1. Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, homicide, drug crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug possession, drug trafficking, homicide, murder, assault, domestic violence, sex crimes, theft, weapons offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, plea negotiations, motions practice, DMV administrative hearings, license revocation hearings, appeals
Background: The firm has been providing criminal defense in Northern Nevada since 1998. Attorney Thomas Viloria is one of the few defense lawyers in the region who has been involved in over 80 homicide cases, including five capital punishment cases. The firm maintains a highly limited caseload to provide focused representation. All attorneys pool experience and resources to benefit each client. The firm handles cases throughout Northern Nevada.
Location: 50 West Liberty Street, Suite 700, Reno, NV 89501
Contact: (775) 227-2280 | https://www.renonvlaw.com/
Consultation: Personalized consultation available
2. Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft offenses
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug possession, drug trafficking, domestic violence, assault, battery, theft, burglary, fraud, sex crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, plea negotiations, motions practice, record sealing
Background: Attorney Kenneth A. Stover has over 30 years of experience in the criminal justice system. He is a former Deputy District Attorney in Lander and Lyon Counties and a former Special Prosecutor for the Cities of Reno and Sparks. His prosecutorial background provides insight into how cases are investigated and tried. Consistently named among the top trial attorneys in the nation. Has successfully defended clients in over 70 courts throughout Nevada.
Location: 605 South 9th Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (serves Reno and Northern Nevada)
Contact: (775) 502-1575 | https://www.kenstoverlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Jesse Kalter Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft, assault
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug possession, domestic violence, assault, battery, theft, probation violations, record sealing
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, plea negotiations, motions practice, DMV hearings, record expungement
Background: Attorney Jesse Kalter personally handles every case rather than delegating to junior attorneys or associates. He practices in Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and throughout Northern Nevada counties including Washoe, Lyon, Churchill, and Douglas. Known for willingness to take cases to trial when appropriate, which influences plea negotiations. Competitively priced services with emphasis on client communication and results.
Location: 432 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501
Contact: (775) 525-2560 | https://www.jessekalterlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Law Offices of William J. Routsis II, Esq.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, domestic violence, drug crimes, theft offenses
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug possession, domestic violence, assault, theft, fraud
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, plea negotiations, motions practice, pro bono representation for qualifying clients
Background: Attorney William J. Routsis II has earned a reputation for dedicated representation of criminal defendants in Reno and surrounding communities. He devotes substantial time to pro bono work, reflecting a belief that access to justice should be available regardless of financial resources. Licensed in Nevada and California. Serves clients in Washoe County, Carson City, Douglas County, Churchill County, and other Northern Nevada jurisdictions, as well as El Dorado, Nevada, and Plumas Counties in California.
Location: 140 W. Huffaker Lane, Suite 800, Reno, NV 89511
Contact: (775) 337-2609 | https://www.reno.lawyer/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Calvert & Hubach LLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, drug crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes, white collar crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug possession, drug trafficking, marijuana offenses, assault, domestic violence, sex crimes, violent crimes, white collar crimes, weapons offenses, traffic citations
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, plea negotiations, motions practice
Background: The attorneys at Calvert & Hubach have 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense. Attorney Jenny Calvert is recognized for her expertise in criminal defense matters in Northern Nevada. The firm serves clients in Washoe, Carson, Douglas, Elko, Mineral, White Pine, Humboldt, Eureka, Lincoln, Churchill, Lander, and Pershing Counties. Known for cost-effective representation with thorough knowledge of how criminal courts operate.
Location: 311 East Liberty Street, Reno, NV 89501
Contact: (775) 337-7550 | https://www.calvertandhubach.com/
Consultation: Consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Nevada
Bar Admission Requirements: Attorneys must pass the Nevada Bar Examination and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination. Applicants must hold a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and pass character and fitness review. Licensed attorneys must register with the State Bar of Nevada annually.
Public Defender System Structure: Washoe County (where Reno is located) has a Public Defender’s Office that provides representation to indigent defendants. Eligibility is determined by financial screening based on income guidelines. Defendants who cannot afford private counsel and face potential incarceration are entitled to appointed counsel.
Specialty Certifications: The State Bar of Nevada does not currently have a formal specialty certification program for criminal law like some other states. Attorneys may hold certifications from national organizations such as the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Attorney Advertising Rules: Governed by the Nevada Rules of Professional Conduct Rules 7.1 through 7.5. Communications must not be false or misleading. Attorneys may not imply specialization without appropriate qualification.
Attorney-Client Privilege: Protected under Nevada Revised Statutes Section 49.035 et seq. and the Nevada Rules of Professional Conduct. Communications made for the purpose of seeking legal advice are privileged.
Mandatory Continuing Legal Education: Nevada attorneys must complete 13 hours of CLE annually, including 2 hours of ethics and 1 hour of substance abuse or mental health awareness.
Arraignment Timelines: Under Nevada law, a defendant arrested without a warrant must be brought before a magistrate within 72 hours. At the initial appearance, the defendant is advised of charges and rights, and bail is set.
