Domestic violence cases in Reno touch every corner of the legal system—from criminal defense and protective orders to custody disputes and divorce proceedings.
If you or someone you love is facing a domestic violence charge or seeking protection from an abusive relationship, having a Reno domestic violence attorney by your side may make a meaningful difference in the case outcome.
These cases carry serious legal consequences under Nevada law, and they often overlap with family law matters that affect your children, your home, and your future. The right legal team can help you understand your options and fight for the outcome you deserve.
Why Choose Reno Domestic Violence Lawyers from Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P.?
With more than a century of combined legal experience serving Northern Nevada, Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. has built a reputation for standing beside individuals and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Our Reno domestic violence attorneys understand that these cases are deeply personal, and we treat every client with the respect and attention they deserve.
- True trial lawyers. We prepare every domestic violence case as if it is going to trial. This level of preparation means you are always in the strongest possible position, whether your case is resolved through negotiation or in a courtroom.
- Limited caseloads, maximum attention. We accept a limited number of cases so that every client receives personalized, undivided attention throughout the process.
- Same-day communication. When you call our office, your call is returned the same day. We also accommodate evening and weekend appointments because we know that legal questions do not follow a 9-to-5 schedule.
- Proven resources. Domestic violence cases often require extensive investigation, witness coordination, and strategic planning. Our firm has the resources to support even the most complex cases from start to finish.
When you work with our team, you are not just another case number. You are a person with a story that deserves to be heard.
How Nevada Defines Domestic Violence
Understanding how the law defines domestic violence is an important first step. Under NRS 33.018, Nevada defines domestic violence broadly. It occurs when a person commits certain harmful acts against a spouse, former spouse, someone related by blood or marriage, a current or former dating partner, someone with whom they share a child, or a minor child in any of those relationships.
The acts covered under this statute include:
- Assault
- Battery
- Sexual assault
- Coercion
- Trespassing
- Destruction of property
- False imprisonment
- A knowing or reckless pattern of behavior intended to harass another person
This means domestic violence charges can arise from a wide range of situations, not only physical harm.
Because the legal definition is so broad, many people find themselves facing charges—or seeking protection—in situations they did not expect. A Reno domestic violence attorney can review the specific facts of your situation and help you understand exactly where you stand under Nevada law.
Criminal Penalties for Domestic Violence in Reno
Nevada takes domestic violence offenses seriously, and the penalties increase significantly with each subsequent conviction. Under NRS 200.485, the penalties for battery that constitutes domestic violence depend on the number of offenses within a seven-year period.
- First offense within seven years: This is classified as a misdemeanor. Penalties include two to six months in jail, 48 to 120 hours of community service, a fine between $200 and $1,000, and mandatory weekly counseling sessions in a state-certified domestic violence program for six to twelve months.
- Second offense within seven years: Still a misdemeanor, but penalties increase to 10 days to six months in jail, 100 to 200 hours of community service, a fine between $500 and $1,000, and 12 months of mandatory counseling.
- Third or subsequent offense within seven years: This becomes a Category C felony, carrying one to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
There are also enhanced penalties for certain aggravating circumstances. If the battery involved strangulation, even a first offense can be charged as a Category C felony with one to five years in prison and fines up to $15,000. If the person harmed was pregnant and the accused knew or should have known about the pregnancy, the penalties increase further.
These are life-changing consequences. Beyond jail time and fines, a domestic violence conviction can affect your ability to own a firearm, your immigration status, your employment prospects, and your custody arrangements. This is why working with a Reno domestic violence attorney who understands the full scope of these consequences is so important.
Protective Orders in Northern Nevada
Protective orders, sometimes called restraining orders, play a central role in many domestic violence cases in Washoe County and throughout Northern Nevada. Under NRS 33.020, a court may issue a temporary protective order (TPO) if there is evidence that an act of domestic violence has occurred or that a threat of domestic violence exists.
A TPO can be granted quickly, sometimes within one judicial day, and it can be issued without prior notice to the other party. Temporary orders last for up to 45 days. If the person seeking protection wants longer-term relief, they can apply for an extended protective order (EPO), which requires a hearing where both sides can present their case. An extended order can last for up to one year.
Protective orders in Nevada can include several types of relief:
- Ordering the adverse party to stay away from the protected person's home, workplace, or school
- Granting temporary custody of minor children
- Requiring the adverse party to surrender firearms
- Ordering financial support for the protected person or minor children
- Prohibiting contact by phone, text, email, or through third parties
Violating a protective order is a criminal offense in Nevada and can result in arrest, additional charges, and jail time. Whether you are seeking a protective order or responding to one filed against you, a Reno domestic violence attorney can help protect your rights throughout the process.
In Washoe County, the Temporary Protection Order office is located at the Second Judicial District Court Family Courthouse on South Sierra Street in Reno. The City of Reno also provides victim advocate services to assist people through the protective order process.
Domestic Violence and Family Law: How These Cases Overlap
Domestic violence cases rarely exist in a vacuum. They frequently intersect with divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, and other family law matters. In fact, allegations of domestic violence can significantly impact how a court decides custody and visitation arrangements.
Under Nevada law, a judge determining custody must consider the best interests of the child. A history or finding of domestic violence weighs heavily in that analysis. The court may order supervised visitation, restrict overnight stays, or, in some cases, limit a parent's access to their children altogether. Protective orders can also temporarily change custody arrangements while the case is pending.
For individuals going through a divorce that involves domestic violence, the legal landscape becomes even more complicated. Property division, spousal support, and even the timeline for finalizing the divorce may all be affected. Our firm handles both criminal defense and family law matters, which allows us to see the full picture and develop a coordinated legal strategy that addresses every aspect of your situation.
