Las Vegas Status Crimes Lawyer
Status crimes involve situations in which a person is guilty of a crime based on a particular legal status. That legal status may pertain to the person accused of the crime, for example, that they are a convicted felon, or to property currently in their possession. Status crimes are continuing crimes; that is, you continue to be in commission of the crime as long as you continue to have that status (e.g., as long as you continue to possess stolen property, or fail to register). Proving guilt on such charges often turns on a person’s legal status and the nuances of the laws involved. For that reason, it is vital to retain experienced legal help from a Las Vegas status crimes lawyer with an intimate knowledge and understanding of the law who can fully investigate the circumstances of your particular case in order to establish an effective defense.
Adrian Marie Lobo has more than a decade of experience assisting clients with status crime charges, including:
- Criminal Conspiracy
- Possession of Stolen Property
- Possession of Stolen Vehicle
- Prohibited Person Possessing Firearms
- Failure To Register As A Sex Offender
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
Nevada does not require all gun owners to have a permit. While owning a handgun requires a permit, owning rifles and shotguns does not. There are, however, restrictions on who can own a gun. In Nevada, convicted felons, fugitives from justice, unlawful users of a controlled substance, and those who have been declared mentally ill are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. If you are convicted of possessing a firearm as a prohibited person, you could face fines of up to $5,000 and a prison term of up to six years, depending on your legal status and the circumstances of the case.
Possession of Stolen Property or Vehicle
In Nevada, you can be punished just for having stolen property in your possession, even if you were not the person to steal the property. You can be arrested at the time you try to resell the stolen goods, or at any time while you are in possession of the stolen property. The prosecution must prove that you knew or had reason to believe the property was stolen. Depending on the nature and the value of the stolen property, you can face misdemeanor or felony charges and be sentenced to up to 10 years in state prison, in addition to hefty fines.
Failure to Register
The state of Nevada takes sex crimes very seriously and typically requires those convicted of sex crimes to register as a sex offender. Failure to register with local law enforcement, failure to update information when circumstances change, or providing false or misleading information to law enforcement can lead to additional charges and severe consequences. Even if you miss a deadline accidentally, you may be charged. Failure to register is an additional felony on top of the underlying crime and can land you back in prison.
Conspiracy
Conspiracy is a catchall felony charge that can apply whenever two or more people jointly agree to commit another felony such as assault, murder, or robbery. Conspiracy is triggered from the moment the parties agree to commit a crime, even if no crime is ultimately committed or one person unilaterally decides to back out. Conspiracy can be charged standalone or tacked on to other charges relating to the underlying crime. Depending on the severity of the underlying crime, conspiracy can carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
Help with Status Crimes Defense in Las Vegas
Status crimes require an experienced legal defense with a deep and nuanced understanding of the laws involved. Adrian Lobo is a seasoned attorney in dealing with status crimes and is determined to help you handle yours. Contact Lobo Law today at 702-290-8998 to schedule a consultation and begin discussing your case.
