Answer: Beyond just using a gun in a crime, many gun-related offenses involve simple possession or carrying.

• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Felon in Possession): This is very common. If you have a prior felony conviction (even from another state or federal court), you generally cannot possess a firearm in Nevada (NRS 202.360). This also applies to certain misdemeanor domestic violence convictions, fugitives, drug users, and those deemed mentally ill.
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon Without a Permit: While open carry is generally allowed, hiding a firearm without a valid Nevada Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit is usually a felony (NRS 202.350).
• Possession of a Firearm in a Prohibited Location: Certain places like schools, courthouses, airports (beyond security), and some government buildings strictly ban firearms, even if you have a permit.
• Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm: Shooting a gun in a populated area, or from a vehicle or structure (NRS 202.287), carries severe penalties even if no one is hurt.
• Altering/Possessing a Firearm with an Altered Serial Number: Modifying or possessing a gun with a defaced serial number (NRS 202.277) is illegal.
• Why it matters: Even if you didn’t commit a violent act, simply possessing a gun in the wrong circumstances can lead to serious felony charges. Understanding these common pitfalls is crucial.

Answer: Penalties for gun crimes in Nevada are extremely severe, often involving mandatory prison time, large fines, and permanent restrictions.

• Felonies: Most gun-related offenses, especially unlawful possession by a prohibited person or concealed carry without a permit, are Category B or C felonies. This means state prison sentences ranging from 1 to 15 years, or even more. For example, a felon in possession can face 1 to 6 years in prison.
• Sentence Enhancements: If a deadly weapon (like a gun) was used in another crime (like robbery or assault), Nevada law (NRS 193.165) adds extra, consecutive prison time (1 to 20 years) to your original sentence.
• Fines: Significant fines, often up to $5,000 or $10,000.
• Permanent Loss of Gun Rights: A conviction for a felony or domestic violence misdemeanor often means you can never legally own a firearm again.
• Permanent Criminal Record: This impacts employment, housing, and other civil liberties.
• Why it matters: The consequences are life-altering. My firm prioritizes fighting to avoid or minimize these severe penalties, understanding the lifetime impact of these charges.

Answer: Yes, absolutely. An arrest is not a conviction. We build strong defenses tailored to your specific situation.

• Lack of Knowledge/Intent: You might not have known the firearm was present, or that you were prohibited from possessing it.
• Temporary Possession: You only briefly had control of the gun (e.g., disarming someone in self-defense, or simply moving it for another person without intent to possess).
• Mistaken Identity: You were wrongly identified as the person involved in the gun crime.
• Unlawful Search and Seizure: If police found the gun through an illegal search without a warrant or probable cause, the evidence might be suppressed.
• Self-Defense: If a gun was used, it may have been justified to protect yourself or others from serious harm.
• The Weapon Wasn’t “Deadly”: Challenging whether the item used truly qualifies as a “deadly weapon” under Nevada law.
• Why it matters: We meticulously review every detail of your arrest and the evidence to identify the strongest possible defense strategies, always fighting for dismissal or a reduction of charges.

Answer: Yes, you can absolutely face both state and federal gun charges, and the federal penalties are often even harsher.

• State Charges: These come from Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) and are prosecuted by the District Attorney’s office (e.g., Clark County DA).
• Federal Charges: These come from federal laws (like the National Firearms Act or the Gun Control Act) and are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys. They often involve interstate gun sales, trafficking, or serious cases like felons in possession of firearms or ammunition (18 U.S.C. 922(g)).
• Why it matters: If you’re facing federal charges, you need a lawyer with experience in federal court, as the rules and procedures are different. My firm has experience defending clients in both Nevada state and federal courts.

Answer: Nevada’s law (NRS 202.360) broadly prohibits anyone convicted of a felony (state or federal) from possessing, owning, or having control of a firearm.

• No Exceptions for “Old” Felonies: Even if your felony conviction was decades ago, the prohibition usually stands.
• Possession Definition: “Possession” can mean actual (on your person) or constructive (in your home, car, or somewhere you have control over it). You don’t have to be caught holding the gun.
• Restoring Rights: The only way for a felon to legally possess a firearm again in Nevada is typically through a specific pardon that explicitly restores your gun rights. Simple civil rights restoration in another state may not be enough in Nevada.
• Why it matters: This is a strict liability crime – meaning even if you didn’t intend to break the law, just possessing the firearm as a prohibited person is enough for a conviction. This makes the defense challenging but not impossible, focusing on challenging “possession” or proving a rights restoration.

Answer: Nevada is an “open carry” state, meaning you can visibly carry a firearm without a permit. However, carrying a concealed firearm without a valid CCW permit is usually a felony (NRS 202.350).

• Concealed Defined: “Concealed” means the gun is not readily observable – hidden in a pocket, purse, under clothing, or in a vehicle in a way that’s not clearly visible.
• Permit Requirements: To get a CCW permit, you must be 21+, a resident, not a prohibited person, and complete an approved firearms training course, including live-fire qualification.
• Why it matters: Even law-abiding citizens who simply don’t know the rules can accidentally commit a felony by carrying a gun concealed without a permit. The penalties are severe, including 1 to 5 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine. We often defend clients who made an honest mistake in this area.

Answer: Nevada has recently enacted laws targeting “ghost guns” – firearms assembled from kits or 3D-printed parts that lack serial numbers and are untraceable.

• Nevada Law (AB 286): Since 2021, it’s generally illegal to possess, sell, or transfer unfinished frames or receivers that lack serial numbers. The Nevada Supreme Court upheld this law in April 2024.
• Federal Regulation: The ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) also now regulates gun-making kits and parts under federal law, requiring serial numbers and background checks.
• Why it matters: This is a rapidly evolving area of gun law. What might have been legal to assemble previously could now lead to criminal charges. If you’re caught with an untraceable firearm, penalties can range from gross misdemeanors to Category D felonies (1-4 years prison). It’s easy to accidentally violate these newer laws without expert legal advice.

Answer: The timeline depends on the complexity of the charges (misdemeanor vs. felony), the amount of evidence, and whether the case goes to trial.

• Misdemeanors: Can sometimes resolve in a few weeks to a few months.
• Felonies: Gun-related felonies are more complex and can take many months, often over a year, especially if discovery is extensive or a trial is involved.
• Factors: Court backlogs, the need for expert testimony (e.g., ballistics), and negotiation timelines all play a role.
• Why it matters: We understand the stress of waiting. My team keeps you fully informed at every stage and works diligently to move your case towards the best possible resolution, while simultaneously building your strongest defense.

Answer: When your Second Amendment rights, your freedom, and your future are on the line, choosing the right lawyer is paramount.

• Over 30 Years of Dedicated Experience: I’ve spent three decades in Nevada courtrooms, specializing in criminal defense, including a vast number of gun-related cases. This deep, local experience in Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas is invaluable.
• Award-Winning & Highly Rated: My firm has earned multiple awards and is highly rated by clients and legal peers. I’ve been recognized among the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the U.S.” and “Best Lawyers and Law Firms in Las Vegas” for my consistent results and ethical practice.
• Local Knowledge & Relationships: We know the judges, the prosecutors, and the specific procedures within the Clark County court system, which is a significant advantage in negotiations and trial.
• Personalized & Aggressive Defense: We don’t use a cookie-cutter approach. We build a robust, customized defense strategy for your unique situation and fight tirelessly for your best outcome. You can read what our past clients say about us here: https://gowdeylaw.com/reviews/.
• Why it matters: Your rights and your future are too important to risk. Choose a firm with proven expertise, unwavering dedication, and a reputation for getting results in the most challenging gun-related cases.