The Court Structure in Douglas County, Nevada

There are four separate courts in Douglas County.

The Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall is dedicated to providing high-quality legal representation to our clients in Douglas County, Nevada. If you are seeking legal services in our area, it is important to understand the structure of our local court system.


In this blog post, we will provide an overview of the court system in Douglas County and what you can expect if you have a legal matter that needs to be resolved.


Douglas County, Nevada, has a court system with four levels: the Justice Court, the District Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court.  The Court of Appeals and Supreme Court are not located in Douglas County, but as statewide courts, they have jurisdiction over Douglas County courts.


The Justice Court is the lowest level court in the county. It handles small claims cases, traffic violations, temporary protection orders, and misdemeanor criminal cases. The Justice Court also handles preliminary hearings for felony criminal cases.  There are two Justice Courts.  One Justice Court is located in Minden and the other is in Stateline next to the beautiful Lake Tahoe.  As of this writing, the Lake Tahoe Justice Court has one judge, Judge Glasson, a veteran litigator and judge.  The Justice Court in Minden is also called East Fork Justice Court.  As of this writing, the former head constable Paul Gilbert is the judge, and he is supported by other judges who retired.  These judges are also called Justices of the Peace.


The District Court is the next level of court in the county. It handles civil cases including family law, gross misdemeanor and felony criminal cases, and appeals from the Justice Court. The District Court has two departments.  As of this writing, Judge Tod Young is the judge in Department 1 and Judge Thomas Gregory is in Department 2.  Both judges are excellent, measured, and hold judicial temperance. 


The excellent quality of the judges is why this firm practices so heavily in Douglas County. 


If you have a legal matter that needs to be resolved in Douglas County, it is important to understand which court has jurisdiction over your case. Depending on the type of case you have, you may need to file your case in a specific court. Our experienced attorneys can help guide you through this process and ensure that your case is filed in the appropriate court.


At the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall, we have a deep understanding of the court system in Douglas County, and we have a track record of success in representing our clients in a wide range of legal matters. Whether you need assistance with a civil lawsuit, a criminal case, or an appeal, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

Child Custody in Nevada: How Courts Decide

August 27, 2025
Few issues in family law cause more stress than child custody. Parents want to know: What will happen to my kids? How will the court decide? In Nevada, custody decisions are based on what the court believes is in the best interest of the child. If you’re going through a divorce or separation in Douglas County, Washoe County, or elsewhere in Northern Nevada, here’s what you need to know about how custody is decided. Types of Custody in Nevada Nevada recognizes two main types of custody: • Legal custody: The right to make important decisions about your child’s education, healthcare, and upbringing. • Physical custody: Where the child lives and who provides day-to-day care. Custody can be joint (shared between parents) or sole (granted primarily to one parent). Courts prefer joint custody when possible, believing children benefit from ongoing relationships with both parents. The “Best Interest of the Child” Standard Under Nevada law (NRS 125C.0035), judges must prioritize the child’s best interests above all else. Factors the court considers include: • The child’s relationship with each parent • Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home • The child’s physical, developmental, and emotional needs • The child’s preference, if mature enough to express it • Any history of domestic violence, neglect, or substance abuse • The willingness of each parent to foster a relationship between the child and the other parent No single factor is decisive — judges weigh all circumstances carefully. Modifying Custody Orders Custody isn’t set in stone. If circumstances change — such as one parent moving, changes in a child’s needs, or concerns about safety — custody orders can be modified. To do this, the requesting parent must show a substantial change in circumstances and prove the modification would benefit the child. Local Custody Cases in Douglas and Washoe Counties Custody cases in Douglas County are typically heard in the East Fork Justice Court or District Court in Minden, while Washoe County cases are handled at the Second Judicial District Court in Reno. Each court has its own procedures, but both apply the same Nevada custody laws. Having an attorney who knows the local judges and practices can make a real difference. Protecting Your Parental Rights At Max Stovall Law, we know how important your children are. We’ve helped parents across Northern Nevada navigate custody disputes with compassion and strength, fighting for arrangements that serve both the child’s best interests and the parent’s rights. If you’re facing a custody dispute, don’t face it alone. Contact us today for a free consultation.

DUI Laws in Nevada: What Happens After a First Offense

By Max Stovall • August 11, 2025
A first-time DUI in Nevada can be a frightening experience, especially if you’ve never been in legal trouble before. You may be worried about losing your license, going to jail, or how this charge could affect your job and reputation. Whether your arrest happened in Douglas County, Washoe County, or anywhere in Northern Nevada, it’s important to understand the law — and what to expect in the weeks and months ahead. Nevada’s DUI Laws In Nevada, you can be charged with driving under the influence if: Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher (0.04% for commercial drivers, 0.02% for drivers under 21), or You are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination, regardless of BAC This applies whether you were driving in downtown Reno, on a rural Douglas County highway, or anywhere else in the state. Penalties for a First DUI Offense A first-time DUI in Nevada is typically a misdemeanor, but the penalties can still be serious. If convicted, you may face: Jail time: 2 days to 6 months (often converted to community service for first-time offenders) Fines: $400 to $1,000 plus court costs License suspension: 185 days (with possible eligibility for a restricted license after 90 days) DUI education: Mandatory alcohol/drug education program Victim Impact Panel: Attendance at a panel hosted by groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) If your BAC was 0.18% or higher, you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for 185 days. Criminal Case vs. DMV Hearing One important thing to understand is that a DUI triggers two separate processes: The criminal case in court The DMV administrative hearing about your license These are completely separate. Even if your criminal case is dismissed, the DMV can still suspend your license unless you successfully contest the administrative action. You only have 7 days from your arrest to request a DMV hearing — miss that deadline and your suspension will begin automatically. Possible Defenses for a First DUI Every case is different, but common defenses in first-offense DUI cases may include: Challenging the accuracy of the breath or blood test Questioning whether the traffic stop was lawful Showing that field sobriety tests were improperly administered Demonstrating that medical conditions or other factors caused “false positives” for impairment The sooner you involve an attorney, the more opportunities you have to protect your record and your license. Why You Should Take a First DUI Seriously Many people make the mistake of thinking a first DUI is “no big deal” — but a conviction stays on your record for 7 years. Any future DUI arrest during that time will be treated as a second offense, with much harsher penalties. A first offense can also raise your insurance rates and limit employment opportunities. Local Representation for DUI Charges At Max Stovall Law, we represent clients facing DUI charges in Douglas County, Washoe County, and throughout Northern Nevada. We know the local court systems, the prosecutors, and the strategies that work in these cases. Our goal is to protect your license, your record, and your future. If you’ve been arrested for a first DUI, don’t wait. The clock on your DMV hearing is already ticking. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s start building your defense .