If you’re facing disorderly conduct charges in Las Vegas, it’s important to understand that you’re not alone. These charges frequently arise from incidents in casinos, bars, nightclubs, and other bustling local attractions. Selecting the right disorderly conduct lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Whether you are a city resident or were visiting Nevada during the incident, De Castroverde Law Group is here to help you navigate your disorderly conduct or disturb the peace charges. Specifically, we can collect evidence related to your case, such as witness testimony or prove that the prosecution has insufficient evidence to prosecute. We are dedicated to helping our clients get their charges dismissed or their sentences reduced, depending on the details of your case. To find out more about our legal services or to learn more about your case, call a Las Vegas criminal defense attorney at our firm today.
De Castroverde Law Group Criminal & Immigration has an award-winning history of defending clients in similar situations. With our deep understanding of local laws and our strong record of successful outcomes, we know how to help you tackle these charges head-on. Contact us today for an initial consultation and begin benefiting from our commitment to protecting your rights, reputation, and freedom.
What Is Disorderly Conduct?
Las Vegas’s approach to prosecuting disorderly conduct aims to balance the city’s lively atmosphere with a safe, enjoyable environment for all. In Las Vegas, “disorderly conduct” is a broad, catch-all term that describes various actions that disrupt public order or decency. According to the Clark County municipal code, disorderly conduct includes such actions as:
- Participating in a fight
- Challenging another person to a fight
- Breaching the peace
- Inciting a disturbance
- Interfering with, annoying, accosting, or harassing another person in an inciting manner
Penalties for Disorderly Conduct in Las Vegas
The penalties for disorderly conduct in Las Vegas can vary widely, depending on the nature of the offense and the circumstances surrounding it. Some of the penalties you might face with a conviction include:
- Fines – Minor offenses typically result in fines. These can range from a relatively minor $100 penalty for a first-time, non-aggressive offense to more significant amounts for more severe or repeated disturbances. The maximum fine for most disorderly conduct charges under local ordinances is usually $1,000.
- Community Service – In some cases, the court may order up to 200 hours of community service instead of or in addition to fines. They often see this as a way for the defendant to contribute positively to the community while recognizing the relatively minor nature of the offense.
- Jail Time – Jail time is a possibility for more serious instances of disorderly conduct, such as those involving physical altercations or significant public disturbances. Sentences can range from a few days to up to six months in jail, depending on the severity of the incident and any prior history of similar offenses.
- Probation – Probation is another potential consequence, particularly for those with prior offenses or where the disorderly conduct is part of a broader pattern of behavior. Probation terms can vary but often include regular check-ins with a probation officer and compliance with specific court-ordered behaviors.
- Impact on Record – A conviction for disorderly conduct can appear on your criminal record, affecting future employment opportunities, professional licensing, and educational prospects.
- Immigration Consequences – While disorderly conduct is generally a misdemeanor, non-U.S. citizens should know that any criminal charge could impact their immigration status. Consulting with an attorney who understands both criminal and immigration law is crucial to addressing these concerns effectively.
The specific penalties assigned for disorderly conduct often depend on the context of the offense, including where it occurred, your alleged intent, and whether drugs or alcohol were involved in the incident. For example, penalties might be stiffer if the conduct occurred near a sensitive area like a school or a government building.
How Can I Fight a Disorderly Conduct Charge?
Challenging a disorderly conduct charge in Las Vegas requires a strategic approach tailored to the specifics of your case. Here are some common defense strategies our disorderly conduct lawyers might employ:
- Lack of Intent – Demonstrating that there was no intention to cause a disturbance or provoke others can be a powerful defense. This might involve showing that any disruptive behavior was unintentional or misinterpreted.
- Self-Defense – If the alleged disorderly conduct occurred as an act of self-defense, this could justify the behavior. Proving that you were responding to an immediate threat to your safety or the safety of others might lead to the prosecution dropping your disorderly conduct charges.
- First Amendment Rights – In cases where disorderly conduct charges stem from using offensive language, your defense may center around the First Amendment. Arguing that your speech was protected, especially if it did not incite violence or create immediate danger, can be an effective strategy.
