Gun and Firearms Offenses in Nevada: Laws, Penalties & Defense Strategies

Cyril Balatero on October 27, 2025

Like many states, Nevada law recognizes your 2nd Amendment rights. At the same time, Nevada also imposes strict regulations on how firearms may be purchased, sold, owned, used, and transferred. Violating one of Nevada’s firearm laws can result in serious criminal charges being filed against you and, if convicted, could subject you to a lengthy prison sentence and hefty fines. Understanding the relevant firearms offenses and the potential defenses available is critical if you are charged with a gun-related charge in Nevada. If you have specific questions about gun and firearm offenses in Nevada, contact The Vegas Lawyers today by calling (725) 217-4768 to schedule your free consultation.

Firearms Offenses - The Vegas Lawyers

Nevada is an “open carry” state which means that you can purchase or carry a firearm that is “openly visible” without needing to obtain a permit or register the firearm. If you wish to conceal carry a firearm, however, Nevada law requires you to obtain a permit. Violating Nevada’s concealed carry law is charged as a Class C felony and carries a prison term of up to five years and/or a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted.

While Nevada is an open carry state, there are certain individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms under Nevada law, including convicted felons, fugitives, individuals addicted to controlled substances, those convicted of domestic violence or stalking, undocumented immigrants, and persons adjudicated as mentally ill. A felon, fugitive, or drug addict in possession of a firearm is charged as a Category B felony, punishable by one to six years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.

In addition, if you are the Respondent in a restraining order, you must surrender your guns and refrain from possessing firearms. Violation of the prohibition against firearms related to a restraining order is charged as a gross misdemeanor, carrying up to 364 days in jail, and/or a fine of up to $2,000 if convicted.

While it may be legal to openly carry, or even conceal carry, a firearm in Las Vegas, Nevada law makes it a crime to discharge a firearm in a public place, within a vehicle or building, or in a populated area in a wanton or malicious manner. Firing a gun from a vehicle or structure in a populated area is a Category B felony, carrying two to 15 years in prison and fines up to $5,000. Shooting into an occupied building or vehicle is also charged as a Category B felony, punishable by one to 10 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

If you use a firearm during the commission of a crime, you may face enhanced penalties. Your sentence may be doubled, up to an additional 20 years in prison, if you are convicted and the court enhances your sentence because of the use of a firearm.

Selling or Transferring Firearms to Prohibited Persons

It is also illegal to sell or give a firearm to someone who is legally prohibited from possessing one in Nevada. This includes fugitives, felons, or someone who is mentally ill. A violation of this law is charged as a Category C felony in Las Vegas, punishable by one to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Nevada Ghost Guns Laws

In 2022, Nevada enacted legislation prohibiting the manufacture or assembly of firearms that lack a federally issued serial number. The sale, possession, or transport of a “ghost gun” is a gross misdemeanor for a first offense, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or a $2,000 fine. A second or subsequent offense is a Category D felony, which carries one to four years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. There are exceptions to Nevada’s “ghost gun” law for antique firearms and those that have been rendered permanently inoperable.

Defense Strategies for Gun and Firearm Offenses in Las Vegas

If you are charged with a gun or firearm offense in Las Vegas, an experienced criminal defense attorney may employ any of a variety of defense strategies, depending on the unique facts and circumstances of your case. Common defense strategies include:

  • Illegal search and seizure: If the police seized evidence, including a firearm, through an illegal search, your attorney may be able to get that evidence excluded, meaning it cannot be used against you at trial.
  • Lack of intent: Most firearm offenses require you to have had knowledge and intent to violate the law. Your attorney may argue that you lacked the intent to violate the law.
  • Self-defense: Nevada has a liberal self-defense law that allows you to use deadly force if you are protecting yourself or someone else.
  • Procedural mistakes: If the police made a procedural mistake, such as breaking the “chain of custody” when handling evidence, your attorney may use that to exclude evidence from trial.

Contact A Las Vegas Gun and Firearms Defense Attorney at The Vegas Lawyers

If you have additional questions or concerns about Las Vegas gun and firearm laws, consult with an experienced Las Vegas gun and firearms defense attorney at The Vegas Lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your legal options and defenses. Call us at 702-707-7000 or contact us online.