Showing posts with label domestic violence lawyer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label domestic violence lawyer. Show all posts

Monday, May 18, 2020

On Domestic Violence Cases in Spring Valley, Nevada

Domestic violence is one of those crimes that aren’t always publicized because of the circumstances surrounding them. It can be hard to reveal that a person is involved in a domestic violence case because of the repercussions it can have with their public life, their connections to family and friends, and any possible future relationships. Other factors like the environment where the alleged domestic violence case or the background of the people involved may also come into play, making reporting and prosecuting such a case even more difficult.
For domestic violence attorneys, defending a client facing a domestic violence charge can be difficult if they have a reputable background or they come from relatively peaceful neighborhoods. Take Spring Valley, Nevada for instance; despite its idyllic suburban atmosphere, it still has its own share of crimes, and domestic violence is just one of them. Let’s take a look at domestic violence cases in Spring Valley, Nevada.

An Overview of The Town

Spring Valley, Nevada is an unincorporated town and census-designated place within the confines of Clark County. It grew up from the former Stardust International Speedway when Pardee Homes purchased the land and started development of the neighborhood in 1970. Reaching unincorporated town status in 1981 following the efforts of its first residents, the community now covers most of the southwest end of the Las Vegas Valley, a total of 33.4 square miles.
This unincorporated town may be a suburban zone, but it has a unique mix of living spaces and commercial hotspots. It is in close proximity to many of the top tourist destinations and commercial centers in Las Vegas. In fact, it is only two to three miles away from The Strip, giving residents easy access to many of the popular locations in the area. The place is also home to Las Vegas Chinatown, a community and commercial hub with a primarily Asian demographic. 

The Other Side of The Valley

Spring Valley may be the epitome of the cozy suburban neighborhood, but it is by no means the full picture. Even a seemingly peaceful community like this has its own share of crimes to deal with on the regular. Not surprising is that there is a disproportionately high number of property crimes in the neighborhood, with over 3,300 reported cases per annum. Theft, property damage or vandalism are far more commonly reported than most violent crimes in Spring Valley.
As a suburban neighborhood with a sizeable population, it can still be expected that the area can have one or two cases of domestic violence. With nearly 30,000 families, the chances that someone will get involved in a domestic violence case are pretty high. Some local anti-abuse advocates even believe the cases could go higher as a result of stress induced from the coronavirus lockdowns. The large percentage of young adults and middle-agers can also contribute to these cases.

Facing a Domestic Violence Charge in Spring Valley

Being charged with a domestic violence complaint in a community like Spring Valley is one of the worst situations a local can be put in, mostly because of the nature of the neighborhood. A conviction could lead to you being turned into a pariah, shunned by neighbors for tarnishing the community’s good name. You will want to avoid this as much as possible.
Domestic violence attorneys would advise their clients to seek ways to prove that their act was done in self-defense, was lawfully initiated, or was committed with no actual intent to harm. In most cases, what is claimed as domestic violence may actually just be a spur-of-the-moment act or is actually a reaction to a provocative act from the other party. The accused will have to look for evidence to show that the accuser is either mistaken about their complaint, or are intentionally lying to the court (a counterclaim of perjury may be served by the defendant in this case). 

If you want to live in a quiet suburban neighborhood close to the heart of Las Vegas, you can’t go wrong with Spring Valley. Just remember that even the most ideal communities can still have instances of crime and passion in them. If ever you get involved in such cases, remember that you have a reliable defense attorney on your side.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Domestic Violence: The Different Examples of Indirect Domestic Violence

attorney ross goodman

Did you know that a person can be charged with domestic violence even without physical contact? According to Nevada Revised Statute, domestic violence can still occur on emotional and verbal levels of abuse and other indirect non-physical actions. Using threats, profanities or actions with the intention to intimidate or control another person is also a form of “Domestic Violence.”

