How a Domestic Violence Lawyer in Las Vegas Can Help Victims of Abuse
Although domestic violence is no longer something that is swept under the rug, viewed as a private “family affair,” victims of domestic violence may still feel trapped, scared, and confused about their legal rights. If you are the victim of abuse, a domestic violence lawyer in Las Vegas can help you navigate the legal system as well as provide you with guidance and legal representation, allowing you to pursue justice and rebuild your life.
Understanding Domestic Violence Laws in Nevada
The term “domestic violence” is a catch-all term used to refer to a variety of criminal offenses in which the victim is one of the following:
- Spouse or former spouse.
- Any other person to whom the perpetrator is related by blood or marriage.
- Any other person with whom the perpetrator has had or is having a dating relationship.
- Any other person with whom the perpetrator has a child in common.
- The minor child of any of the above-mentioned people.
- The perpetrator’s minor child or a child for whom the perpetrator has been appointed to be the legal guardian.
Although assault and battery are what most people associate with “domestic violence,” NRS 33.018 provides a lengthy list of crimes that fall under that broad category, including (but not limited to) arson, burglary, sexual battery, and stalking. Under Nevada law, battery is defined as “any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another” while assault is defined as “unlawfully attempting to use physical force against another person or intentionally placing another person in reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm.” In Nevada, the term “battery domestic violence, or BVD, is used to refer to a battery in which the victim has a special relationship, as referenced above, with the accused.
How Can a Domestic Violence Lawyer in Las Vegas Help Me?
The prospect of navigating an unfamiliar legal system can be overwhelming to a domestic violence victim who is already experiencing extreme stress and anxiety. If you find yourself in just such a situation, having an experienced attorney on your side may be the key to successfully extricating yourself (and your children, if applicable) from a dangerous and traumatic situation. There are several ways in which a domestic lawyer in Las Vegas may be able to help you, including:
- Obtaining a Protective Order: Under the American judicial system, an accused is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Because it can take months, even years, for a criminal prosecution to work its way through the judicial system, the law allows you to request a protective order if you are the victim of domestic violence. A protective order can be issued immediately, without providing the accused with an opportunity to rebut the accusations. A domestic violence lawyer can help you obtain a protective order, explain the legal authority and ramifications of the order, and advise you on how to proceed if the accused violates the order.
- Acting as Liaison with the Prosecutor’s Office: For both the victim and the accused, a domestic violence case can be highly charged emotionally. By their very nature, domestic violence prosecutions often involve children or other family members. The outcome may impact the entire family for many years to come. Whether your goal is to see the defendant convicted and jailed or you plan to recant your original statement to the police, you will need to communicate with the prosecutor’s office. Having a lawyer who can act as your liaison can be invaluable during a stressful time.
- Representing You in Court: The prosecutor represents the State of Nevada, not the victim, in a domestic violence prosecution; however, the prosecution may rely heavily on the victim’s testimony if the case goes to trial. As a victim, it is crucial to have an attorney who represents your best interests throughout the prosecution of a domestic violence case and particularly in court if you are required to testify.
What Should I Do If I Am the Victim of Domestic Abuse in Las Vegas?
If you are the victim of domestic abuse in Las Vegas, consult with a domestic violence lawyer at The Vegas Lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights. Call us at 702-707-7000 or contact us online.
Domestic violence lawyer Las Vegas