Not hearing from your lawyer

It's out of respect for your time, I promise

There are a variety of reasons why clients may not hear from their attorney for weeks at a time. While it may seem concerning to clients who are used to constant communication, there are reasons why an attorney may not need to contact their client regularly. In this blog post, we will explore some of these reasons and explain why clients should not be worried if they do not hear from their attorney for a large timeframe.


The main reason, especially in cases where the attorney charges hourly, the attorney does not want you to incur costs when he has nothing new to report.  Even a short email could cost a lot.  It isn't fair to the client to have to pay the attorney when that attorney has nothing to report.


Another reason why an attorney may not need to contact their client for a while is simply because there is nothing new to report. Lawyers are often busy working on multiple cases at once and may not have any significant updates to share with their clients for a period of time. This is especially true for cases that are in the early stages of development or cases that have been temporarily put on hold while the lawyer gathers more information.


Yet another reason why an attorney may not need to contact their client is because they are waiting for a response from the other party involved in the case. Lawyers often need to communicate with opposing counsel or other parties involved in a case to gather information or negotiate a settlement. This process can take time, and the attorney may not have any updates for their client until they hear back from the other party.


It is also important to keep in mind that lawyers have other responsibilities outside of their current cases. Attorneys may be working on other cases, attending court hearings, or dealing with administrative tasks that do not directly involve their clients. These responsibilities may take priority over updating a client who does not have any urgent matters to address.


Additionally, lawyers have ethical obligations to their clients that require them to act in their best interests. This includes taking the necessary time to investigate and analyze the case in order to develop a strong legal strategy. In some cases, this may require the attorney to take a step back and focus on the case for an extended period of time, without providing regular updates to their client.


Of course, the last reason is that the Lawyer just needs a break and is up at Lake Tahoe.


In conclusion, there are a variety of reasons why clients may not hear from their attorney for weeks at a time. While it may seem

concerning, it is important to trust that the attorney is working diligently behind the scenes and will provide updates when necessary.


Clients can rest assured that their attorney is acting in their best interests and is committed to achieving a positive outcome for their case.

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 .