- Insufficient Evidence – Often, disorderly conduct charges depend heavily on witness testimony and police reports. Challenging the accuracy or credibility of these sources can undermine the prosecution’s case.
- Provocation – If your actions were a response to another party’s provocation, documenting this provocation can sometimes reduce culpability or lead to the dismissal of charges.
Each defense strategy requires thorough preparation and understanding of local laws. Engaging an experienced lawyer who understands the nuances of Las Vegas’s legal environment is crucial in effectively fighting disorderly conduct charges.
How a Disorderly Conduct Attorney Can Help
When you face disorderly conduct charges, you need a criminal defense lawyer with experience managing these cases and a successful track record. De Castroverde Law Group Criminal & Immigration will begin by thoroughly investigating the incident, gathering evidence, and identifying witnesses to build a strong defense. We will scrutinize police reports and procedures to uncover any violations of your civil rights, which could lead to the dismissal of the charges. We will also negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or secure a favorable plea deal. If your case goes to trial, we will present a compelling argument, challenging the prosecution’s evidence and questioning witnesses’ credibility to create reasonable doubt. We’re committed to ensuring you understand the legal process and your options, and will provide the guidance you need at each step.
Contact Our Las Vegas Disorderly Conduct Lawyers Today
Facing disorderly conduct charges in Las Vegas can have serious repercussions. Having a solid defense is crucial whether you’re contending with potential fines, community service, or jail time. The experienced disorderly conduct lawyers at De Castroverde Law Group Criminal & Immigration are well-versed in fighting these charges, offering strategies tailored to your unique circumstances.
Don’t let a misunderstanding jeopardize your future. Contact our criminal defense attorneys today for an initial consultation. Call or contact us online to learn how we can help you fight these charges, work to protect your rights, and preserve your freedom.
What Can We Help You With?
De Castroverde Law Group has helped countless clients defend against serious charges, including:
World-Class Criminal Defense
Former district attorney Frank Johan Coumou discusses the De Castroverde Law Group’s unparalleled experience defending clients against all types of criminal charges.
How Can a Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Me?
De Castroverde Law Group is dedicated to helping someone like you. Someone who has been criminally charged, who has been arrested or someone who knows that they are under criminal investigation. These are frightening scenarios and are usually accompanied by high levels of stress. If you find that you are in a situation similar to this, we highly encourage you to look around our site. Your Las Vegas criminal attorney can do the following:
Conduct / oversee all communication with law enforcement to help ensure you do not say something that may result in unintentionally incriminating yourself; - Work with professionals in forensics and other fields to conduct an independent investigation;
- Interview witnesses and law enforcement to get a clearer picture of what occurred – possibly to uncover information or evidence in your favor;
- Negotiate with the prosecuting attorney to lessen the charges and therefore the potential penalties that you may otherwise face; and
- In criminal court, your Las Vegas criminal lawyer can assert your rights and help the judge and jury understand your side of the story in order to work toward a ruling in your favor.
- If you have been accused and are looking for high-quality representation, you should not hesitate to consult with a Las Vegas criminal lawyer from our firm. De Castroverde Law Group is prepared and determined to offer you dedicated and detailed legal defense, and we provide attentive legal guidance to support our clients’ entire proceedings.We have been successful in helping countless clients to get their lives back on track and can help you to fight for your legal rights.
Information & Frequently Asked Questions
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The Las Vegas Criminal Trial Process
Understanding the criminal trial procedures and overall process is crucial when you have been charged in Las Vegas. A trial may seem tidy on television shows, but it is usually a long and technical process which can take months or even years to resolve. There are many aspects to a trial, the first of which is deciding whether the defense wants the trial to be done by judge or jury. If it is to be done by jury, the selection process, known as “voir dire,” consists of the prosecution and defense asking questions to potential jurors.
In a trial, surprises are not allowed. Witnesses must be submitted beforehand, and both parties given the opportunity to question them. Any relevant evidence must also be submitted beforehand and agreed upon by the judge and opponent. Witnesses and evidence can be deliberated, as one party is allowed to argue against something being allowed in trial.
