Violent Crimes Lawyer in Vegas

However, regardless of the nature of the crime being alleged, every defendant has the right to a zealous legal defense and deserves the presumption of innocence unless guilt can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The dedicated Las Vegas violent crime lawyers at Adras & Altig fight to protect the rights of those who have been charged with:

• Homicide (Murder, Manslaughter). Nevada allows the death penalty or life in prison without parole for a first-degree murder conviction, which is a Category A felony. First-degree murder is willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing. All other kinds of murder are second-degree murder, which is punishable by life in prison or a definite term of 25 years with eligibility for parole after 10 years have been served. Manslaughter is unlawfully killing a person without malice or deliberation — an accident, in many cases. Voluntary manslaughter (having been provoked to harm the victim) is punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Involuntary manslaughter (killing with no intention to harm) is punishable by 1 to 4 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
• Sexual Assault. The crime of rape — forcing another person into “sexual penetration” — can result in a life sentence without parole or 15 years to life. Nevada law provides for multiple other sexual assault offenses, such as sexual assault against a child (including luring a child over the Internet), by a teacher against a pupil, a spouse against a spouse, etc., all of which are punishable by lengthy prison terms and fines.
• Kidnapping. Holding or confining a person against his or her will “by any means whatsoever” is kidnapping under Nevada law. The charge does not require seeking ransom or holding the person for any specified length of time. First-degree kidnapping, which includes seeking ransom, or holding a person to rob, assault, or sexually assault them, is punishable by life without parole. Second-degree kidnapping is punishable by 2 to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
• Robbery. Taking another person’s property by force, violence, or fear of injury is a Category B felony punishable by a minimum term of 2 years and a maximum of 15 years in prison. Use of a deadly weapon while committing robbery (armed robbery), is punishable by an additional 1 to 20 years in prison.

Note that use of a deadly weapon while committing murder, first-degree kidnapping, sexual assault, or robbery may result in an additional 1 to 20 years in prison.

• Assault and Battery. Assault is attempting to use force against another person or putting a person in fear of bodily harm. Battery (including domestic battery) is the actual use of force or violence against another person. There are many variations to assault and battery charges based on the amount of harm and whom harm is inflicted upon. If a deadly weapon is involved, a conviction can result in 1 to 6 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
• Abuse and Neglect of Children. “Abuse or neglect” means physical or mental injury that is not accidental, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child under the age of 18. If a court finds substantial bodily harm or mental harm, a prison sentence of 2 to 20 years may be imposed. If the case involves a child under age 14 and sexual abuse or exploitation, the sentence could be life in prison, with possibility of parole after 15 years.
• Abuse and Neglect of Elderly or Vulnerable Persons. Nevada law makes it illegal to abuse, neglect, exploit, isolate, or abandon older and vulnerable people. An older person is 60 years old or older. A vulnerable person is someone 18 years old or older with mental or physical disability that restricts their ability to perform normal activities of daily living. Abandonment is withholding or neglecting care required by an elderly or vulnerable person. A first offense is a gross misdemeanor, but a second offense is punishable by 2 to 6 years in prison. If substantial bodily or mental harm or death occurs, a penalty of 2 to 20 years in prison is possible, unless circumstances allow a more severe penalty.
• Harassment and Stalking. Threatening harm to a person or his or her property is harassment, and stalking is engaging in a course of conduct that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, harassed, or fearful for their own or a family member’s safety. If the perpetrator actually threatens harm, the charge is elevated to aggravated stalking and is punishable by 2 to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Harassment and stalking online, or via email or texts, is a Category C felony punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Prosecutors in Nevada take an aggressive stance against defendants charged with violent crimes, and penalties for conviction are harsh.

It is crucial to speak with an experienced Las Vegas criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after being arrested for a violent crime. Schedule a free consultation with our law office today to begin the preparation of a case for protecting your freedom.