including jail time.
Can I Get Arrested for Domestic Violence During Coronavirus in Las Vegas?
If you’re wondering whether a domestic battery charge can be brought during the current lockdown, the answer is yes. Even though many emergency services are focused on public health, police are still enforcing the law and responding to domestic violence complaints. That means that you may still face arrest and its consequences if you cause violence in your home.
Domestic violence during the coronavirus is really no different from any other time. It can result in penalties, including jail time, community service, and fines. You can face misdemeanor charges for your first and second charges. If you are charged for a third time, a domestic battery conviction can result in a felony, from one to five years in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines.
If you’re in an unstable relationship and think your partner may accuse you of domestic violence, you may need to take steps to separate from them. That can be difficult given the stay-at-home orders, but your own safety and freedom may depend on it. If you are charged with domestic battery, our experienced attorneys at Adras & Altig can defend you.
What to Do If I Am Charged with Domestic Violence During the COVID-19 Crisis
If you face charges for domestic violence crimes, the best thing you can do is contact and hire a competent lawyer. In the meantime, here are some simple tips to remember.
- Keep your emotions under control. Reacting angrily or arguing with the arresting officer may result in more charges and damage your defense.
- Remember your rights. As a Nevada resident, you have the right to avoid self-incrimination and the right to remain silent. Use them! Don’t talk to a prosecutor, police officer, or any other authority figure more than you have to. Staying silent does not mean you think you’re guilty.
- Contact a lawyer as soon as you can. You have the right to hire an attorney to help mount your defense. Lawyers know how the law works and can defend you from unfounded accusations.
Contact Our Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
If you’ve been accused of domestic abuse and are facing domestic violence charges, you need a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. At Adras & Altig, we really care about our clients and believe they deserve a defense tailored to them. You’re not just a case number to us. You’re a person who deserves every chance at freedom.
We’ll work together with you to build a convincing defense on your behalf. We want results for you. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation.
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At Adras & Altig, we believe that every client we work with deserves a fresh start. Our dedicated Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys take the time to get to know you so we can understand the circumstances surrounding your arrest.