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.



Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Penalties of Violating a Restraining Order in Las Vegas Nevada

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


protective order


A crime is committed when an adversed party does not follow the conditions stated in the protection and restraining order. The penalties depend on the type of restraining order that is being violated – whether it is temporary or extended.

The Penalties

·         Violating a Temporary Restraining Order
A person who deliberately violates a temporary restraining order will face gross misdemeanor charges. A gross misdemeanor carries a penalty of not more than a year jail imprisonment. The violator can also pay fines up to $2,000.

·         Violating an Extended Restraining Order
It is considered a Category C Felony when a person purposely violates an extended restraining order. A Category C Felony carries a punishment of one to five years imprisonment in Nevada State Prison. The penalties also include fines up to $10,000.

·         Workplace Harrassment or Domestic Abuse
The adverse party will face misdemeanor charges if he/she intentionally violates a temporary or an extended restraining order against domestic exploitation or harrassment in the workplace. These misdemeanor charges carry fines of up to $1,000 and includes a jail detention of up to 6 months.
Note: Protection and Restraining orders from other states are issued with full faith and credit by their state laws. It means that out-of-state orders are treated and imposed by police officers just like the in-state orders.

Protection and Restraining Order Defense Attorney in Las Vegas, Nevada

A Las Vegas Domestic Violence Attorney can assist you in dealing with restraining orders. Ross Goodman is a domestic violence attorney in Las Vegas who can help you in the following ways:
·         File an appeal against the temporary or extended restraining order
·         Represent you well on the court and can tell your side of the story
·         Resolve your case without a trial through dismissal
·         Lessen the charges and penalties of violating a restraining order through plea bargaining
·         Defend you against the accusations and can find ways to get the restraining order lifted

Attorney Ross Goodman specializes in Criminal Cases in Las Vegas. Attorney Goodman has helped clients get reduced sentences, case dismissals and not-guilty verdicts. Just visit his office for consultation. 

Friday, November 7, 2014

Open Or Gross Lewdness in Las Vegas


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



Open and gross lewdness is a serious allegation in Las Vegas Nevada. It is considered a gross misdemeanor or a category D felony depending on the circumstances. Knowing the law regarding open and gross lewdness can help a person avoid serious consequences.

What is Open and Gross Lewdness in Las Vegas, Nevada?
Under the Nevada State Law, open and gross lewdness is defined as:

·         Any deliberate sexual act performed either in public or in a private location where other people could still witness it.

This happens when a person does sexual acts explicitly in public. An example of this is when a man masturbates in front of his open window at home. Though the person is in a private place, the act is still done openly. Hence, a crime is committed. 

·         Any sexual encounter that is nonconsensual and is not considered as actual rape.

A person will be accused of open and gross lewdness if he/she allegedly touched another person in a sexual approach without consent. These sexual acts are not deemed as rape because it involves no penetration. An example of this is when a guy touches the breast or kisses the neck of a girl without consent. Since there is no penetration, the person will not be charged of rape.
Note: According to NRS 201.210, the breast feeding of a child by his/her mother is not considered as open or gross lewdness.

Is indecent exposure same with open and gross lewdness?

The two cases are different. Indecent exposure is the exposure of private body parts regardless of the person’s sexual interest. On the other hand, open and gross lewdness concerns mostly on sexual acts.

What are the penalties?
Here are the penalties that a person might face when charged with open and gross lewdness in Las Vegas, Nevada:

First Offense – it is considered as a gross misdemeanor
·         Jail time of one year
·         A maximum of $2,000 fine
·         Possible sex offender registration

Subsequent offense – it constitutes a Category D Felony
·         Imprisonment of one to four years
·         A maximum fine of $5,000
·         Possible sex offender registration

Sex Assault Lawyer in Las Vegas Nevada

An experienced Las Vegas sexual assault attorney like Ross Goodman can help you defend criminal charges including open and gross lewdness. With his years of experience, Ross Goodman can successfully dismiss or drop the charges against you.

If you or someone you know is facing open and gross lewdness case in Nevada, don’t hesitate to contact Ross Goodman at (702) 383 - 5088. 

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.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Criminal Record Sealing in Nevada

Criminal records are public information. They can be easily accessed by anyone including government agencies, private companies and organizations. Criminal record sealing is a legal process done to conceal your legal charges from the database of criminal records in Nevada. All the details of the criminal proceedings will be treated as if they never happened.

Benefits of Criminal Record Sealing
                Criminal record sealing helps lessen the disadvantages of having a criminal record. This process returns your rights as a voter, your right to hold and keep an office, your right to become a panel on a jury and your right to have a clean criminal record for job opportunities. Therefore, when the person with a sealed criminal record applies for a job, he can write “no” to questions pertaining to criminal charges and convictions.

Reopening the Sealed Criminal Record
In Clark County Nevada, once sealed, the criminal information can never be reopened unless:
·         You petition the court to allow you review your own criminal record
·         You are subsequently arrested for the same violation or offense. Even if your case was dismissed before, it can still be reviewed by the latest prosecutor.
·         You were found guilty of the accusations. Prosecutors or those who are accused of the same offense may reopen your criminal record for reference.
·         An agency was given the permission by the court to inspect your criminal record for specific purposes such as issuing gaming licenses and the like.

