What Happens After You’re Arrested for a Felony in Douglas or Washoe County, Nevada?

A felony arrest in Douglas County or Washoe County can feel like everything in your life is unraveling. Whether it happens during a traffic stop in Reno or an incident in Gardnerville, that moment when the handcuffs click can leave you scared, confused, and wondering what comes next. You may be facing unfamiliar charges, unfamiliar courtrooms, and what feels like an uncertain future.


But here’s the truth: an arrest is not the same as a conviction. And no matter what the charge is, you still have rights — and options. Knowing what to expect can make all the difference.


The Arrest and Booking Process


After you’re arrested, law enforcement will transport you to the local jail — Douglas County Jail in Minden or Washoe County Jail in Reno. Once there, you’ll go through the booking process, which involves taking your fingerprints and mugshot, recording details about the arrest, and temporarily storing your personal belongings. This is often a disorienting experience, especially if you’ve never been in legal trouble before.


During this time, it’s important to remain calm and say as little as possible. You’re not required to answer questions beyond providing basic identifying information, and anything you say can be used against you. Politely asking to speak to an attorney is one of the smartest things you can do.


Bail and Release


In many felony cases, the court will set bail — a financial amount meant to guarantee that you’ll return for future court appearances. Bail can be posted in cash, through a bail bond company, or in some situations, you may qualify for release on your own recognizance (OR). This means you’re allowed to go home while your case moves forward, without having to post money.


Bail decisions are made based on several factors, including the seriousness of the charge, your criminal history, and whether you’re considered a flight risk. Your attorney can request a bail hearing to argue for a lower amount or OR release, and in some cases, may even be able to get you released the same day. Being out of custody allows you to better prepare your defense, maintain employment, and care for your family during a difficult time.


The Arraignment


Your arraignment is your first formal court appearance. This usually happens within a few days of your arrest at East Fork Justice Court in Douglas County or Reno Justice Court in Washoe County. During this hearing, the judge will explain the charges against you, and you’ll enter a plea — most often “not guilty” at this stage. The judge may also review or modify bail conditions.


Having an attorney by your side for the arraignment is essential. Your lawyer will speak on your behalf, begin assessing the prosecution’s strategy, and help protect you from saying anything that could damage your case.


Preliminary Hearing


In Nevada, felony cases include a preliminary hearing — a critical step where the court determines whether there’s enough evidence for your case to move forward to trial. This isn’t a full-blown trial, but it’s often the first chance for your attorney to challenge the evidence, question witnesses, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.


This hearing can be a turning point. In some situations, your charges may be reduced or dismissed entirely based on the arguments made during the preliminary hearing. Whether your case is being heard in a Douglas County or Washoe County courtroom, this is a moment where skilled legal representation can truly change the outcome.


Pretrial Phase and Negotiations


If the judge decides the case should proceed, it moves into the pretrial phase. This is when both sides gather and exchange evidence, and your attorney may file legal motions — for example, to suppress evidence that was obtained unlawfully or to request additional discovery.


Many cases are resolved during this stage through plea negotiations. Your attorney will weigh the strengths and weaknesses of the case, advise you on your options, and negotiate with the prosecutor to seek a reduced charge or lighter sentence — if that’s the best path forward. However, not every case should end in a plea. If the evidence is weak or your rights were violated, your lawyer may recommend taking the case to trial.


Trial or Case Resolution


If your case goes to trial, it will likely be held in Douglas County District Court or Second Judicial District Court in Washoe County. Trials are complex, formal proceedings where the prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Your defense attorney will present evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case, and advocate on your behalf before a judge or jury.


If your case is resolved before trial — either through dismissal or a plea agreement — the court will proceed with sentencing. A good attorney will continue to advocate for leniency, alternatives to incarceration, or options like probation or diversion programs that may be available based on your background and the nature of the offense.


The Stakes Are High — But You’re Not Alone


A felony conviction in Nevada can result in significant prison time, heavy fines, and long-term consequences that affect employment, housing, and your civil rights. But the outcome of your case isn’t set in stone. The earlier you involve a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney, the better your chances of building a strong defense.


At Max Stovall Law, we represent clients throughout Douglas County and Washoe County — from rural communities in the Carson Valley to the busy courts of downtown Reno. We understand the local court systems, know the prosecutors, and bring deep experience in handling everything from first-time offenses to major felony cases.


If you or someone you care about has been arrested for a felony in Northern Nevada, don’t wait. The choices you make now could shape your future for years to come.


Contact Max Stovall Law today for a confidential consultation — and take the first step toward protecting your rights and your future.

