Crime Pays...Out of Your Own Pocket

Facing criminal charges regardless of the degree of severity can be nerve-racking and life-altering. Even just trying to interpret procedural requirements and potential sentencing consequences can be an extremely daunting task. The following primer gives you an idea of what you might be up against.

Moving Violations. Moving violations (commonly known as traffic tickets) include citations for speeding, ignoring stop signs, or improper lane changes. They can add demerit points to your driver license, increase insurance premiums, and cost hundreds of dollars in fines. Moving violations occurring in Boulder City are handled in Boulder City’s Municipal Court.

Misdemeanors. Misdemeanor crimes are prosecuted and resolved at the city level. Examples of misdemeanor crimes include driving under the influence, petit larceny, and possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia. Misdemeanors typically carry sentences of up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

Gross Misdemeanors. Gross misdemeanors fall between misdemeanors and felonies in terms of culpability and severity of penalties. Examples include lewdness, stalking, and certain drug-related offenses. Gross misdemeanors are prosecuted at the county level and carry possible sentences of up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.

Felonies. Felonies include all other types of crimes and are the most severe. Felony offenses range from Category A (most severe) to Category E (least severe). As you might expect, each category has its own range of penalties commensurate with the offense. For example, a Category E offense can result in a sentence of 1 to 4 years in state prison and/or a fine up to $5,000, while a Category A offense can result life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Felony crimes are handled at the county level.

Criminal convictions can deprive you of your liberty and essential freedoms. It is therefore vital to seek competent and experienced legal counsel to assist with your defense. Rod Woodbury is the managing shareholder of Woodbury Law and can be reached at (702) 933-0777 or rod@woodbury-law.com.