Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorneys
Being Charged With A Crime Is Serious
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PH: (702) 878-2889
Finding yourself on the wrong side of the law is a serious matter, one that requires the immediate attention of a skilled and tough Las Vegas criminal defense lawyer.
You should contact the Las Vegas criminal defense lawyers at Oronoz & Ericsson. We represent those accused of violating Nevada’s criminal statutes, from drug charges to sex trafficking.
Criminal charges are serious matters and connecting with a skilled criminal defense attorney is critical to helping your case.
Contact us today at (702) 878-2889 to schedule a free consultation with a criminal lawyer near you and learn more about how we can help.
Coming to Las Vegas for vacation may seem like a fun idea, but there are several opportunities for that trip to go awry, whether you accidentally break the law or if you knowingly try to deceive an establishment.
Even being accused or arrested for criminal charges can have severe consequences on your life, so it’s best to find a Las Vegas defense attorney who can represent you in your case, whether you’re visiting Vegas or a Nevada native.
Although the Second Amendment does guarantee the right to bear arms, gun laws carry hefty penalties if you violate them. Understanding why you’ve been charged might take the help of a criminal lawyer who understands Nevada gun laws.
For instance, carrying a concealed weapon without a license can be a Category C felony, punishable by one to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Nevada is unique in the United States as one of the only states allowing prostitution (in licensed institutions) in the state. It’s on a county-by-county basis, and knowing if you’re breaking the law can hinge on minute details.
Sex trafficking is illegal in Nevada. You’ll face severe penalties if you’ve induced, caused, recruited, harbored, or transported someone with the intent to have them engage in sexual acts with others for money. If the victim is under 18, the penalties only increase.
Although some states have worked to legalize cannabis use, distribution, and production, Nevada’s drug laws forbid possessing, making, or selling other controlled substances. The various scheduled drugs on the market carry penalties if you’re caught in possession of them.
A skilled defense attorney might get charges dropped or reduced, and if you’re a first-time offender, you could attend a pre-trial diversion program.
Many crimes fall under the “violent” definition, like arson, assault, battery, theft, or murder. If convicted of some violent crimes, you could face life in prison.
Some violent crimes are considered federal crimes, which carry additional penalties. Other penalties could be as simple as paying a fine but may carry consequences beyond serving your sentence, like losing professional or driver’s licenses.
Charges associated with vehicular use carry heavy repercussions, as a conviction will likely mean the loss of a driver’s license.
Crimes like DUIs, vehicular manslaughter, or vehicular homicide should be given the proper attention they deserve.
If you’ve been arrested for driving while intoxicated or because you’re suspected of causing someone’s death while driving, you need a defense attorney who knows Nevada’s vehicular crime laws and who is willing to work through your defense.
Although they may be considered non-violent crimes, being accused of white-collar crimes still carries consequences beyond an arrest.
Crimes such as money laundering, mail or bank fraud, extortion, or bribery can earn you long prison sentences upon conviction. White collar crimes could be tied with federal infractions, meaning there are stricter punishments to consider.
The punishment for a Nevada crime varies, ultimately depending on the type of offense and the facts of your specific case. The state could generally charge you with either a misdemeanor or felony offense.
NRS 193.150 states that everyone convicted of a misdemeanor faces up to six months in county jail and fines up to $1,000. In addition to jail time and fines, the state could require you to perform a fixed period of community service.
Nevada could also charge you with a gross misdemeanor, resulting in up to 364 days in jail and a fine of $2,000. Gross misdemeanors involve slightly more severe crimes like aiming a gun at someone or assaulting a police officer that doesn’t cause serious injury or involve a deadly weapon.
The state could also charge you with a gross misdemeanor if you already have a criminal record when charged.
If convicted of committing a gross misdemeanor on the property of a school, at an activity sponsored by a school, or on a school bus, you could face a minimum of 15 days in county jail in addition to a $2,000 fine under NRS 193.1605.
Felony offenses in Nevada are broken down into five categories: A, B, C, D, and E felonies. Each carries different penalties—category A being the most severe and E being the least. According to NRS 193.130, the penalties for each are as follows:
When it comes to criminal charges, there is not a moment to lose. The sooner you retain us, the more time we have to investigate and build a strong case on your behalf. We will guide you through the Las Vegas judicial system, so you are always aware of all your defenses and options.
Although there is a standard procedure for arresting someone accused of a crime, it varies by the severity of the charge and how the person may be acting.
For instance, someone accused of a violent crime may be handled with more force than someone accused of jaywalking.
Regardless, when you’re taken into custody, the law enforcement officer arresting you may place you in cuffs and should read you your Miranda Rights, informing you of your right to stay quiet and the right to an attorney. You’ll be taken to either the City of Las Vegas Detention Center or the Clark County Detention Center.
You’ll be booked into custody, photographed, and fingerprinted. If you’re accused of a low-level misdemeanor, you’ll likely receive a citation, be informed of your court date, and then released. Serious offenses require you to post bail or remain in jail until you can appear before a judge.
How you conduct yourself during your arrest can affect the rest of your legal proceedings. That doesn’t mean being on your best behavior will get you out of any punishment, but it wouldn’t hurt. There are things to remember to do once you’ve been placed in custody:
You have the right to remain silent. Exercise that right: do not answer questions without an officer present. You can provide your name and details like your social security number but keep quiet beyond that.
Even if you believe you haven’t done anything illegal, law enforcement can provide your statements and answers to the prosecution, and even the most innocent comment could be used against you.
Getting out of jail is ideal for your mental health and your case. Once you know you need to pay bail, it would benefit you to find a way to post it. Once you’re out, you can start helping your criminal defense attorney build a defense and collecting evidence.
Finding a criminal attorney to take your case with your best interests in mind is a crucial step in defending yourself and getting charges dropped or reduced.
A knowledgeable defense attorney can answer law enforcement’s questions, keep you posted on necessary court dates and case details, and work on your defense.
Having a criminal lawyer on your side makes building a case more manageable. They’ll know what evidence you need to create enough reasonable doubt to stop the prosecution.
When you are standing in court before a judge, you want to know that the attorney on your side has the ability and skillset to protect your rights. We have decades of experience and have the trial skills to tackle the most challenging criminal charges.
Call Oronoz & Ericsson today. Our criminal defense law firm is ready to hear your case and help you with your arrest. We have knowledge of Nevada’s criminal laws, as well as experience in the Las Vegas court system. We’re prepared to defend you, all you need to do is call (702) 878-2889 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a criminal lawyer near you.