Nevada Criminal Process | What to Expect | Paragon Law Group Las Vegas
Understanding the Criminal Process
Being charged with a crime in Nevada can be overwhelming.
The legal process involves multiple stages, each with its own procedures and opportunities to influence the outcome.
At Paragon Law Group, we believe clarity is power.
Here’s what you can expect — and how we guide clients through every stage of the criminal process with precision, protection, and confidence.
1. Arraignment: The First Court Appearance
Your first appearance in Municipal or Justice Court is known as the arraignment.
At this hearing, the judge will:
Formally advise you of the charges against you.
Explain your constitutional rights.
Address bail if you are in custody.
If you are out of custody, your attorney can often appear on your behalf, meaning you may not need to attend.
Typically, your attorney will enter a not guilty plea, and the case will be scheduled for a pretrial conference, trial, or preliminary hearing (depending on the severity of the charges).
2. Pretrial Conference: Negotiation and Resolution
Many Nevada courts schedule a pretrial conference following the arraignment.
This hearing allows your attorney to meet with the prosecutor to discuss possible resolutions before trial.
The goal is to reach a fair outcome early — such as a dismissal, reduction of charges, or favorable plea agreement — without the cost and risk of trial.
If an agreement is reached, you and your attorney will appear before the judge to enter the plea and finalize the resolution.
3. Trial in Misdemeanor Cases
If your case involves a misdemeanor and cannot be resolved during pretrial, it will proceed to trial.
Key points about misdemeanor trials:
The judge (not a jury) decides whether you are guilty or not guilty.
Your attorney continues negotiations up to the trial date.
The trial concludes your case unless an appeal is filed.
If convicted, the court may schedule status checks to ensure you complete any sentencing requirements (such as community service or counseling).
4. Preliminary Hearing: Probable Cause Review
For gross misdemeanors and felonies, the next major step is the preliminary hearing.
This is not a trial, but rather a probable cause hearing to determine whether your case should proceed to District Court for jury trial.
The prosecution only needs to show “slight or marginal” evidence that:
A crime was committed, and
You are the person who committed it.
The defense typically does not present its full case at this stage. Instead, your attorney may:
Cross-examine the State’s witnesses.
Test the strength of the prosecution’s evidence.
Identify weaknesses in testimony for future use at trial.
If the State meets its burden, the case is “bound over” to District Court.
5. Negotiation and Waiver of Preliminary Hearing
If your case is negotiated before the hearing, your attorney may recommend waiving the preliminary hearing so the matter can move directly to District Court for entry of a plea agreement.
This strategy is often used when it serves your best interest — such as securing reduced charges, favorable sentencing, or diversion opportunities.
6. Arraignment in District Court
Once a case reaches District Court, the first appearance is another arraignment.
At this hearing:
If the case has been resolved, your guilty plea is entered and a sentencing date is scheduled.
If unresolved, a not guilty plea is entered and the matter is set for a jury trial.
In felony cases, a jury of twelve impartial people will decide guilt or innocence.
Both sides will present evidence, witnesses, and closing arguments, after which the jury will deliberate.
A guilty verdict requires unanimous agreement among all jurors.
If the jury cannot reach a unanimous decision, a mistrial may be declared, and the prosecution may retry the case.
7. Sentencing
If you plead guilty or are found guilty at trial, the case proceeds to sentencing.
During this phase:
The judge determines your punishment, which may include jail or prison time, fines, probation, counseling, or community service.
Your attorney presents mitigating factors and arguments for leniency to secure the least severe outcome possible.
You also have the right to address the court directly before sentencing is imposed.
How The Paragon Standard™ Guides the Process
Every criminal case at Paragon Law Group follows The Paragon Standard™ — our disciplined framework for structure, strategy, and results.
Foundation: Understand every detail of your case, charges, and evidence.
Design: Build a custom legal strategy to protect your rights and minimize risk.
Execution: Negotiate, file motions, and prepare for trial with precision.
Communication: Keep you informed and confident at every step.
Reflection: Plan for life after the case — from record sealing to future protection.
This process ensures that you’re never left guessing, never uninformed, and always represented with purpose and professionalism.
Contact Paragon Law Group
If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Nevada, don’t face the process alone.
Let Paragon Law Group guide you through every step with clarity, experience, and confidence.
Contact Information:
Paragon Law Group
626 South Tenth Street
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Tel: (702) 759-7899
Fax: (702) 382-9798
Email: [email protected]
Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation: https://paragonlawlv.com/appointment-application