“How can I be qualified for Criminal Record Sealing?”
                Every case is unique. If you have been acquitted, you may petition the court to seal your criminal record as soon as possible. If you were convicted of the charges, you may petition the court after a specific ‘waiting time’ and once you have been released from probation or after you have settled the fine required. The most serious felony cases require more or less 15 years of waiting time before the criminal record can be sealed. Within the said period of time, the person should not be arrested or accused of any offense except for minor traffic violations. However, even if you are eligible for criminal record sealing, the court is still “not obliged” to grant the process. It will always be on the discretion of the judge whether or not he will approve your petition.

Getting Help from a Criminal Defense Lawyer
                The good news is that a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney like Ross Goodman can help you convince the court to grant the petition. You may also consult the defense lawyer if you are unsure whether or not your case is qualified for criminal record sealing. Call Ross at (702) 383 – 5088 for consultations.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Penalties of Battery Domestic Violence in Nevada

Domestic violence happens when people deliberately commit “battery” against their cohabitants, former or current spouse/partners, or family. Battery means any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another. Common examples of battery are pushing, any kind of hitting, burning, poisoning, strangling or any other type of unlawful force.
The penalties of battery domestic assault in Las Vegas depend on the case that a defendant is facing.



1st Offense Penalties
A first offense of battery domestic violence within seven years includes penalties of:
·         A fine of $200 to $1,000
·         Jail imprisonment of 2 days to 6 months
·         48 to 120 hours of community service
·         A counseling about domestic violence at the defendant’s cost, for a minimum of 1 ½ hours/week (for 6 to 12 months)

2nd Offense Penalties
A second battery domestic violence within seven years includes greater penalties than the 1st offense.
·         10 days up to 6 months jail detention
·         a fine of $500 to $1,000
·         For 6 to 12 months, a required attendance to a domestic violence counseling for a minimum of 1½ hours/week paid by the defendant
·         community service of 100 to 200 hours
The first and second offense penalties are considered as misdemeanor provided that no deadly weapons, strangulation or any substantial bodily harm was involved.

3rd Offense Penalties
The third offense penalties within the seven year period fall under the category C felony in Nevada law.
·         An imprisonment of 1 to 5 years
·         Up to $10, 000 fines
If the battery case involves strangulation, substantial bodily harm, or any deadly weapon, it constitutes a felony and the defendant might face greater punishments.

Battery With Strangulation (Category C Felony)
·         one to five years jail time
·         Obligatory fine of $15, 000

Battery With Deadly Weapon but Without Substantial Bodily Harm (Category B Felony)
·         Jail detention of two to ten years
·         Obligatory fine of $10,000

Battery With No Deadly Weapon but with Substantial Bodily Harm (Category C Felony)
·         Up to five years of stay in prison
·         $10,000 obligatory fine

Battery With Deadly Weapon and Substantial Bodily Harm (Category B Felony)
·         Two to ten years jail imprisonment
·         $10, 000 mandatory fine


Note: All penalties include an administrative assessment fee of $35 

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

The Basics of ‘Obscene Performance’ in Nevada

obscene performance


A person can be accused of being involved in an obscene performance if he ‘knowingly’ participated or engaged in the portrayal, depiction or exhibition of any obscene, indecent or immoral act or performance.
                The State of Nevada considers a performance obscene if it has the following criteria:
  •        If an average person who bases his decisions on a general point of view finds that the performance under investigation attracts prurient interest; even when taken as a whole.
  •        The performance, as a whole, lacks significant artistic, political, literary or scientific value.
  •        The performance did atleast one of the following:

·         Depicted or described sexual acts – normal or perverted, actual or simulated – in an evidently offensive way.
·         Depicted or described masturbation, excretory functions, sadism or masochism undoubtedly in an offensive way.
·         Vulgarly or indecently exposed the genitals.

Penalties & Sanctions
            Obscene crimes fall under the misdemeanor category. This type is the least serious type of crimes thus it doesn’t have severe punishments. The standard penalty for such crimes is a fine worth $1,000 or less and/or up to 6 months in a county jail. The person charged with a misdemeanor crime can only plead to the court to seal his record after two years. Nevertheless, if the criminal defense lawyer is experienced, he can convince the court to dismiss the case or at least limit the punishment of the accused. Once this happens, the criminal defense attorney can also petition the court to seal the criminal record right away.

Defenses
            There are three common ways to defend a person accused for being involved in an obscene performance:

  •        Insist that the accused did not act ‘knowingly’.

The full consent of the person who participated in an obscene performance is a requirement for this crime. Hence, if the criminal defense lawyer can prove that the person did not act according to his will, this type defense can subject the obscene case for dismissal.
  •        Insist that the show is not ‘obscene’.

The obscenity of the performance or act is hard to prove because the opinions of people vary. The act may be coined offensive even if it’s not totally immoral. If the defense attorney can stand to this, the result of the case will usually be in favor of the defendant.
  •        The performance is covered by the first amendment.

The U.S. Supreme Court declared in the first amendment that nude dancing can be considered as part of free expression. As long as there is no live sex and there are no children involved as performers or as part of the audience, chances are big that the act falls under legal grounds for obscene cases.


Are you accused of this crime? Call Ross Goodman, the most credible criminal defense attorney in Las Vegas, at (702) 383 – 5088 or visit Attorney Ross Goodman's Office.