1. Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 30+ years experience and former prosecutor background
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, sex crimes, violent crimes, federal crimes
Background: The Reno criminal defense lawyer is prepared and qualified to help protect rights and freedoms no matter what your case involves. The firm fully understands that any arrest or charge can have life-changing results. As a 25-year veteran of the justice system, the firm’s founding attorney, Kenneth Stover, knows how to navigate the legal process successfully. Before becoming a Reno criminal defense lawyer, Kenneth A. Stover spent nearly five years of his legal career as a Special Prosecutor and a Deputy District Attorney for Nevada. Because he understands how police officers and prosecutors will handle, investigate, and even try your case, he can use his insight to help give your case an advantage. He has been consistently named among the trial attorneys in the nation and has successfully defended clients in 70 courts throughout Nevada.
Location: Reno, Nevada
Contact: (775) 502-1575 | https://www.kenstoverlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P.
Focus Area: Criminal defense since 1998 with 80+ homicide case experience
Practice Areas: Murder, homicide, petit larceny, felonies, misdemeanors, DUI, drug crimes, sex crimes
Background: Since 1998, Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. has been known for providing tough, aggressive advocacy for the accused in all types of criminal matters throughout Northern Nevada. The Reno criminal defense attorneys have spent decades defending clients all over the state in a wide variety of crimes, from petit larceny to murder. The team includes Attorney Thomas Viloria, one of the few defense lawyers who has been involved in 80+ homicide cases, including five cases with capital punishment hanging in the balance. Together, the attorneys lead a small, highly skilled team of legal professionals in representing a highly-limited caseload. They pool their experience, resources, and prowess to provide clients with high-level representation and dedicated focus. Each client benefits from the seasoned litigation offered by Mr. Viloria and from the personalized attention that can only come from a small, highly focused firm.
Location: Reno, Nevada (serves all of Northern Nevada)
Contact: Available through website | https://www.renonvlaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
3. Orrin Johnson Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with military veteran background and personalized service
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, records sealing, misdemeanors, felonies
Background: Attorney Orrin Johnson is not here to judge clients; he is here to help solve problems. Growing up in a single-wide trailer, he knows what it is to go through hard times. He has seen first-hand the price of addiction, violence, and even false allegations when families fall apart. He has seen how an unfeeling, overwhelmed System can trap good people in terrible cycles of personal destruction. But he was also lucky enough to have people who cared, people who knew how to escape the traps, break the cycles, and reclaim lives. Because of them, he was steered onto a better path, to college, to three deployments in the Navy, to law school, and to a happy life with family and a career dedicated to helping people. He has handled, fought, and won cases from murder to speeding tickets. Veteran discounts are available.
Location: 432 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501
Contact: (775) 525-2560 | https://orrinjohnsonlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Joey Gilbert Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense and DUI with decades of combined experience
Practice Areas: DUI, criminal defense, drug crimes, assault, theft, violent crimes
Background: In the face of a legal challenge, who will you put in your corner? Whether you’re up against serious legal charges or you’re fighting for the compensation rightfully due to you after an accident, the right attorney could make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Choose to work with Joey Gilbert Law and you’ll have a team of experienced Reno lawyers on your side from start to finish. Aggressive in approach and respected in the field, the firm can be trusted to champion for rights all the way through. At Joey Gilbert Law, the firm provides services for a number of DUI-related matters. Whether this is your first DUI or subsequent offense, clients are treated with the highest level of respect and professionalism. The firm understands how overwhelming these situations may be, but it’s important to remember that an arrest is not a conviction.
Location: Reno, Nevada (serves Northern Nevada)
Contact: (775) 210-1501 | https://joeygilbertlaw.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation for criminal defense
5. Reno Nevada Law (Lee Hotchin)
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 40+ years of experience
Practice Areas: DUI, assault, misdemeanors, felonies, sex crimes, firearms offenses
Background: At Reno Nevada Law, the firm is considered one of the criminal defense attorneys in the Reno area for a reason: results. If you have been arrested or are facing criminal charges, the firm can help. The criminal defense lawyers at Reno Nevada Law have more than 40 years of experience defending those charged with a variety of crimes from DUI to Assault, Misdemeanors and Felony Charges, Sex Crimes and Firearms Offenses. The firm has the criminal defense experience needed to fight for rights, freedom and future. Lee Hotchin will probably be able to predict the outcome of the case with his many years experience; he knows a lot of judges and district attorneys. Facing criminal charges can be a confusing and stressful time for you and your family. The firm provides honest counsel and tells clients the good, bad and the ugly.
