Passionate, experienced, energetic lawyers that will fight for you.
Richard P. Davies, Esq. has been defending clients for nearly 20 years. He is a highly experienced and reputable trial attorney who has the professional skill and knowledge to champion your defense in the courtroom. He is also supported by a powerful and experienced team, which ensures that you have multiple attorneys on your individual case.
Assault FAQ
According to NRS 200.471, assault is an attempt to cause physical injury to another person, such as attempting to strike someone with a hand or object and missing. Assault is also any intentional act or threat of action that reasonably causes a person to feel afraid of impending violence.
Note that words alone do not constitute assault, but if an offender also takes some sort of threatening move like raising a fist, they have committed assault.
Assault can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and alleged victims. Simple assault is a misdemeanor. In most cases, assault committed against a protected victim while they are in the performance of their duties is generally a gross misdemeanor.
These protected victims include:
A defendant who is in prison, parole, or probation and commits assault against a protected class member as above will be charged with a Category D felony.
Misdemeanor assault is punishable by a range of jail time and fines, depending on the specific circumstances.
General Simple Misdemeanor Assault
Misdemeanor Assault Against a Protected Class
Misdemeanor Domestic Assault — 1ˢᵗ Offense
Misdemeanor Domestic Assault — 2ⁿᵈ Offense
Assault committed with the use of a deadly weapon is strictly felony assault. A deadly weapon here is defined as either a weapon that is inherently likely to cause significant injury or death (e.g., gun, large knife) or an object that is capable, under the circumstances, of causing significant injury or death (e.g., large metal pipe).
Additionally, in special cases, misdemeanor assault offenses can actually be charged as felonies. For instance, a defendant who is in prison, parole, or probation and commits assault against a protected class member as above will be charged with a Category D felony. A third domestic violence conviction (within 7 years) is also a felony instead of a misdemeanor, punishable as a Category C felony.
Assault committed with the use of a deadly weapon is strictly felony assault. A deadly weapon here is defined as either a weapon that is inherently likely to cause significant injury or death (e.g., gun, large knife) or an object that is capable, under the circumstances, of causing significant injury or death (e.g., large metal pipe).
Felony Assault (Category B Felony)
3ʳᵈ Strike Domestic Violence within 7 years (Category C Felony)
Probation, Parole, or In Prison & Assault on Protected Class (Category D Felony)
Additionally, in special cases, misdemeanor assault offenses can actually be charged as felonies. For instance, a defendant who is in prison, parole, or probation and commits assault against a protected class member as above will be charged with a Category D felony. A third domestic violence conviction (within 7 years) is also a felony instead of a misdemeanor, punishable as a Category C felony.
If you have been charged with assault in Reno, Sparks, or Northern Nevada, do not hesitate to contact Richard P. Davies, Esq. as soon as possible to get started on your defense. Whether you face misdemeanor or felony assault charges, our legal team is prepared to fight for mitigated or even dismissed charges.