Cross-examination of witnesses happens next, and your lawyer can question the validity of their claims. If they feel that the prosecution has not produced enough evidence to convince a jury of guilt, they can move to have the trial dismissed. If that is not granted, then the defense will have the opportunity to show inaccuracies in the prosecution’s case. After all of this, each side presents closing arguments, and the jury is given instructions before the deliberate everything they have heard. The final step is verdict and, if necessary, sentencing.
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Common Defenses In a Criminal Trial
Defense strategy in a Las Vegas court will depend on the type of crime and the circumstances surrounding it. As with all criminal cases, there is a presumption of innocence until guilt is proven through trial or a plea. The presumption of innocence is the basis of a not guilty plea, in which your attorney will procure evidence and witnesses to build your case.
This is done to convince the jury that there is reasonable doubt about your guilt. It’s not enough for a jury to just think that you did it; the evidence has to be almost overwhelming. If it’s applicable, you and your lawyer will use the alibi defense. If the crime occurred at a certain time or place, and you can provide evidence that you weren’t there. For example, if the crime happened between 9:00 and 11:00 pm, but you were at a movie, a ticket stub or the receipt for your popcorn could absolve you of guilt.
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What is Bail and How Is it Determined in Nevada?
Unless you have been arrested after already being released from prison or are currently serving a suspended sentence, you will likely be admitted to bail. Bail is a dollar amount necessary to be released from prison after an arrest, and is determined by the judge of magistrate. This release is temporary, and is usually also made under the condition that you will appear in court.
Bail is set based on the nature and severity of the offense for which you are accused. Another thing that the judge considers is the likelihood that you will attempt to leave town or break the law again should you not be in prison. A “bail algorithm” is used which considers several other factors, such as age, health, criminal history and record of failing to appear in court, if one exists. This is done to avoid any accusation of bias against or towards the defendant.
The magistrate has the authority to set a bail amount as they see fit. A person arrested for drunk driving will have their bail determined by how far over the legal limit they were, whether they caused an accident and whether there are any injuries. For all other crimes – from petty theft to murder and everything in between – the bail will be set by a judge. The amount of bail for domestic violence or battery is predetermined by Nevada state law, and depends on whether you saw a judge or magistrate and how long after the crime you were admitted:
$3,000 – If the person has no prior arrests and there’s no reason to believe that the battery caused significant bodily harm and is admitted less than 12 hours after the crime. If it’s been more than 12 hours, violating a restraining order, stalking or harassment would also receive this bail amount.
$5,000 – If it’s been less than 12 hours: no previous convictions but the battery caused significant harm, or they have one previous conviction of domestic violence but didn’t cause significant harm. If it’s been more than 12 hours: previous conviction of violating a restraining order, stalking or harassment.
$15,000 – If it’s been less than 12 hours: one previous conviction of domestic violence and they caused significant harm, or two previous battery convictions. More than 12 hours: two or more previous convictions of harassment, stalking or violating a restraining order.
Many factors are considered when choosing whether to release someone without bail, such as whether conditions outside of prison will still prevent someone from attempting to flee, as well as employment history, criminal history and mental state. If you fail to appear in court or commit a crime while on bail, then you will be held in prison. -
Prisoner’s Rights in Nevada
No matter the crime for which you have been arrested, you are entitled to fair and just treatment under federal law. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) outlines all of the rights you as an inmate would have:
Freedom of speech and religion – You still have the right to communicate with family and the outside world, as well as send and receive mail. The latter is subject to the institution’s need to protect security, and assuming there is no security risk are not allowed to be confiscated.
Medical and mental health care – All of your needs in this regard have to be met. Whether it’s something simple such as asthma and you need your inhaler or something that could be fatal if left unmedicated, you have a right to sustain your health.
Cruel, inhuman and degrading conditions – This pertains to many things: overcrowding, violence or abuse and mistreatment based on race, gender or religion are against the law.
If you have been incarcerated and you feel your rights in any regard have been violated, seek counsel from an experience attorney. Constitutional rights are extended to all citizens no matter what, so if these protections aren’t afforded to you by the prison officers, you have a right to a lawsuit.
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By far the best lawyers you could ask for. They completely alleviate you from any stress and hassles from your case and they always end up giving good news. I’m so happy I was able to utilize De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers and would never consider going anywhere else. Craig Hendricks and his team are phenomenal.Gianna G.
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