Tax Season and Divorce: How Filing Status Affects Nevada Couples Separating This Year

April 6, 2026
Choosing the right family law attorney in Northern Nevada is one of the most consequential decisions you can make during a divorce, custody dispute, or adoption. The stakes are high — your children, your finances, and your future are all on the line. Yet many people make costly mistakes during the hiring process that set their case back before it even begins. At the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall, we regularly meet with people who have had difficult experiences with other attorneys — or who come to us unsure of how to evaluate their options. Here are the five most common mistakes we see, and how to avoid them. Mistake #1: Hiring Based on Price Alone It's natural to worry about legal fees, especially when you're already facing the financial stress of a divorce or custody battle. But choosing an attorney solely because they charge the lowest hourly rate is a trap that often costs far more in the long run. Family law in Nevada is complex and highly fact-specific. An inexperienced or understaffed attorney who takes longer to understand your case, misses procedural deadlines in Washoe or Douglas County courts, or fails to properly argue the NRS factors for alimony or child custody can produce outcomes that no amount of money can easily fix. What to do instead: Ask about value, not just price. What is the attorney's experience with cases like yours? How familiar are they with local judges and court procedures in Reno and Minden? Do they have a clear strategy from day one? Mistake #2: Failing to Verify Local Experience Nevada family law is statewide, but court culture is deeply local. A Washoe County Family Court judge in Reno may have different tendencies when evaluating parenting plans than a Douglas County judge in Minden. Local knowledge — knowing how courts are run, what judges prioritize, and even how to navigate filing requirements — is a real and meaningful advantage. Many people hire attorneys from large firms based in Las Vegas who have little familiarity with Northern Nevada courts. Others hire generalist attorneys who handle everything from DUIs to wills and treat family law as a side practice. What to do instead: Ask your attorney directly: How many family law cases have you handled in Washoe County? Douglas County? Have you appeared before the specific judges assigned to family law matters in these courts? Mistake #3: Waiting Too Long to Hire an Attorney Timing matters enormously in family law. Nevada courts operate on strict procedural schedules, and the choices made — or not made — in the early stages of a case can define its entire trajectory. For example, if your spouse has already filed for divorce and you delay retaining an attorney, you may miss the window to request temporary orders for child custody, spousal support, or use of the family home. If you are dealing with a child custody modification, failure to act promptly when a material change of circumstances occurs can weaken your position significantly. What to do instead: Contact a family law attorney in Reno or Minden as soon as you know legal action is likely — even before papers are filed. An initial consultation costs very little compared to the cost of being caught flat-footed. Mistake #4: Choosing an Attorney Who Is Not a Good Fit for Your Goals Not every family law case requires scorched-earth litigation. And not every case can be resolved peacefully. The mistake many people make is hiring an attorney whose approach doesn't match their situation. If your primary goal is to preserve a cooperative co-parenting relationship after divorce, hiring an attorney known for aggressive courtroom tactics may escalate conflict and harm your children. Conversely, if you are dealing with a spouse who is hiding assets or refusing to negotiate in good faith, hiring someone who only pursues settlement may leave money and rights on the table. What to do instead: In your initial consultation, be clear about what matters most to you — minimizing conflict, protecting your finances, ensuring maximum parenting time, or reaching a quick resolution. A good attorney will tell you honestly whether their approach aligns with your goals. Mistake #5: Not Asking About the Full Team Handling Your Case Many attorneys advertise their personal credentials prominently, but in practice, your case may be primarily handled by a junior associate or paralegal you never met at the consultation. This is not always a problem — strong teams can serve clients well — but it becomes a serious issue when you expect senior-level attention and don't receive it. At the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall, we believe in transparency. When you hire our firm, you know exactly who will be working on your case and what role they will play. Whether your matter involves family law, appellate advocacy, or criminal defense, our team — including our appellate attorney Lucas Glanzmann — works collaboratively to bring the right expertise to your case. What to do instead: Ask at the outset: Who will I actually be working with day-to-day? Who will appear in court on my behalf? How accessible is the lead attorney if I have questions? What to Look for in a Family Law Attorney in Reno or Minden, NV As you evaluate your options, here are the qualities that matter most: Demonstrated experience with Nevada family law cases in Washoe County and Douglas County courts Clear, honest communication about what your case realistically involves and what outcomes are achievable A track record of both negotiating fair settlements and litigating effectively when necessary Transparent billing and team structure — no surprises A firm that treats you as a person, not just a case number Contact the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall Serving clients in Reno NV, Minden NV, Carson City, Sparks, Gardnerville, and all of Northern Nevada. Schedule your consultation today at maxstovalllaw.com or call our Reno or Minden office.

