Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Reno

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Reno, Nevada?

  The City of Reno Public Safety Dispatch department can be reached at (775) 334-COPS (2677) for non-emergency concerns.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Reno, Nevada?

  Visit the Reno Police Records Section at 455 E 2nd Street Reno, NV 89502 to request a copy of an incident/crime report. You can also request a copy online via the City of Reno Public Records Portal: https://reno.streamlinegov.us/ For assistance, contact the Reno Police Records Section at (775) 657-4639

• If you’ve been stopped by the Reno police on suspicion of DUI, are you required to take a field sobriety test?

  No, field sobriety tests (FST) are not mandatory in Reno. It is in your interest to refuse the FST as it is not a reliable test of impairment and its results may be affected by outside factors. Due to this unreliability, it also doesn’t hold much weight as evidence in DUI cases. Refusing the FST means less evidence against you.

• Can you petition for your misdemeanor record in Reno to be sealed?

  Yes, you can file a petition for your misdemeanor conviction to be sealed, provided you meet the requirements: 1. You must have already fulfilled your commitments to the Court, including incarceration, as indicated in your sentence. 2. A specific number of years has passed. 3. You have not had subsequent convictions. A Reno criminal defense lawyer can help determine if you qualify and kickstart the petition process.

• How is a misdemeanor different from a felony in Reno, NV?

  Generally, felonies are serious crimes and misdemeanors are less serious offenses. In Reno, misdemeanors involve no more than one year of jail time, while felonies are punishable with prison time of over one year. Also, misdemeanor defendants do not need to appear before the court, while felony defendants must face the Justice of the Peace or a magistrate judge in court.

• Is public intoxication a criminal offense in Reno, NV?

  While other states have laws on public intoxication, in Nevada, you cannot be arrested or charged for being drunk in public. However, the Reno police can apprehend you if your drunkenness results in disorderly conduct, which is considered a misdemeanor in the state and punishable with fines and jail time.

• Can a state court in Reno and the federal court charge you for the same crime?

  Yes, the state and federal courts can charge you for the same crime as these courts have different jurisdictions. If you did something that is considered a crime under state laws and committed it within one of the federal lands in Reno, the federal court gains jurisdiction over the crime. Take note that the defendant can’t take advantage of the double jeopardy law, as it only applies to similar cases applied within the same jurisdiction.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.