Hearsay Laws in Nevada (NRS Chapter 51)
Hearsay Laws
As a prospective client, it is important for you to understand the hearsay rule under Nevada law if you are involved in a legal matter where the admissibility of evidence is at issue. The hearsay rule is a legal principle that governs the admissibility of out-of-court statements in court proceedings. Nevada law defines hearsay as a statement made outside of court that is offered in court as evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted in the statement.
The general rule is that hearsay is inadmissible as evidence in court unless it falls within a recognized exception. The purpose of the hearsay rule is to ensure that the evidence presented in court is reliable and based on firsthand knowledge, rather than secondhand information that may be inaccurate or unreliable.
Nevada's hearsay rule is codified in NRS Chapter 51. The defining statute NRS 51.035 describes hearsay as "a statement offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted."
Nevada recognizes a number of exceptions to the hearsay rule. Some of the most commonly used exceptions include:
- Statements Against Interest: Statements made by a declarant that are against their own interest at the time the statement was made are generally admissible as an exception to the hearsay rule. For example, if a person confesses to a crime, that confession may be admissible as evidence against them. NRS 51.345
- Dying Declarations: Statements made by a declarant who believes they are about to die are admissible as an exception to the hearsay rule. For example, if a person is fatally injured in a car accident and tells someone at the scene who caused the accident, that statement may be admissible in court. NRS 51.335
- Statements of Identification: Statements made by a declarant identifying a person are generally admissible as an exception to the hearsay rule. For example, if a witness identifies a suspect in a lineup, their identification may be admissible in court. NRS 51.035(2)(c).
- Business Records: Business records, such as invoices or receipts, are generally admissible as an exception to the hearsay rule if they were created in the regular course of business. NRS 51.135; see also NRS 51.125; NRS 51.145; NRS 51.155; NRS 51.215.
- Excited Utterances: Statements made by a declarant in the heat of the moment, when they are still under the influence of the emotions of a startling event, are generally admissible as an exception to the hearsay rule. NRS 51.095.
It is important to note that even if a statement falls within one of the recognized exceptions to the hearsay rule, it may still be subject to exclusion if it is deemed unreliable or unfair to the opposing party.
In conclusion, understanding the hearsay rule is important for anyone involved in a legal matter where evidence is at issue. While hearsay is generally inadmissible in court, there are a number of exceptions that may allow it to be admitted. If you are involved in a legal matter in Nevada, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and that any evidence presented in court is admissible under the appropriate legal principles.
If your driver’s license has been suspended in Nevada, getting behind the wheel might seem tempting — especially if you need to get to work, school, or take care of family. But driving on a suspended license is more than just a traffic violation. It’s a criminal offense with penalties that can make your situation much worse. Whether your case is in Douglas County, Washoe County, or anywhere else in Northern Nevada, here’s what you need to know about the risks, penalties, and possible defenses. Why Licenses Get Suspended in Nevada A suspension can happen for many reasons, including: DUI convictions or administrative suspensions Too many demerit points on your driving record Failing to pay traffic tickets or court fines Driving without insurance Certain criminal convictions, like reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter In many cases, you’ll receive notice from the Nevada DMV about your suspension, including the length of time and any steps you must take to reinstate your license. The Penalties for Driving While Suspended Driving with a suspended license in Nevada is usually a misdemeanor, but the penalties can be serious. For most cases, you could face: Fines: Up to $1,000 Jail time: Up to 6 months (though many first-time offenders receive probation instead) Extended suspension: The DMV will typically add more time to your suspension period If your suspension is related to a DUI, the penalties can be even harsher — including possible mandatory jail time and a longer extension on your suspension. How You Can Be Caught Police can learn about your suspension in several ways: Running your license during a traffic stop Automated license plate readers (ALPR) in patrol cars After an accident investigation Even if you’re driving safely, being pulled over for a minor infraction can lead to a suspended license charge if your driving privileges aren’t valid. Possible Defenses Depending on the circumstances, an attorney may be able to challenge the charge by showing: You were not aware your license was suspended (though this defense has limits) The DMV or court made an administrative error in suspending your license You were driving in a true emergency situation In some cases, your lawyer may be able to negotiate for a reduced charge — such as driving without a valid license — which carries lighter penalties. How to Reinstate Your License The best way to avoid a suspended license charge is to get your license reinstated before driving again. This usually involves: Paying any outstanding fines or fees Providing proof of insurance (SR-22 in some cases) Completing any required classes or court-ordered programs Waiting until the full suspension period has ended Local Defense for Suspended License Charges At Max Stovall Law, we represent clients facing suspended license charges in Douglas County, Washoe County, and across Northern Nevada. We know the local courts, the DMV process, and how to fight for reduced penalties — or get charges dismissed when possible. If you’ve been cited for driving with a suspended license, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s start working toward getting you back on the road legally.
Many drivers think of reckless driving as just another traffic ticket. In reality, Nevada treats reckless driving as a criminal offense — and the penalties can be just as serious as some DUI charges. Whether your case is in Douglas County, Washoe County, or anywhere else in Northern Nevada, a reckless driving conviction can affect your license, your insurance, and even your criminal record. What Is Reckless Driving in Nevada? Under Nevada law (NRS 484B.653), reckless driving means driving “in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property.” This is more than just speeding — it’s driving in a way that deliberately ignores safety. Examples can include: Excessive speeding far above the posted limit Aggressive weaving through traffic Street racing Running multiple red lights or stop signs Passing illegally in dangerous conditions Even a single act of extremely dangerous driving can qualify. Penalties for Reckless Driving The penalties for reckless driving in Nevada depend on whether it’s your first offense and whether anyone was injured. First offense (no injury): Misdemeanor criminal charge $250–$1,000 fine 8 demerit points on your driving record Possible jail time of up to 6 months (rare for first offenses, but possible) If someone is injured or killed: Felony charges , with the possibility of 1–6 years in prison Significantly higher fines Permanent criminal record Reckless Driving vs. DUI In some cases, DUI charges can be reduced to reckless driving as part of a plea deal. While reckless driving is still a criminal offense, it usually carries fewer long-term consequences than a DUI. However, this doesn’t mean a reckless driving conviction is “no big deal” — it still goes on your record and can lead to license suspension. How Reckless Driving Impacts Your Record Reckless driving is not just a traffic citation — it’s a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense, depending on the circumstances. A conviction will appear on background checks, can cause your insurance rates to spike, and may affect certain job opportunities that require driving. Demerit points also stay on your driving record for 12 months, and too many points can lead to a license suspension. Defending Against a Reckless Driving Charge An experienced Nevada defense attorney can challenge a reckless driving charge by: Questioning the accuracy of speed readings or other evidence Showing that your driving did not meet the legal definition of “reckless” Negotiating for a reduced charge, such as careless driving, which carries fewer penalties Every case is different, but having legal representation can make a big difference in how your case is resolved. Protect Your Record and Your License At Max Stovall Law, we represent clients facing reckless driving charges throughout Douglas County and Washoe County. We know how quickly a moment on the road can turn into a serious legal problem — and how to fight for the best possible outcome. If you’ve been charged with reckless driving, don’t take it lightly. Contact us today for a free consultation and start protecting your driving record and your future.
