Las Vegas Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

The number of prosecutions for domestic violence charges has surged over the past 10 years.  Additionally, both Congress and state legislatures all over the country have increased the penalties for people convicted of domestic violence.  In Nevada, a first conviction for domestic violence carries a minimum of 2 days incarceration.  A second conviction for domestic violence within 7 years carries a minimum of 10 days of incarceration.  A third conviction for domestic violence within 7 years is a felony which carries with it a minimum mandatory term of 1 year of incarceration.  Even though a first or second conviction for domestic violence is a misdemeanor, a conviction for domestic violence will haunt you. 

If you have a conviction for domestic violence and are ever caught possessing a gun – even years after your domestic violence case has been closed – you are looking at federal prosecution and federal prison time for violating 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(9) and 925(c), 27 CFR 478.144 (i).  Even a reduction from a domestic violence charge to a lesser charge such as disorderly conduct can impact your ability to own or possess a firearm.  My point is simple – even though domestic violence is a misdemeanor, you should take it very seriously since you could be getting yourself in to greater trouble in the future if you plead guilty without knowing the consequences.  Finally, pleading guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence will get you deported if you are not a U.S. Citizen.  This mean even if you have been a lawful permanent resident, a conviction for domestic violence will result in your deportation.  A domestic violence conviction, as you can see, carries with it serious implications which can cause you lose many important rights.