Domestic violence allegations brought by a spouse, intimate partner or other member of a close relationship are taken seriously by Nevada authorities. Police are required to arrest individuals accused of this type of conduct within 24 hours of the report. Even a first conviction for domestic violence battery could result in a jail term of up to six months. This is in addition to potential civil sanctions, which could prevent a parent from seeing their children or place other restrictions on his or her freedom. At Miley Law Firm, P.C. in Las Vegas, I have defended clients accused of domestic violence and other offenses for more than 25 years. By going beyond what’s in the police report and determining what actually occurred, I work to help individuals avoid unfair punishment.
ESTABLISHED FIRM OUTLINES THE ELEMENTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CLAIMS
Domestic violence covers a group of crimes where the alleged victim and perpetrator are:
- Current or former spouses
- In a dating relationship, or previously dated
- Related through blood or marriage
- Current or former roommates
- Co-parents of one or more children
- A child of any one of these parties or a child whose legal guardian is any of these parties
As an accomplished Nevada criminal defense attorney, I am capable of handling any type of litigation where some has been accused of domestic violence, including charges of:
- Assault and battery — Nevada has a specific law against battery connected with domestic violence. A first offense within a seven-year period results in a jail sentence running from two days to six months and community service of between 48 and 120 hours. Repeat offenders are subject to harsher punishment.
- Sexual assault — Even when parties are married or in a sexual relationship, nonconsensual acts can be prosecuted as sex crimes and domestic violence.
- Stalking and harassment — It is important to remember that a finding of domestic violence does not require actual physical contact. Stalking, unlawful coercion or any “knowing, purposeful or reckless course of conduct intended to harass the other person” qualifies under Nevada law. This standard can be very subjective, so if you believe you’ve been unfairly targeted, my firm will strongly challenge the allegation.
- Other crimes — You might not associate stealing or trespassing with violence, but when acts like these are seemingly aimed at tormenting someone with whom the defendant has a relationship, they can be considered domestic violence. This also goes for harm done to someone’s pet.
Nevada requires police to make an arrest when domestic violence is reported, even if the responding officer doesn’t fully understand what occurred. In addition to other penalties, a misdemeanor or felony domestic violence conviction can infringe upon your rights, affecting child custody arrangements and preventing you from purchasing a gun. If you were acting in self-defense or the purported victim did not accurately portray what happened, it’s important to stand up for yourself.
KNOWLEDGEABLE LITIGATOR ASSISTS CLIENTS OPPOSING RESTRAINING ORDERS
After a domestic violence arrest, the complainant might also initiate a civil action seeking an order that prevents the accused individual from going certain places. The restraining order might also bar someone from communicating with the alleged victim and others, possibly even the defendant’s children. My firm is committed to learning your side of the story and challenging the imposition of a restraining order that is not supported by the facts. If untrue charges are made due to an emotional divorce or some other relationship problem, I am here to show present the real story to the court.
Contact a seasoned Nevada lawyer to defend against a domestic violence charge
Miley Law Firm, P.C. assists Nevada residents accused of domestic violence. To make an appointment for a meeting at our Las Vegas office, please call 702-942-0600 or contact me online.
