Las Vegas Misdemeanor Lawyer

Misdemeanor Offenses in Las Vegas

Lesser criminal charges in Nevada are classified as either misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors. Although a conviction can result in jail time and fines of up to $2,000, our skilled criminal defense attorneys can often negotiate for community service or probation.

Sometimes, we can get wholly dropped misdemeanor charges against our clients. However, it is essential to know that a conviction for a misdemeanor goes on your record and can result in increased penalties if you are arrested for a subsequent offense of any kind. More importantly, a misdemeanor conviction appears on your record when you apply for a job, a loan, college scholarships, etc.

Your response to a misdemeanor charge in Nevada — such as a DUI, simple drug possession, prostitution, or domestic battery — should be to contact our experienced Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys promptly. Our dedicated defense lawyers know there are two sides to every story, and police officers rarely have all the facts before making an arrest or issuing a ticket.

At Adras & Altig, our criminal defense attorneys have more than 30 years of combined experience saving Las Vegas residents and visitors from severe fines and jail sentences. No matter the charge you face, you should schedule a free consultation now with our understanding legal team. Our law firm provides personalized attention and treats clients with the respect they deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.

Our Attorneys Fight Misdemeanor Charges in Las Vegas

A conviction on a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charge in Nevada will harm your life, no matter how minor the crime seems. We understand if you have been arrested and/or charged with a misdemeanor. We know people make mistakes. We also know police can mistakenly arrest people.

Our Las Vegas misdemeanor defense attorneys will investigate the circumstances of your arrest and the alleged evidence against you to evaluate your options. We can often have charges against our clients reduced or dismissed without them ever appearing in court.

It is not unusual for misdemeanor cases to be dismissed due to:

• Improper arrest, such as an illegal search or failure to advise of Miranda rights
• Mistaken identity
• Unreliable or unavailable witnesses, which is not unusual in a tourist destination like Las Vegas
• Lack of evidence and/or weak evidence
• Problems with evidence, such as chain of custody issues
• Evidence that supports the defendant’s innocence or lack of intent

In addition to identifying problems with the prosecution’s case, our attorneys will explore alternative approaches that may result in misdemeanor charges being reduced or dropped. This may include:

• Making restitution to victims (who then decline to press charges)
• Citing the defendant’s lack of a criminal record and/or good standing in the community or school
• Entering or agreeing to enter counseling, such as alcohol or drug addiction rehabilitation, anger management, or other psychological counseling

Making a deal with prosecutors in Clark County (Las Vegas) courts requires the work of a criminal defense attorney who has spent time in local courts and with the assistant district attorneys who handle misdemeanor cases. It also requires thorough knowledge of Nevada law and a willingness to find creative solutions that meet each client’s unique needs.

The attorneys of Adras & Altig have more than 30 years of combined experience successfully defending Las Vegas residents and out-of-state visitors from criminal charges of all kinds in Clark County, Nevada. We work diligently to pursue the best outcome for our clients, including fighting charges when prosecutors do not have solid cases.

Your future does not have to be damaged by a mistake, a misunderstanding, or an arrest that never should have happened in the first place. Schedule a free consultation with our team today.

Common Misdemeanor Charges in Las Vegas

There are numerous misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses under Nevada law. Among the most common misdemeanors in Las Vegas are:

• Traffic Offenses: A traffic ticket may be issued for a moving violation (speeding, illegal passing, failure to wear a seat belt, etc.) or nonmoving violation (illegal parking, faulty taillight, etc.) A first offense of driving under the influence (DUI) within seven years is a misdemeanor if no one was injured, such as in a crash.
• Drug Possession: Simple possession (not including intent to sell, furnish to a prisoner, etc.) of 1 ounce or less of marijuana outside a private residence is a misdemeanor. A third offense becomes a gross misdemeanor, and fourth and subsequent offenses are treated as felonies. Use of a Schedule V controlled substance (e.g., medication containing codeine) and possession of drug paraphernalia are gross misdemeanors.
• Prostitution: Engaging in or soliciting sex in exchange for money (or anything of value) in Las Vegas is a misdemeanor as long as it is between adults. Soliciting a minor for prostitution is a felony. Prostitution is legal in a few Nevada counties (not including Clark County, the home of Las Vegas) within a licensed house of prostitution (brothel).
• Assault: Attempting to use physical force against another person or intentionally placing another person in reasonable fear of immediate bodily harm is a misdemeanor unless the victim is a peace officer (police, firefighter, jailer, judge, etc.), school employee, or health care provider, which makes it a felony.
• Battery: Any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon another person is a misdemeanor unless the victim is a child or a weapon is used, which makes it a felony. Battery upon a peace officer (police, firefighter, jailer, judge, etc.), school employee, health care provider, taxicab driver, transit operator, or sports official based on the performance of their duties at a sporting event is also a felony.
• Domestic Battery: Any willful and unlawful use of force or violence on your spouse, domestic or romantic partner, or blood relative is a misdemeanor on the first offense. Domestic Battery (DB), or Battery Domestic Violence (BDV), is punishable by two days to 6 months in jail, community service, a fine, and mandatory counseling.
• Shoplifting and Petit Theft: Taking someone else’s property or obtaining services without permission and with the intent of permanently depriving the owner of the property is a misdemeanor as long as the property’s value is less than $650. If the property value is higher, the charge becomes a felony.
• Receiving Stolen Goods: Buying or otherwise receiving stolen property that the recipient knew or should have known was stolen is a misdemeanor if the value is less than $650. If the value is higher, the charge becomes a felony.
• Trespassing: Entering a building or land owned by someone else with “intent to vex or annoy” the owner or occupant, or to commit any unlawful act, or remaining on the ground or in a building after being warned by the owner or occupant, not to trespass is a misdemeanor.
• Vandalism / Graffiti: Willfully or maliciously destroying or injuring someone else’s real or personal property is a “public offense,” with penalties assessed according to the value of the damage done unless specific laws apply. For example, vandalism of a church, synagogue, temple, cemetery, mortuary, school, or school grounds is a gross misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $400 to $1,000 and 100 hours of community service on a first offense, plus restitution for the damage done. Graffiti is also a gross misdemeanor if the value of the damage is more than $250 but less than $5,000. It is a felony if damage exceeds $5,000 in value or if the graffiti defaces a state historical or “protected” site.