Las Vegas Accessory to a Crime Defense Lawyers

Las Vegas Accessory to a Crime Defense Lawyer

Being accused of acting as an accessory to a crime in Nevada is a serious legal matter that can have lasting consequences on your freedom, record, and reputation. Even if you weren’t directly involved in committing a crime, helping someone else before or after the fact may be enough to lead to criminal charges. If you or a loved one has been arrested or is under investigation, you need a skilled Las Vegas accessory to a crime defense lawyer to protect your rights and aggressively defend your case.

At Spartacus Law Firm, we represent individuals charged as accessories to a wide range of criminal offenses throughout Las Vegas and Clark County. Our experienced criminal defense team understands how prosecutors build these cases—and more importantly, how to dismantle them. We work quickly and strategically to prevent charges, reduce penalties, or secure a dismissal whenever possible.

What Does It Mean to Be an Accessory to a Crime in Nevada?

In Nevada, being an “accessory” refers to someone who aids, conceals, or assists another person who has committed a felony, with the intent to help them avoid arrest, prosecution, or punishment. This differs from being a “principal” or direct participant in the crime itself.

Under NRS 195.030, a person is considered an accessory if they:

• Harbor or conceal a person who committed a felony
• Provide assistance to help the suspect evade capture
• Know about the crime and take steps to interfere with justice

This law applies only to accessory after the fact. If you help someone before or during the commission of a crime, you may instead face aiding and abetting or conspiracy charges.

Examples of Being an Accessory to a Crime

Accessory charges can arise from a wide variety of circumstances. Some examples include:

• Hiding someone who is wanted by the police
• Giving false information to law enforcement to protect someone
• Helping dispose of evidence, clothing, or weapons
• Lying under oath to create an alibi for a suspect
• Driving someone away from a crime scene
• Allowing a fugitive to stay at your home

Even if you didn’t know all the details of the underlying offense, prosecutors may argue that your actions show you had knowledge and intent to help the suspect avoid justice. That’s why it’s critical to consult a defense attorney as soon as you become aware of any investigation.

Penalties for Accessory Charges in Nevada

In Nevada, acting as an accessory after the fact to a felony is typically charged as a gross misdemeanor, but can be elevated depending on the underlying crime and other circumstances.

Gross Misdemeanor Penalties:

• Up to 364 days in jail
• A fine of up to $2,000
• Community service
• Probation or supervised release

If the accessory conduct involved interference with a violent or high-level felony case, prosecutors may seek enhanced penalties or file additional charges, such as obstruction of justice or conspiracy. In rare cases, an accessory may even face felony charges, especially if the assistance was part of a larger criminal operation.

Accessory Charges vs. Aiding and Abetting

It’s important to distinguish between accessory charges and other related offenses like aiding and abetting or conspiracy.

• Accessory after the fact involves helping someone after the crime has already been committed.
• Aiding and abetting means intentionally assisting with the crime before or during its commission.
• Conspiracy involves an agreement between two or more people to commit a crime, regardless of whether the crime is completed.

If you’re unsure which charge applies to your situation, the legal team at Spartacus Law Firm can review your case and explain the potential legal exposure you may face.

Defenses to Accessory to a Crime Charges

At Spartacus Law Firm, we craft strong, individualized defense strategies based on the facts of your case. Some of the most common defenses to accessory charges in Las Vegas include:

Lack of Knowledge

To be convicted, the prosecution must prove that you knew a crime had been committed and that the person you helped was a suspect. If you were unaware of the crime or the person’s status, you may have a valid defense.

No Intent to Interfere with Justice

Even if you performed actions that may appear suspicious, you cannot be convicted unless the state proves you intended to help the suspect avoid arrest or prosecution.

Duress or Coercion

If you were threatened, blackmailed, or coerced into helping the individual, you may not be legally responsible for those actions.

Unlawful Search or Arrest

If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights by conducting an illegal search, traffic stop, or interrogation, key evidence may be suppressed in court.

Misidentification or False Allegation

It is possible that your name was given to police in error or that you were falsely accused by someone attempting to deflect blame.

Our firm will conduct a detailed investigation, interview witnesses, review law enforcement procedures, and challenge the prosecution’s version of events at every stage of your case.