Discovery Rules: Governed by NRS Chapter 174. The prosecution must disclose relevant evidence, statements of defendants, examination reports, and evidence favorable to the defendant. Nevada has reciprocal discovery requirements for certain categories of evidence.
Speedy Trial Requirements: Under NRS 178.556, trial must commence within 60 days of arraignment if the defendant is in custody, or within 60 days if the defendant is not in custody unless the defendant waives the right to speedy trial.
Bail and Pretrial Release: Governed by NRS Chapter 178. Defendants have a right to bail except in capital cases. Magistrates consider flight risk, danger to the community, and nature of the offense. Types of bail include own recognizance, cash bail, surety bond, and secured bond.
Felony Classification System: Nevada classifies felonies as Category A through Category E. Category A felonies carry the most severe penalties including life imprisonment or death. Category B felonies carry 1 to 20 years depending on the specific offense. Category C felonies carry 1 to 5 years. Category D felonies carry 1 to 4 years. Category E felonies carry 1 to 4 years with eligibility for probation in most cases.
Death Penalty Status: Nevada has the death penalty for first-degree murder with at least one aggravating circumstance. The Nevada Supreme Court reviews all death sentences.
Record Sealing Eligibility: Under NRS Chapter 179.245 et seq., Nevada allows sealing of criminal records after waiting periods based on the offense category. Category A and B felonies require 15 years after case conclusion. Category C and D felonies require 12 years. Category E felonies require 7 years. Gross misdemeanors require 7 years. Misdemeanors require 7 years. Battery domestic violence requires 7 years. DUI requires 7 years after case conclusion for first offense, 7 years for second, and 12 years for third. Dismissals and acquittals can be sealed immediately.
Certificates of Rehabilitation: Nevada allows eligible individuals to petition for a Certificate of Rehabilitation, which demonstrates rehabilitation and may help with employment and licensing issues.
Mandatory Minimum Sentencing: Nevada has mandatory minimum sentences for certain drug trafficking offenses, use of firearms during crimes, and repeat offenders. Third DUI within 7 years is a Category B felony with mandatory prison time.
Habitual Criminal Laws: Under NRS 207.010, defendants with prior felony convictions face enhanced sentencing as habitual criminals. A defendant with two prior felonies may be sentenced as a habitual criminal with penalties of 5 years to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the Washoe County criminal court process work after an arrest in Reno?
A: After arrest in Reno, you will be held at the Washoe County Detention Facility. Initial appearance must occur within 72 hours if arrested without a warrant. A justice of the peace or municipal court judge will advise you of charges, your rights, and set bail conditions. Misdemeanor cases may be resolved in Justice Court or Reno Municipal Court. Felony cases have a preliminary hearing in Justice Court to determine probable cause, then transfer to Washoe County District Court for arraignment and trial. The Washoe County Courthouse is located at 75 Court Street in downtown Reno.
Q: What are the penalties for DUI in Reno, Nevada?
A: A first DUI in Nevada carries 2 days to 6 months in jail (or 48 to 96 hours of community service), fines of $400 to $1,000, DUI school, Victim Impact Panel attendance, and license revocation for 185 days (with restricted license available after 45 days). Second DUI within 7 years carries 10 days to 6 months in jail, fines of $750 to $1,000, and license revocation for 1 year with no restricted license available. Third DUI within 7 years is a Category B felony carrying 1 to 6 years in Nevada State Prison, fines of $2,000 to $5,000, and license revocation for 3 years (restricted license available after 1 year). The Nevada DMV also imposes administrative license revocation separate from court penalties.
Q: How does bail work in Washoe County for someone arrested in Reno?
A: After arrest, bail is set at initial appearance based on a bail schedule and judicial discretion. Factors include flight risk, community danger, ties to the community, and nature of the offense. Options include release on own recognizance (no money required), cash bail (full amount in cash), or surety bond (through a bail bondsman at typically 15% of the bail amount as a non-refundable fee). If you cannot post bail, you may request a bail hearing to argue for reduced bail. Nevada law also allows property bonds using real estate as collateral.
Q: Does Washoe County have diversion programs for first-time offenders in Reno?
A: Yes, Washoe County offers several alternative programs. Diversion Court provides an alternative track for eligible first-time offenders. Specialty Courts include Drug Court for defendants with substance abuse issues, Mental Health Court for defendants with qualifying mental health conditions, DUI Court for repeat DUI offenders, and Veterans Treatment Court for eligible military veterans. Deferred sentencing may be available where the court delays sentencing pending successful completion of conditions. These programs typically result in dismissal or reduced charges upon successful completion. Eligibility depends on the offense, criminal history, and program requirements.
Q: How can I get my criminal record sealed in Nevada?
A: Nevada allows sealing of criminal records under NRS Chapter 179.245. Waiting periods depend on the offense category and range from immediate sealing for dismissals and acquittals to 15 years for Category A and B felonies. For DUI first offense, the waiting period is 7 years after case conclusion. To petition for record sealing, you file a petition in the court where the case was handled. The prosecuting attorney has an opportunity to object. A hearing may be scheduled. Upon granting, the sealed record is not disclosed in most background checks but remains accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies. Certain offenses, including crimes against children and sexual offenses, are not eligible for sealing. There is a filing fee for the petition.