Defense in Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Cases in Nevada
Las Vegas Domestic Assault Defense Lawyers
If you have a physical fight with someone you live or have a close relationship with (spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend), you can be charged with domestic violence or domestic assault. The term "assault" covers a number of different things:
- Pushing or shoving
- Slapping or pinching
- Hitting someone with your hand or an object
- Kicking
- Verbal threats of bodily harm
- Burning with a cigarette, candle, or other hot object
- Brandishing a weapon
The first and second times people are charged, they will likely face misdemeanor domestic violence charges in state court. If you have two convictions for domestic assault and you are arrested a third time, you will face felony charges.
Also, if the victim suffers serious or life-threatening injuries during a first or second assault, you will face felony charges.
At Ciciliano and Associates, we handle both parts of domestic violence cases — the protective order hearings and the misdemeanor domestic violence charge — as a package. Call 702.487.3530 or contact Ciciliano and Associates online.
What Happens in a Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Case?
Protective Orders: It's common for the "victim" to request a protective order (also called a restraining order) to keep the "abuser" out of the house. Sometimes the protective order is filed automatically by the victim's advocacy unit at the police department.
A hearing for a temporary order will occur quickly, and you will not have a chance to appear at that hearing. You will have your day in court at the hearing to consider whether the order should be made permanent.
We will explain the temporary protective order and what you will need to do to comply with it so you do not accidentally violate the protective order and find yourself in jail.
Hearing Dates: The time from arrest to trial in a domestic violence case is typically 60 days. The date of the restraining order hearing is only 30 days.
This is a fast time line. It's important to get a good defense attorney involved in your spousal abuse case as soon as possible so your lawyer can begin investigating the facts to build your defense.
Contact our office online or call 702.487.3530 to schedule a consultation with defense attorney Luke Ciciliano. We represent clients in Clark County and surrounding jurisdictions of southern Nevada.