5 Mistakes People Make When Hiring a Family Law Attorney in Northern Nevada

April 6, 2026
Choosing the right family law attorney in Northern Nevada is one of the most consequential decisions you can make during a divorce, custody dispute, or adoption. The stakes are high — your children, your finances, and your future are all on the line. Yet many people make costly mistakes during the hiring process that set their case back before it even begins. At the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall, we regularly meet with people who have had difficult experiences with other attorneys — or who come to us unsure of how to evaluate their options. Here are the five most common mistakes we see, and how to avoid them. Mistake #1: Hiring Based on Price Alone It's natural to worry about legal fees, especially when you're already facing the financial stress of a divorce or custody battle. But choosing an attorney solely because they charge the lowest hourly rate is a trap that often costs far more in the long run. Family law in Nevada is complex and highly fact-specific. An inexperienced or understaffed attorney who takes longer to understand your case, misses procedural deadlines in Washoe or Douglas County courts, or fails to properly argue the NRS factors for alimony or child custody can produce outcomes that no amount of money can easily fix. What to do instead: Ask about value, not just price. What is the attorney's experience with cases like yours? How familiar are they with local judges and court procedures in Reno and Minden? Do they have a clear strategy from day one? Mistake #2: Failing to Verify Local Experience Nevada family law is statewide, but court culture is deeply local. A Washoe County Family Court judge in Reno may have different tendencies when evaluating parenting plans than a Douglas County judge in Minden. Local knowledge — knowing how courts are run, what judges prioritize, and even how to navigate filing requirements — is a real and meaningful advantage. Many people hire attorneys from large firms based in Las Vegas who have little familiarity with Northern Nevada courts. Others hire generalist attorneys who handle everything from DUIs to wills and treat family law as a side practice. What to do instead: Ask your attorney directly: How many family law cases have you handled in Washoe County? Douglas County? Have you appeared before the specific judges assigned to family law matters in these courts? Mistake #3: Waiting Too Long to Hire an Attorney Timing matters enormously in family law. Nevada courts operate on strict procedural schedules, and the choices made — or not made — in the early stages of a case can define its entire trajectory. For example, if your spouse has already filed for divorce and you delay retaining an attorney, you may miss the window to request temporary orders for child custody, spousal support, or use of the family home. If you are dealing with a child custody modification, failure to act promptly when a material change of circumstances occurs can weaken your position significantly. What to do instead: Contact a family law attorney in Reno or Minden as soon as you know legal action is likely — even before papers are filed. An initial consultation costs very little compared to the cost of being caught flat-footed. Mistake #4: Choosing an Attorney Who Is Not a Good Fit for Your Goals Not every family law case requires scorched-earth litigation. And not every case can be resolved peacefully. The mistake many people make is hiring an attorney whose approach doesn't match their situation. If your primary goal is to preserve a cooperative co-parenting relationship after divorce, hiring an attorney known for aggressive courtroom tactics may escalate conflict and harm your children. Conversely, if you are dealing with a spouse who is hiding assets or refusing to negotiate in good faith, hiring someone who only pursues settlement may leave money and rights on the table. What to do instead: In your initial consultation, be clear about what matters most to you — minimizing conflict, protecting your finances, ensuring maximum parenting time, or reaching a quick resolution. A good attorney will tell you honestly whether their approach aligns with your goals. Mistake #5: Not Asking About the Full Team Handling Your Case Many attorneys advertise their personal credentials prominently, but in practice, your case may be primarily handled by a junior associate or paralegal you never met at the consultation. This is not always a problem — strong teams can serve clients well — but it becomes a serious issue when you expect senior-level attention and don't receive it. At the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall, we believe in transparency. When you hire our firm, you know exactly who will be working on your case and what role they will play. Whether your matter involves family law, appellate advocacy, or criminal defense, our team — including our appellate attorney Lucas Glanzmann — works collaboratively to bring the right expertise to your case. What to do instead: Ask at the outset: Who will I actually be working with day-to-day? Who will appear in court on my behalf? How accessible is the lead attorney if I have questions? What to Look for in a Family Law Attorney in Reno or Minden, NV As you evaluate your options, here are the qualities that matter most: Demonstrated experience with Nevada family law cases in Washoe County and Douglas County courts Clear, honest communication about what your case realistically involves and what outcomes are achievable A track record of both negotiating fair settlements and litigating effectively when necessary Transparent billing and team structure — no surprises A firm that treats you as a person, not just a case number Contact the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall Serving clients in Reno NV, Minden NV, Carson City, Sparks, Gardnerville, and all of Northern Nevada. Schedule your consultation today at maxstovalllaw.com or call our Reno or Minden office.