Las Vegas Status Crimes Lawyer

Experienced Status Crimes Lawyer In Las Vegas, NV

Status crimes involve situations where an individual is deemed guilty based on a specific legal status. This status might relate to the accused, such as being a convicted felon, or to property in their possession. These crimes are ongoing; you remain in violation as long as the status persists (e.g., possessing stolen property or failing to register). Establishing guilt often hinges on the individual’s legal status and the intricacies of the law. That’s why it is crucial to seek experienced legal assistance from a Las Vegas status crimes lawyer who has a deep understanding of the law and can thoroughly investigate your case to craft an effective defense.

Examples of Status Crimes In Nevada

At Spartacus Criminal Defense Lawyers, we have years of experience assisting clients with status crime charges in Nevada. A status offense is an action that is prohibited only to a certain class of people, and most often applied only to offenses committed by minors. In the United States, the term status offense also refers to an offense such as a traffic violation where motive is not a consideration in determining guilt. Some examples of common status crimes charged in Nevada include the following:

• Criminal Conspiracy
• Possession of Stolen Property
• Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
• Prohibited Person Possessing Firearms
• Failure To Register As A Sex Offender
• And more

Criminal Conspiracy Charges

Conspiracy is a serious felony that occurs when two or more individuals agree to commit another felony, such as assault, murder, or robbery. This charge is established the moment the agreement is made, regardless of whether the crime is eventually carried out or if one party later decides to withdraw. Conspiracy can be prosecuted either on its own or in conjunction with other charges related to the planned crime. Depending on the severity of the intended offense, a conviction for conspiracy can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

In Nevada, not all gun owners are required to have a permit. While a permit is necessary for owning a handgun, it is not required for rifles and shotguns. However, there are stringent restrictions on who can own a firearm. Convicted felons, fugitives, unlawful users of controlled substances, and individuals declared mentally ill are prohibited from possessing firearms in the state. Violating these restrictions by possessing a firearm can result in fines up to $5,000 and a prison sentence of up to six years, depending on the individual’s legal status and case specifics.

Possession of Stolen Property or Vehicle

In Nevada, simply possessing stolen property can lead to punishment, even if you weren’t the one who stole it. You can be arrested either while trying to resell the stolen goods or at any point while they remain in your possession. The prosecution must demonstrate that you knew or had reasonable grounds to believe the property was stolen. Depending on the nature and value of the stolen items, you could face either misdemeanor or felony charges, potentially resulting in up to 10 years in state prison along with substantial fines.

Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

Nevada treats sex crimes with utmost seriousness, typically mandating that those convicted register as sex offenders. Not registering with local authorities, failing to update information when circumstances change, or providing false or misleading details can result in additional charges and severe consequences. Even a missed deadline, whether intentional or not, may lead to prosecution. Failure to register as a sex offender constitutes an additional felony on top of the original crime and can result in a return to prison.

Juvenile Offenses

One of the most commonly discussed status crimes involves juvenile offenders. In Nevada, certain acts that would not be considered crimes for adults are illegal for minors. These can include:

• Truancy: Failing to attend school is considered a status offense for minors.
• Underage Drinking: Possession or consumption of alcohol by individuals under the age of 21 is illegal.
• Curfew Violations: Many cities in Nevada have curfew laws that restrict the times when minors can be out in public without adult supervision.

These laws aim to protect minors and encourage behaviors deemed beneficial for their development. However, critics argue that these offenses criminalize normal developmental behaviors and can lead to unnecessary entanglement with the criminal justice system.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse-related status crimes can also be found in Nevada’s legal framework. While the use of certain substances is illegal, being addicted to a substance itself can sometimes be treated as a criminal offense, particularly if it leads to behaviors such as public intoxication or possession of paraphernalia.

Vagrancy and Homelessness

Vagrancy laws are another contentious area. In Nevada, laws aimed at reducing homelessness can sometimes criminalize the status of being homeless. For example:

• Loitering: Laws against loitering can disproportionately affect homeless individuals who have nowhere else to go.
• Camping in Public Places: Restrictions against camping in public places can lead to criminal charges for those without homes.

These laws often face criticism for criminalizing poverty and failing to address the root causes of homelessness.