Blogs from April, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many aspects of life in Nevada, including the court system. In order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in courthouses and offices throughout the state, the courts have issued their own social distancing guidelines in compliance with the statewide stay-at-home order.

On March 13, 2020, the Clark County District Court suspended and rescheduled all civil and criminal jury trials until at least April 17. Three days later, the Washoe County District Court followed suit.

All nonessential court hearings that are currently scheduled will be conducted via phone or video conferencing, determined based on the papers, or rescheduled. Essential cases may proceed through in-person hearings; however, social distancing practices must be instituted, and alternative means are encouraged.

The following types of cases and hearings are considered essential:

1. Criminal arraignments
2. In-custody criminal sentencings
3. Probation revocation
4. Bail motions
5. Civil commitment cases
6. Civil and domestic violence-related protective/restraining orders
7. Juvenile delinquency matters
8. Guardianship matters

When it comes to Washoe County, many court hearings that were set to be held between March 16 and May 9 have been rescheduled. If you have a pending hearing that has been rescheduled, call the department in charge of your case or visit https://www.washoecourts.com/Judges.

You could view all criminal proceedings on the 1 So. Sierra lobby computer. Most hearings have been conducted either through phone or the Zoom application.

Whether you have been recently arrested or dealing with a case that has been rescheduled, now is the best time to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to handle your case. At the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover, we can take advantage of the extra time given to help individuals facing criminal charges in Reno and Washoe County and thoroughly prepare their case and defense on their behalf.

Contact us today for more information about your legal options.

On April 1, 2020, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak issued a statewide stay-at-home order, forcing residents to stay home each and every day, and non-essential businesses to close their doors until further notice. Unfortunately, many owners depend on their businesses to support their families, which is why some non-essential businesses have remained open despite the stay-at-home order.

So, what happens if a non-essential business fails to comply with the statewide order? Although Gov. Sisolak didn’t specify how to enforce the order, he saidviolations may lead to criminal and civil penalties.

Furthermore, Gov. Sisolak also said that local law enforcement ultimately determines how the stay-at-home order is enforced. In Washoe County, for example, local police have increased their patrols to check on closed businesses throughout the county. In Clark County, it is a criminal misdemeanor – punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 – if a business owner violates the order.

The first course of action is typically a warning or educating businesses about the benefits of social distancing. Afterward, any subsequent violations or intentional disobedience of the stay-at-home order can lead to criminal penalties.

On April 30, Gov. Sisolak extended the order through May 15. However, he said the first phase of reopening businesses may start on or before that date.

If you are a business owner in Reno or Washoe County facing criminal charges for allegedly continuing the operation of your business, the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover is ready to protect your rights and freedom. We understand how difficult it is to support your family and employees during the COVID-19 outbreak and the last thing you want to deal with is a criminal charge. Attorney Stover has more than two decades of experience, including time spent as a former prosecutor, helping our clients get the best possible outcome in their criminal cases.

For more information about your legal options, contact us today at (775) 502-1575.

Intentionally violating a TPO against harassment, stalking, child abuse, or sexual assault is a gross misdemeanor, while intentionally violating an EPO against harassment, stalking, child abuse, or sexual assault is a Category C felony, which carries a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine not exceeding $10,000. Intentionally violating any restraining order against harassment in the workplace is a misdemeanor.

Additionally, possessing a firearm while being subject to a restraining order is a Category B felony, punishable by imprisonment for up to six years and a maximum fine of $5,000.

If you have been accused of domestic violence in Reno, contact the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover at (775) 502-1575 today and request a free consultation to learn about your legal options.