Listed below are some examples of Indirect Domestic Violence:

  • Verbal Threats – these are threats that are meant to limit the other person from doing his or her daily routine, or to imply fear. I.E. threatening to hurt the children if the person does not comply with the rules, threat to destroy property, threat to physically hurt the person and so forth.
  • Name calling – Calling the partner with offensive names can get a person charged with domestic violence.
  • Limiting access to basic needs – this situation usually happen if the offender is the primary source of income of the household. The offender can limit the budget to food, clothing, allowance, medication or utilities expense. Examples are hiding the car keys, disconnecting the internet wi-fi intentionally etc..
  • Insults or ridicules – an insult that is meant to emotionally hurt the person is a form of domestic violence.
  • Monitoring phone calls, letters, mails, social media accounts, etc – this is an act of stalking. Stalking is considered as a form of domestic violence.
  • Forcing the partner to make biased decisions – examples are choosing between friends and the partner, choosing between the side of the partner or the family, choosing where to stay, etc.
  • Lying or making-up stories in order to manipulate the partner, or to make confusion.
The examples listed above can get a person charged with domestic violence. If you are charged with domestic violence. Contact a prominent domestic abuse attorney in Las Vegas to defend your case. Attorney Ross Goodman has defended numerous cases of Domestic Violence. He will analyse, review and formulate a defense strategy for your case. Contact Goodman Law Group using the details below:

Attorney Ross Goodman
520 S 4th St,
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Phone: (702) 383 – 5088

Fax: (702) 385 – 5088

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Domestic Violence An In-depth Explanation Part 2: Battery vs Assault

Attorney Ross Goodman
520 S 4th St,
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Phone: (702) 383 – 5088
Fax: (702) 385 – 5088



Let us discuss now the difference between Domestic Battery and Assault.

Domestic battery occurs when there is a “physical” contact between the offender and the victim. Direct contact is not necessarily for battery such as throwing of vase with the intention to harm the other person. Assault is similar to battery but without physical contact. It is any intentional act that implies fear of physical harm to another person. Pointing a gun to the other person is a good example.

Domestic battery and assault have different penalties. It is an advantage to know their difference.

Here are examples that compares Domestic Violence Battery and Assault:

Example
Battery
Assault
Throwing a vase to another person If it hits the person. If it misses.
Using and pointing a “realistic”toy gun

Can be classified as an assault.
Punching, kicking, slapping, pushing If there is a direct contact. If they miss.
Intentional spitting

It can be classified as “simple assault”.
Pointing a knife, attempting to stab a person If the other person was stabbed. It is classified as battery with deadly weapon Classified as an assault.
Cocking of fist and backed-up by statements that you are going to punch the person.

Classified as an assault.


Penalties

Domestic Battery

  • Without the use of deadly weapon with NO substantial bodily harm – Misdemeanor. Punishable by imprisonment of not more than 6 months, or fines of not more than $1,000, or community service in lieu of imprisonment time.
  • Without the use of deadly weapon but with substantial bodily harm, or strangulation – Category C Felony. Punishable by imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or fines not exceeding $10,000.
  • With use of deadly weapon with NO substantial bodily harm – Category B Felony. Imprisonment of not more than 10 years, or fines of not more than $10,000.
  • Committed by a probationer, or with use of deadly weapon but with substantial bodily harm – Category B Felony. Punishable by imprisonment between 2 to 15 years, or fines of $10,000.
  • With the intent to kill – Category B Felony. Imprisonment between 2 to 20 years.
  • With the intent to commit sexual assault and with substantial bodily harm – Category A Felony. Life imprisonment with possibility of parole after 10 years ( Depending on the judge's decision), plus fines of $10,000.
  • With the intent to commit sexual assault on children 15 years and below with NO substantial bodily harm – Category A Felony. Punishable by imprisonment of 5 years up to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole, and fines of $10,000.


Domestic Assault

  • Without the use of deadly weapon – Misdemeanor. Imprisonment of not more than 6 months, or a $1,000 fine, or community service in lieu of jail time.
  • With the use of deadly weapon – Category B Felony. Punishable of imprisonment between 1 to 6 years, plus/or fines of $5,000.


