Question 1

What are misdemeanors in Nevada?

Accepted Answer

They are the least serious Nevada crimes. (Nevada does not have infractions.) Common examples are: Traffic tickets. Such as speeding (NRS 484B.600). Trespass (NRS 207.200). Shoplifting (NRS 205.240) less than $1,200. Breach of peace (NRS 203.010). Simple Battery (NRS 200.481). Solicitation of prostitution (NRS 201.354). Jaywalking (NRS 484B.287). A first or second battery domestic violence (NRS 200.485). With no injuries, deadly weapon or strangulation. A first or second DUI. With no injuries.

Question 2

What are misdemeanor penalties in Nevada?

Accepted Answer

The maximum punishment for a misdemeanor crime in Nevada is $1,000 in fines, and/or six (6) months in jail. For a first or second offense, there is usually no jail. And if a defendant is charged with a felony or a gross misdemeanor, the defense attorney may be able to get the charge lessened to a misdemeanor as part of a plea bargain. Any incarceration occurs in a city or county jail. Jails are different from state prisons. Prisons are in more rural areas than jails. And they house people serving out felony sentences. Pre-prosecution Diversion Program: Some misdemeanor defendants may do diversion programs. They complete certain terms. And this is in exchange for a dismissal. The terms may include a: Educational class, support group, anger management therapy, counseling, community service, restitution, no contact order, curfew, veteran programs, mental illness programs, and rehab and/or more. Some defendants may not do diversion. Such as in cases of: A crime of violence (NRS 200.408). Vehicular manslaughter (NRS 484B.657). DUI. Or a minor traffic offense. And defendants cannot do diversion if they have: Prior criminal convictions. Other than minor traffic offenses. Or prior court order to do diversion in Nevada. Successful completion of diversion results in: A dismissal of the charge, and a judicial order to seal the records. But the defendant has to mail out these orders. Such as the police department. And other relevant state agencies. Some defendants fail to complete diversion. Then they must appear for an arraignment. And enter a plea based on the original indictment. Or information. Or complaint. Or citation. (Nevada Assembly Bill 470 (2017))

Question 3

Can I get a jury trial for a misdemeanor charge in Nevada?

Accepted Answer

No, unless the charge was for battery domestic violence. Instead, defendants can have a bench trial. This is where the judge decides the verdict. This rule comes from the Sixth Amendment. Only defendants facing more than six (6) months in jail can have jury trials. Remember, an exception is battery domestic violence cases: Defendants may have a jury trial even if the charge is for just a misdemeanor. Some cases involve misdemeanors and more serious crimes. Then the district court would have jurisdiction. Even over the misdemeanors. (Nevada AB 412 (2017))

Question 4

Can I get misdemeanors sealed in Nevada?

Accepted Answer

Yes. But there is a wait to seal convictions. Seven years after the case ends for misdemeanor DUI and battery domestic violence. Two years after the case ends for misdemeanor battery, stalking, harassment, and violation of a protection order for stalking or harassment. One year after the case ends for all other misdemeanor convictions. And there is no wait to seal dismissals. Misdemeanors are minor. But they look bad on background checks. Sealing is a good idea.

Question 5

Can a misdemeanor get me deported?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. But some misdemeanors are crimes involving moral turpitude. Which are deportable. Any alien accused of a crime should retain counsel. The D.A. may agree to reduce or dismiss the charge.

	Delitos menores	Delitos mayores
Rango de pena	Hasta 6 meses en la cárcel del condado y/o hasta $1,000 en multas	Hasta 364 días en la cárcel del condado y/o hasta $2,000 en multas
Ejemplos	batería simple asalto simple alteración del orden público	violación estatutaria exposición indecente libertinaje abierto o grave
Tiempo de espera para sellar registros por condenas	1 año después de que se cierre el caso para la mayoría de los casos 2 años después de que se cierre el caso por batería simple, acoso, acosar, o violación de una orden de protección 7 años después de que se cierre el caso por DUI	2 años después de que se cierre el caso
Derechos de juicio por jurado	No hay derecho a juicio por jurado (solo juicio por juez)	Derecho a juicio por jurado
Consecuencias de inmigración	Generalmente menos graves, pero aún pueden llevar a la deportación por ciertos delitos (como violencia doméstica)	Más probable que se considere un “delito que involucra una turpitud moral,” lo que puede llevar a la deportación o inadmisibilidad

Condena por Delito Menor	Tiempo de Espera para Sellado de Registro
DUI Violencia doméstica de batería	7 años después del cierre del caso
Batería (NRS 200.481) Acoso (NRS 200.571) Acoso (NRS 200.575) Violación de una orden de protección por acoso o acecho	2 años después del cierre del caso
Todos los demás delitos menores	1 año después del cierre del caso
Desestimaciones (sin condena)	Sin espera

1. Definición de “delito menor”

2. Sentencia

Programa de desviación previa al enjuiciamiento

3. Derechos de juicio por jurado

Casos con cargos diferentes

4. Sellado de Registros

5. Consecuencias de Inmigración

Lectura Adicional

Leyes y penalidades de Nevada “delito menor”