Whether you are a parent trying to protect your children or a spouse defending against allegations that you believe are unfair, having an attorney who understands both the criminal and family law sides of domestic violence is critical.
Defending Against Domestic Violence Charges
Being accused of domestic violence does not mean you are guilty. False accusations do occur, sometimes driven by heated custody battles, relationship conflicts, or misunderstandings. Nevada law requires that every person accused of a crime be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and you have the right to a strong defense.
Common defense strategies in domestic violence cases may include demonstrating that the accused acted in self-defense, that the incident was accidental rather than intentional, or that the allegations are fabricated. In some situations, evidence may have been obtained through an unlawful search, which could make it inadmissible in court.
It is important to note that under Nevada law, the decision to prosecute domestic violence charges rests with the state, not the person who made the initial complaint. Even if the other party wants to drop the charges, the prosecutor may choose to move forward with the case based on other evidence, such as police reports, 911 recordings, and witness statements.
If you are facing domestic violence charges in Reno or anywhere in Northern Nevada, acting quickly matters. Early involvement of a Reno domestic violence lawyer gives you the best opportunity to build a thorough defense and protect your rights from the very beginning.
Mandatory Arrest and the 12-Hour Hold
One aspect of Nevada domestic violence law that catches many people off guard is the mandatory arrest provision. Under NRS 171.137, when a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that battery constituting domestic violence has occurred, the officer is required to make an arrest. This means that even in situations where the facts are unclear or both parties tell conflicting stories, someone is likely going home in handcuffs.
After an arrest for domestic violence, Nevada law also imposes a mandatory 12-hour cooling-off period. The arrested person cannot be released on bail until they have been in custody for at least 12 hours. A judge cannot waive this requirement. For many people, this is the first time they have ever been inside a jail, and it can be a frightening experience.
Understanding what happens after an arrest, including arraignment, potential no-contact orders, and the timeline for building a defense, is another reason why connecting with an attorney as soon as possible is so important.
Local Resources for Domestic Violence Survivors in the Reno Area
Northern Nevada has several organizations dedicated to supporting people affected by domestic violence. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, these local resources are available:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (available 24/7)
- Safe Embrace (Reno): 24-hour crisis hotline at (775) 322-3466 — provides emergency shelter, counseling, court support, and other services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking
- Domestic Violence Resource Center (Reno): 24-hour hotline at (775) 329-4150 — offers emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, support groups, and protection order assistance
- Washoe County TPO Office: Located at the Second Judicial District Court, One South Sierra Street, Reno — call (775) 328-3468 for information about obtaining a protective order
These organizations serve individuals and families throughout Washoe County, Carson City, Douglas County, and the broader Northern Nevada region. No matter what stage of the process you are in, reaching out for support is a sign of strength.
FAQs for Reno Domestic Violence Attorneys
Below are answers to some of the most common questions people have when dealing with domestic violence legal matters in Reno and Northern Nevada.
Can a domestic violence charge be reduced or dismissed in Nevada?
Yes, under changes to Nevada law that took effect in 2022, prosecutors now have more flexibility to negotiate plea agreements in domestic violence cases. Previously, the law severely restricted a prosecutor's ability to reduce or dismiss these charges. However, each case is evaluated individually, and outcomes depend on the specific evidence and circumstances involved.
What is the difference between a no-contact order and a protective order?
A no-contact order is typically issued in criminal court as a condition of bail or sentencing, and it is part of the criminal case. A protective order (TPO or EPO) is a civil matter that a person files independently through family court. Both prohibit contact, but they arise in different legal proceedings and have different processes for modification or removal.
How does a domestic violence conviction affect child custody in Nevada?
A domestic violence conviction—or even a credible allegation—can significantly affect custody and visitation. Nevada courts consider the safety of the child as a primary factor, and a finding of domestic violence may result in supervised visitation, restricted parenting time, or other court-imposed conditions.
Can I be charged with domestic violence if there are no visible injuries?
Yes. Nevada's domestic violence statute covers much more than physical battery. Threats, harassment, coercion, destruction of property, and other conduct can all form the basis of a domestic violence charge even without physical injury.
What should I do if I have been served with a temporary protective order?
Take the order seriously and comply with every condition listed in it, even if you disagree with the allegations. Violating a protective order is a separate criminal offense. You will have an opportunity to present your side of the story at the hearing for the extended protective order. Speaking with a Reno domestic violence attorney before that hearing can help you prepare an effective response.
Does Nevada have a statute of limitations for domestic violence offenses?
Misdemeanor domestic violence charges generally must be filed within one year of the offense. Felony charges, such as those involving a third offense or strangulation, carry longer filing periods. The specific timeline depends on the nature and severity of the charge.
Will a domestic violence arrest show up on a background check even if the charges are dropped?
An arrest may appear on a background check even without a conviction. However, Nevada law does allow individuals to petition to seal certain criminal records, including dismissed domestic violence charges, after a waiting period. An attorney can help you understand your eligibility for record sealing.
Talk to a Reno Domestic Violence Attorney Today
Domestic violence cases affect every part of your life—your freedom, your family, your home, and your future. Whether you are seeking protection for yourself and your children or defending against charges you believe are unjust, you deserve an attorney who will listen to your story and fight for your best possible outcome.
At Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P., we offer consultations and same-day call returns because we believe that access to strong legal representation should never be delayed.
Our Reno domestic violence attorneys have spent years helping individuals and families throughout Northern Nevada, from Sparks and Carson City to Douglas County and beyond, and we are ready to help you, too.
Call our office today to schedule your consultation. When you call, we answer.