If you are charged with domestic battery or assault, it is better to contact a Las Vegas domestic violence lawyer for legal consultations. Attorney Ross C. Goodman is here to help you. He has decades of experience defending domestic violence cases. He can reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Contact Attorney Ross Goodman at (702) 383 – 5088 for a free consultation.


Saturday, November 29, 2014

How A Las Vegas Domestic Violence Lawyer Defends The Case Part 2



We tackled the basic information gathering process of a domestic abuse attorney. In this article, we will discuss more of what the accused usually have to say. The client's testimony to the lawyer is “important” in the defending process. It serves as the baseline for a further defense strategy. Listed below are some of the most common explanations of those accused of domestic violence when charged by the Law:


1.) What happened was an accident. I meant no harm. She slipped out on her own.

The lawyer will try to look for inconsistencies in the client's statement. Inconsistencies can lead to a poor defense. The lawyer will look at the actual facts such as: is the floor slippery? Are there slippery substances on the floor such as water, oil, etc? Are there any signs of struggle? Were there reports of blood stains on the client’s clothes?

2.) The victim is lying. It was all made-up, I never did anything that he/she said.

The lawyer will try to assess the client and the victim. The lawyer will look for inconsistencies by reading the police, media, and medical reports then compares it with the client's testimony. The lawyer can also interview the witnesses and the responding officer. The lawyer will find the inconsistency in the story of the victim and analyse the case thoroughly.
Example: the victim reported that the accused tried to stab him with a “kitchen” knife (notice the word kitchen). However, based on the police report, the Kitchen knives were left untouched.


3.) It wasn't me. I was not there at the crime scene. I was out shopping, etc.

The accused must tell the lawyer his/her exact whereabouts during the time of the crime. The location, place, the exact time, people he or she talked with or met, GPS location, etc. CCTV's at the alleged location will be reviewed, witnesses will be interviewed, and any physical evidence of the defendant's presence will be checked. Physical evidence includes hairs, smartphone locations, the vehicle used, etc.


4.) Yes I did it, but it was all victim's fault.

If the accused says that it was the victim who provoked the action, then the defending lawyer will try to look for supporting evidence such as: the mental health of the victim during the time of the event. Is the victim in medication? Is the victim has anger-management issues? Is she under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Did the victim admit that it was his/her fault?. The lawyer can also review the witnesses' testimonies that can help with the case.


The defense testimonies that are written here are just a few samples of the most recurring types of testimonies of the accused when charged with domestic violence according to most lawyers. There are still many defense scenarios in a domestic violence case and a good domestic violence lawyer successfully defends the case by utilising all the information regarding the case.

Las Vegas Domestic Violence Attorney Ross Goodman has an extensive background in criminal defense that has led him to the shortlist of Top Lawyers in Las Vegas. His defense strategies are guaranteed to produce positive results. Contact him now at (702) 383 - 5088 for a free consultation. His office is located at:

Attorney Ross Goodman
520 S 4th St,
Las Vegas, NV 89101

Thursday, November 27, 2014

How Las Vegas Domestic Violence Attorney Defends The Case Part 1:

Attorney Ross Goodman
520 S 4th St,
Las Vegas, NV 89101



Las Vegas domestic violence lawyers start off looking at domestic violence cases form a standard checklist which then evolves to a more deeper strategic legal defense that the lawyer decides to action. The attorney evaluates the case by reading the police reports, by inspecting the evidence, by interviewing the witnesses and by reviewing the media reports. The attorney then makes an assessment regarding the client's status, whether there is a strong chance of defending the case, or not. In this article, we will focus on the information gathering techniques of a family violence lawyer in Las Vegas:


  • Was the victim or defendant high or intoxicated?

If the defendant was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the incident. The lawyer can claim that the defendant`s account of the situation cannot be taken seriously.

