Do I Need a Lawyer for a First Offense in Nevada?

If you’ve been charged with a crime for the first time — whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony — you might be wondering if it’s worth hiring a lawyer. After all, maybe you’re thinking, “It’s just my first offense… won’t the court go easy on me?”


The truth is, even first-time charges in Nevada can carry lasting consequences. Whether you were arrested in Douglas County, Washoe County, or anywhere else in Northern Nevada, it’s important to understand how the legal system works — and how quickly things can escalate without proper representation.


Here’s what you need to know about why hiring a criminal defense attorney for a first offense is not just smart — it’s essential.


First Offenses Are Still Criminal Charges


It’s a common misconception that first-time offenders get a “free pass.” While judges may sometimes show leniency to those with clean records, that’s not guaranteed — and it depends heavily on the type of charge, the circumstances, and how the case is presented.


Even for something like shoplifting, minor drug possession, or a first-time DUI, you’re facing real consequences: fines, probation, loss of your driver’s license, mandatory classes, or even jail time. A conviction goes on your criminal record, which can affect job applications, housing opportunities, professional licenses, and immigration status.


Having a lawyer helps ensure that one mistake doesn’t define your future.


What a Lawyer Can Do in a First-Time Case


An experienced criminal defense attorney does far more than just show up in court. From the beginning, your lawyer will:


  • Review the details of your arrest to check for violations of your rights (like illegal searches or lack of probable cause)
  • Advise you on how to plead — whether to fight the charge or negotiate for a reduced outcome
  • Speak to the prosecutor on your behalf, often working behind the scenes to resolve the case before it ever goes to trial
  • Pursue diversion programs or deferred sentencing if available, which can help you avoid a conviction altogether
  • Protect you from unknowingly saying or agreeing to something that harms your case


In short, your attorney becomes your advocate, your strategist, and your guide through a legal system that can be confusing — and unforgiving — if you try to navigate it alone.


Local Knowledge Matters


Court procedures and outcomes vary by county and even by judge. An attorney who knows the local courts in Douglas County and Washoe County will understand:


  • How different judges typically sentence first-time offenders
  • What types of plea deals local prosecutors are open to
  • What diversion or alternative programs may be available
  • How to get charges reduced or dismissed based on the court’s tendencies


This local knowledge can make a huge difference in the final outcome of your case.


Could You Represent Yourself?


Technically, yes — you have the right to represent yourself. But in practice, going it alone is risky, even for a first offense. Without legal training, you may not recognize flaws in the state’s case, missing out on opportunities to challenge evidence, negotiate better terms, or avoid a permanent mark on your record.


And unfortunately, once you plead guilty or no contest — even if you thought you were just trying to “get it over with” — that decision is difficult to undo. The consequences can follow you for years.


Hiring a lawyer is an investment in your future, your reputation, and your peace of mind.


Let Max Stovall Law Help You Move Forward


At Max Stovall Law, we believe one mistake shouldn’t derail your life. We’ve helped first-time clients across Northern Nevada — from Reno to Minden — navigate the criminal justice system, protect their records, and find outcomes that allow them to move forward.


Whether you’ve been charged with DUI, petty theft, drug possession, or another first-time offense, we’re here to fight for you — with compassion, clarity, and strength.


If you’re facing your first criminal charge, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today for a free consultation and get the guidance you need to make smart decisions — from the very first step.

Navigating the Nevada Appellate Process: How to Protect Your Case After a Judgment