Location: Reno, Nevada
Contact: Available through website | http://renonevadalaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in Nevada
Felony Classifications
Nevada classifies felonies into five categories:
Category A Felony: Includes first-degree murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping. Penalty ranges from death penalty or life imprisonment to 50 years.
Category B Felony: Includes robbery, burglary, and certain drug trafficking. Penalty is typically 1-20 years in prison depending on offense.
Category C Felony: Includes theft over $25,000 and certain assault. Penalty is 1-5 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine.
Category D Felony: Includes theft $5,000-$25,000 and certain drug possession. Penalty is 1-4 years in prison and up to $5,000 fine.
Category E Felony: Includes theft $1,200-$5,000 and certain drug offenses. Penalty is 1-4 years in prison (probation eligible) and up to $5,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Gross Misdemeanor: Includes DUI (first and second offense), stalking, and assault with substantial bodily harm. Maximum 364 days in jail and $2,000 fine.
Misdemeanor: Includes petit larceny, simple battery, and trespassing. Maximum 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine.
Record Sealing
Nevada allows sealing of criminal records after waiting periods:
Category A & B Felonies: 15 years after case ends.
Category C & D Felonies: 12 years after case ends.
Category E Felonies: 7 years after case ends.
Gross Misdemeanors: 7 years after case ends.
Misdemeanors: 2 years after case ends.
DUI: 7 years after case ends.
Acquittals and Dismissals: Immediately eligible for sealing.
Effect: Sealed records are not visible to most employers and the public. However, law enforcement and certain agencies can still access them.
DUI Laws
Nevada DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense is a misdemeanor with 2 days to 6 months jail (or 24-96 hours community service), $400-$1,000 fine, and 185-day license revocation. Second offense within 7 years is a misdemeanor with 10 days to 6 months jail, $750-$1,000 fine, and 1-year revocation. Third offense within 7 years is a Category B felony with 1-6 years prison and 3-year revocation. DUI causing death or substantial bodily harm is a Category B felony with 2-20 years prison. Nevada has implied consent; refusal results in 1-year license revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Reno?
Criminal cases in Reno are heard in Washoe County courts. Reno Justice Court handles misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felonies. Washoe County District Court handles felony cases. Reno Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations. The U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada handles federal criminal cases. In Nevada, you are required to identify yourself to law enforcement. However, you are only required to provide identification (such as a driver’s license) in the event of a traffic stop. Having a Reno criminal defense attorney familiar with these court systems, judges, and prosecutors provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What should I do if I am arrested in Reno?
If you are accused of or arrested for a crime in Reno or anywhere in Nevada, make sure to do the following: Comply with the arresting officer’s orders. Do not resist arrest or you could face additional charges and penalties. Aside from giving your name and providing identification (if applicable), refrain from speaking to police or law enforcement officials. In Nevada, in order to enact your right to remain silent, you must clearly state your wish to do so. If a police officer or another official begins asking you questions, you may state that you will not answer any questions until you have contacted an attorney. Contact a Reno criminal defense attorney immediately before speaking with the police or prosecutors.
What are the consequences of a felony conviction in Nevada?
A felony conviction in Nevada carries consequences beyond incarceration. You lose the right to possess firearms under federal and Nevada law. You lose the right to vote while incarcerated (automatically restored upon release from prison). You may be ineligible for certain professional licenses and may face difficulty finding employment and housing. For non-citizens, felony convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. Nevada allows sealing of many criminal records after waiting periods, which can help reduce collateral consequences. A Reno criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid felony conviction or pursue record sealing where eligible.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a gross misdemeanor in Nevada?
A misdemeanor is a less severe criminal offense that typically results in a fine or short jail time. The maximum sentence for a misdemeanor in Nevada is 6 months in county jail and $1,000 fine. A gross misdemeanor carries harsher penalties, with a maximum of 364 days in county jail and $2,000 fine. Common gross misdemeanors include DUI (first and second offense), stalking, and assault with substantial bodily harm. Common misdemeanors include petit larceny (theft under $1,200), simple battery, and trespassing. A Reno criminal defense attorney can help negotiate to reduce charges from gross misdemeanor to misdemeanor where possible.
What diversion programs are available in Washoe County?
Washoe County offers several diversion programs that allow eligible defendants to avoid conviction. Specialty Courts include Drug Court for defendants with substance abuse issues, Mental Health Court for defendants with mental health diagnoses, DUI Court for repeat DUI offenders, Veterans Treatment Court for veterans with service-related issues, and Family Drug Court. Diversion Programs may be available for first-time offenders for certain non-violent offenses. Successful completion of these programs results in dismissal of charges. Nevada also has a program for sealing records of arrests that did not result in conviction immediately after dismissal. A Reno criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and negotiate for diversion or help with record sealing.