  • How fresh are the victim or defendant's wound, if none, what are the other signs of struggle?

Fresh wounds and signs of struggle can turn the favor against the defendant. If there are signs of injury or substantial bodily harm, the judge may impose additional penalties. The signs of struggle includes: blood or rips in clothes, scratches, etc. Substantial bodily harm are the following: burns, bruises, lacerations, broken bones, head injury, gunshot wounds, and any injury that require stitches.

  • The victim and the defendant's emotional and mental state.

The emotional state of the victim and the defendant can also be used by the domestic violence lawyer. There is a defense called the “insanity defense”. Those who are labeled as “insane” by a psychiatrist are not reliable according to the State of Nevada. The law specifically states that there should be an “intent” to do the crime. Having a mental illness prohibits the defendant to “actually” know what they are doing. There is no “intent” present. Note* insanity defense can be hard to win, it requires testimony and a written report from a certified psychiatrist.
  • What are the police reports? Are the police observation consistent with the defendant's?

The domestic violence lawyer would then get a personal copy of the police report. Police reports should be consistent with the defendant's report. The police report will be reviewed by the domestic violence lawyer. The lawyer would give legal advice based on the police report.

  • What other physical evidence are there?

The list includes: broken phones, disconnected phone lines, broken appliances, blood stains, etc. The defense lawyer would study the evidence, try and connect the details, then take an appropriate course of legal action.


Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer


If you are charged with domestic violence, you should hire a reputable lawyer to defend yourself. Attorney Ross Goodman is an experienced domestic violence lawyer in Las Vegas. He has handled numerous cases of domestic violence with amazing results. He will review your case rigorously and offer the best legal defense possible. Get a free consultation by calling the Goodman Law Group at (702) 383 – 5088.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

The Impact of Domestic Violence Part 2: The Family and Their Community

Attorney Ross Goodman
520 S 4th St,
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Phone: (702) 383 – 5088
Fax: (702) 385 – 5088

In our previous article, we've talked about the effects of Domestic Violence on the victim, the children and the accused. Let us now discuss the effects of Domestic Violence to the family and the community:

Family

Domestic violence has a serious effect on the whole family as well. Here are a few examples:

  • Family conflict – Families who experience domestic violence can lose the “bond” that they share. They might grow apart from each other, feel uncomfortable with each other, and can lose the “love” that they once shared. Couples usually end up in a divorce.
  • Financial constraint if both parents are working, the family income may be split in half. There is a great chance that the victim will shoulder the household expenses. If the victim's income will not be enough to support the whole family. The victim could end up borrowing money or applying for a loan. This often also leads to bankruptcy especially if the family has a lot of members.
  • Involvement of local authorities – Protection orders can have a negative effect on the family. The children may feel intimidated by the presence of the police. The family as a whole can lose their privacy.

Community

  • Bad advertisement – Any negative statistic impacts the community. If there is a high case of drug and alcohol use, the community can lose their real estate value. It can turn-away possible homeowners and investors.
  • Crime rates – Children who grew up in a violent home may suffer from many behavioral problems such as poor social development, depression, anger, and anxiety. They are prone to join gangs, groups or clubs. They can also be involved in drugs, robberies, and sexual crimes.
  • Healthcare cost – According to study, victims of domestic violence are paying 92% more on health care plans, due to frequent medications and medical consultations. The study is based on domestic violence victims vs random samples. 
  • Economic cost – Poor job performance in relation to domestic violence is costly. Companies report that costs can reach to hundreds of millions every year. Poor performance can also lead to unemployment. Unemployment can lead to lesser tax for the local government and there will be an increase in subsidy.

Domestic violence should be taken seriously. It has a great impact to the family and the community.

If you know someone who is accused of domestic violence, contact a domestic abuse attorney in Las Vegas. Ross Goodman has extensive experience with domestic violence cases in Las Vegas, Nevada. Call Goodman Law Group at (702) 383 – 5088 for a free consultation.



Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Nevada Domestic Violence Statistics

Attorney Ross Goodman
520 S 4th St,
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Phone: (702) 383 – 5088
Fax: (702) 385 – 5088

Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence (NNADV) is an organization that provides assistance to domestic violence victims. Every year, they collect and produce an annual report of domestic violence cases in Nevada. In this article, we will break down the important points in their annual report.

Here are the statistics provided by NNADV:

Total number of primary victims: 38042
Age
Female
Male
0 – 12
30
21
13 - 17
348
53
18 - 29
6439
508
30 - 44
12100
950
45 - 64
3391
752
65
825
167
Unknown Age
12431
27
Total
35564
2478


Location
Number of Victims
Carson
1347
Churchill
287
Clark
25349
Douglas
175
Elko
191
Esmeralda
1
Eureka
4
Humboldt
45
Lander
11
Lincoln
0
Lyon
176
Mineral
16
Nye
125
Pershing
19
Storey
13
Washoe
9674
White Pine
8
Unkown
421
Out of State
180
Total
38042



Let us break down the facts:

  • The statistics say that there are over 38,000 of reported cases of domestic violence in Nevada.
  • Women are more prone to the cases of domestic violence.
  • Most of the domestic violence cases are committed by people in the “30 – 44” age bracket, with over 12,000 cases.
  • There are over 12,000 people who do not want to disclose their age.
  • For some reason, Clark County has the most number of reported cases. Lincoln has no reported case of domestic violence.

It is important to take note that the statistics are based on reported cases. There are victims who chose not to report their case. If you know someone who is a victim or charged with domestic violence, please contact a domestic violence lawyer in Las Vegas.

Hire Atty. Ross Goodman

Atty. Ross Goodman has an extensive experience with domestic violence cases. He also provides the best legal advises for his clients in Las Vegas. Call Ross Goodman at (702) 383 – 5088 for a free consultation.



Monday, November 3, 2014

Contending an Extended Protection Order for Domestic Violence in Las Vegas

Extended Protection Order for Domestic Violence in Las Vegas


In Las Vegas, A person who is charged with an Extended Protection Order (EPO) for domestic violence has to face numerous consequences. Here are some of them:

You may be prevented from seeing your children and pets
You may be sent away from your home
You may be forbidden to use firearms 
You may be required to pay for child support, mortgages, and other amount requested by the complainant
The protective order can be used as an evidence against you in family law disputes
Disqualification for employment and educational opportunities

Since Extended Protection Orders last for up to 1 year, the court provides the accused an opportunity for a hearing within 45 days after the EPO was filed. Otherwise, the court may not permit the petition. Once you were informed about the EPO in Las Vegas, NV., contact a Las Vegas domestic assault attorney as soon as possible to prevent the protective order from staying in effect for a long period of time. Remember not to violate any provision in the protective order for it can lead to heavier charges.

The EPO Hearing
The hearing for an EPO is a fast proceeding. Usually, the judge only takes 10-20 minutes to hear the sides of each party. The hearing is not meant to be a trial. Although you can present your case alone, it is advisable to hire a defense lawyer to be assured that you will be given a sufficient time for laying out your case. Keep in mind that you have to remain calm while in court. Any type of misbehavior can lead the judge to implement a permanent protection or restraining order against you.

How can a Domestic Violence Lawyer Help Me?
 
A domestic violence lawyer can help you be free from an extended protection order. He can deal with the law enforcers and the prosecutor on your behalf. He can also file a motion in court, can present defense witnesses, and also cross examine the complainant to strengthen your case. If there is a thin chance that your case will be dismissed, the domestic violence lawyer can still find ways to at least reduce the charges against you through plea bargaining. 

If you have been charged with an extended protection order, contact Atty. Ross Goodman right away. Ross is the most experienced domestic violence attorney in Las Vegas. You can reach him at (702) 383 - 5088 for consultation and inquiries.