Nevada Criminal Laws

The state of Nevada’s Crimes and Punishments section of the Nevada Revised Statutes defines all criminal laws in the state. Along with serious crimes like murder, robbery, and kidnapping, Nevada has some state-specific crimes like defrauding an innkeeper (NRS § 205.445) and tampering with gaming devices (NRS § 465.085).

Nevada categorizes most crimes as felonies, gross misdemeanors, or misdemeanors. State laws base criminal categories on their seriousness and the amount of time a defendant spends in jail or state prison after conviction.

Felonies

Category A felonies are the most serious. They are all crimes against people, with sentences of life imprisonment or the death penalty. Category A felonies include:

• First-degree murder
• Sexual assault
• Sex trafficking involving children
• Kidnapping

Category B felonies are less serious crimes against the person, and some types of theft if the offender uses a weapon to commit the crime. Category B felonies include:

• Voluntary manslaughter
• Robbery (with any degree of force, with or without a weapon)
• Burglary or home invasion
• Assault with a deadly weapon

Category C felonies cover other less-violent felonies, and some types of fraud and bribery charges. A Class C felony has a penalty of one to five years and a $10,000 fine. These criminal charges include:

• Cyberstalking
• Domestic violence crimes involving strangulation
• Grand theft auto
• Bribery of a public official

Category D and Category E felonies are the least serious felonies. Category E felons may get probation rather than a prison term. These crimes involve controlled substances, gang membership, and other criminal offenses that tend to lead to more serious felonies. They may also be "lesser included offenses" in plea agreements.

• Involuntary manslaughter
• "Revenge porn" (unlawful dissemination of intimate images) NRS § 200.780
• First or second offense for possession of a controlled substance

Misdemeanors and Gross Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are crimes with penalties of imprisonment of less than a year. Usually, the sentence is a few months in the county jail or probation and community service. Misdemeanor offenses include crimes against property, fraud, and public safety crimes.

• Petty theft (less than $1,200)
• Reckless driving without DUI
• Simple assault
• Credit card fraud

Crimes categorized as gross misdemeanors may also be felony offenses, depending on the circumstances. Gross misdemeanors can be second or third offenses, or misdemeanors with enhancements, such as use of a weapon or a crime against a protected group.

• Brandishing a firearm in public is a misdemeanor; aiming it in a threatening way is a gross misdemeanor
• Assault and battery is a misdemeanor; assault against a law enforcement officer or other peace officer is a gross misdemeanor

The judge has discretion to sentence a defendant to either a gross misdemeanor or a felony.

Get Legal Advice from a Nevada Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing criminal charges for violent crimes or other offenses means understanding Nevada’s state laws. If you have a criminal case pending, you need legal advice from an experienced Nevada criminal defense lawyer.