February 24, 2026
A trial court judgment isn’t always the final word. Whether you are seeking to overturn a ruling or need to defend a hard-won victory, the appellate process in Nevada is a specialized field requiring a smart strategy and a deep understanding of the Nevada Rules of Appellate Procedure (NRAP). At the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall, we provide comprehensive appellate representation and support for cases in ALL Nevada counties. From the high-volume courts in Clark and Washoe to the rural districts in Elko, Nye, and beyond, we represent clients at both the District Court and Supreme Court levels. The Clock is Ticking: Nevada Appeal Deadlines In Nevada, appeals from district court are strictly governed by the Nevada Rules of Appellate Procedure (NRAP). Appeals from justice court follow many of the same principles contained in the NRAP, but are governed instead by the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) and local court rules. The most important thing to know is that most deadlines are jurisdictional, meaning if you miss them, the court cannot hear your case. Notice of Appeal: In most criminal, civil, and family law cases at the district court level , you must file your Notice of Appeal within 30 days of the written notice of entry of the judgment. For most criminal judgments at the justice court level , you must file your Notice of Appeal within 10 days of your judgment of conviction. Struggling to meet your deadline? Immediate action is required. While some post-trial motions can "toll" (pause) the clock, you should never assume you have extra time without a legal review of your case. How the Appellate Process Works in Nevada Nevada uses a "deflective" or "push-down" model for its two highest courts. Every appeal from a District Court starts at the Nevada Supreme Court, but it doesn't always stay there. The Notice of Appeal: Filed in the District Court where your case was heard. The Docketing Statement: A required filing that helps the Supreme Court decide where your case belongs. The "Push-Down" Model: The Supreme Court may keep the case or assign it to the Nevada Court of Appeals for a final decision. Briefing: This is where the real work happens. Both sides submit written briefs arguing why the trial judge was right or wrong. Oral Argument: In some cases, the Court will ask the parties to present an oral argument to accompany the written briefing. How to Preserve an Appeal (Before the Trial Ends) In most instances, you cannot appeal simply because you didn't like the outcome. An appeal is about legal errors. To preserve an issue for appeal, attorneys must protect the record through: Timely objecting on the record during the trial stage. Filing the necessary pretrial and trial motions. Requesting a clear ruling from the judge. If an issue wasn't raised in the trial court, the appellate court may refuse to consider it. Some issues not preserved at the trial level may be considered on appeal, but only under a lower standard that gives more deference to the trial court’s rulings. If you are currently in litigation and anticipate an appeal, now is the time to ensure your record is protected. Procedural Hurdles: Transcripts and Briefs A successful appeal relies entirely on the Record on Appeal. If it isn’t in the transcript, it didn’t happen. Requesting Transcripts: Under NRAP 9, you must file a Transcript Request Form within 14 days of the appeal being docketed. Brief Writing: An appellate brief is not a "re-do" of the trial. It is a highly technical document that must cite specific laws and pages of the trial transcript. If something wasn’t included in the record at the trial level, the appellate court will not consider it. This is not the time to bring in new evidence or arguments not before the trial court; you must present the appeal through the lens of what the trial court already considered. Support for Other Lawyers: We Write the Briefs Are you a trial attorney with a heavy caseload and a looming appellate deadline? Writing an effective brief requires hundreds of hours of research and a specific "appellate voice." We offer brief-writing services for other law firms. If you have the file ready to go but lack the bandwidth to draft a 30-page brief that complies with every NRAP requirement, we can step in as of-counsel or on a contract basis to handle the heavy lifting for you. Meet Our Appellate Attorney: Lucas Glanzmann Our appellate department is anchored by Lucas Glanzmann, who brings a unique insider perspective to every case. Judicial Clerkship Experience: After law school, Lucas served a two-year clerkship with the Nevada Supreme Court. In that role, he worked closely with justices to research complex legal questions and draft appellate decisions. His work contributed to both unpublished orders and published opinions, including decisions that meaningfully shaped Nevada law. Today, he focuses his practice primarily on appellate advocacy, bringing that depth of experience directly to our clients’ cases. Strategic Insight: Having reviewed briefs from the Court’s perspective, Lucas understands how appellate judges evaluate arguments—what captures attention, what builds credibility, and what weakens a case. He crafts appellate briefs that are precise, focused on the dispositive issues, and written in a style courts appreciate: clear, disciplined, and grounded in the record and governing law. Appeals Veteran: From complex civil litigation to criminal guilty verdicts, Lucas has the experience to navigate the District Court, Nevada Supreme Court, and Court of Appeals with precision. Ready to Move Forward? If you are facing an appeal, do not wait. Whether you are an individual looking for representation or an attorney seeking brief-writing support, the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall is here to help. The Stovall Team’s First Step: Send us all documentation. We will conduct a thorough review of your trial record to determine your best path forward. If you are an attorney, we will likely require you to file the notice of appeal and request transcripts before we take over the appeal. Contact Us Today Call our Reno or Minden offices to discuss your appeal and ensure your rights are protected before the deadline passes.

Nevada Community Property & Asset Division

February 17, 2026
Community Property in Nevada: Who Gets What in a Northern Nevada Divorce? Nevada is one of only a handful of "community property" states. For couples in Reno, Minden, and Carson City, this legal distinction is the single most important factor in determining how your bank accounts, homes, and even your debts are divided during a divorce. At the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall, we believe that understanding the rules of the road is the first step toward a fair financial future. Here is what you need to know about asset division in Northern Nevada. What is Community Property? In simple terms, community property includes almost everything—assets and debts—acquired by either spouse during the marriage. Under NRS 123.220, the law presumes that both spouses have an equal, 50/50 interest in this property, regardless of whose name is on the title or who earned the paycheck. Common examples of community property include: Income earned by either spouse during the marriage. Real estate purchased during the marriage. Retirement accounts and 401(k)s funded during the marriage. Debt, such as credit cards or medical bills, incurred while married. The Exception: Separate Property Not everything is split down the middle. Separate property belongs solely to one spouse and is generally not subject to division. This typically includes: Anything you owned before the marriage. Inheritances received by one spouse alone. Gifts given specifically to one spouse. Personal injury awards. The "Commingling" Trap: Separate property can quickly become community property if it is "commingled." For example, if you use an inheritance (separate) to pay down the mortgage on your family home (community), the lines become blurred. This is where a clear legal strategy is vital. How the Court Divides the "Community" While the starting point is a 50/50 split, a Nevada judge has the power to make an unequal distribution if there is a "compelling reason" to do so. This might happen if one spouse wasted community assets (marital waste) or if there are specific financial inequities that need to be addressed. The Role of Smart Strategy In Northern Nevada courts, the "division" isn't always about selling everything and splitting the cash. Smart legal representation focuses on: Offsetting Assets: Perhaps one spouse keeps the house while the other keeps the retirement account of equal value. Business Valuations: If you own a business in Reno or Minden, determining its value and how much of it is "community" vs. "separate" is a complex task. Debt Allocation: Ensuring you aren't stuck paying for debts your spouse incurred that didn't benefit the marriage. Protecting Your Future with the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall Property division is often the most contentious part of a divorce. Max Stovall combines a calm, compassionate presence with a fierce dedication to ensuring his clients receive their fair share. We work to identify every asset, trace separate property, and ensure your financial interests are protected in court. Don't leave your financial legacy to chance. Contact Us Today If you are concerned about how your assets will be divided, contact the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall for a consultation in Reno or Minden.