Domestic battery charges are not the only actions that can lead to a domestic violence investigation. Crimes that can be related to domestic violence in Nevada include but are not limited to the following:

• Sexual Assault

• Harassment

• Stalking & Cyberstalking

• False imprisonment

Learn more about each below. 

Sexual Assault / Rape

For the most part, battery domestic violence charges are considered a lesser charge than sexual assault in Nevada. Individuals convicted of sexual assault domestic violence face felony charges, extensive prison time, and lifetime registration as a Tier III sex offender in Nevada.

NRS 200.366 defines sexual assault as forcing another person into an act of sexual penetration against their will. That includes instances where the perpetrator knows or reasonably should know that the victim has physical or mental limitations that don’t allow them to resist or understand.

Additionally, NRS 200.373 makes it clear that sexual assault perpetrated by a spouse on their spouse is not a valid defense.

Harassment

Harassment is often associated with domestic violence charges in Nevada. Under NRS 200.571, a person is guilty of harassment if they:

• Threaten to cause future bodily harm to another person

• Threaten to cause physical property damage

• Physically confine or restrain the harassed individual

• Engage in acts with the intent to cause substantial physical or mental health harm

It’s important to note that the person accusing the defendant of harassment must have a reasonable fear that their health is endangered, and the threat will be carried out.

The penalties for harassment in Nevada include possible jail time (up to six months) and a maximum $1,000 fine. Online harassment or subsequent convictions can lead to harsher punishments.

Stalking

Individuals who illegally, willfully, or maliciously take actions (directed at the victim) that can cause a reasonable person to be fearful, terrorized, intimidated, etc., are guilty of stalking (NRS 200.575) in Nevada.

Nevada stalking laws also include instances of cyberstalking. Nevada defines cyberstalking as stalking done online, in text messages, social media chat apps, etc.

Furthermore, the offender must publish or distribute the victim’s information in a manner that increases the risk of harm to the victim. Cyberstalking is a category C felony that could result in up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

A few examples of cyberstalking crimes in Las Vegas include:

• Sending manipulative emails to an ex-spouse from multiple email accounts

• Hacking into someone’s email account and changing the password

• Posting the victim’s sensitive personal information in a public forum

• Creating fake social media accounts and contacting the victim under false pretenses

False Imprisonment

Many domestic violence cases involve false imprisonment (NRS 200.640). False imprisonment is the unlawful and intentional restriction of another person’s ability to move freely. For example, a spouse may lock their partner in a room and not allow them to leave.

False imprisonment is a gross misdemeanor offense in most cases. However, it could lead to felony charges in certain circumstances.

Additional Domestic Violence-Related Charges

• Larceny & grand larceny

• Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon

• Destroying private property

• Unlawfully entering a property

• Harming or killing a pet