Domestic Violence Case in Civil Court in Las Vegas, Nevada
Representing yourself in a domestic violence lawsuit
It’s pretty common for people to ask, "Can I file a domestic violence lawsuit without an attorney?" The answer is, yes, you can.
In Nevada, the alleged victims of domestic violence can sue the attacker in civil court.
You don’t need an attorney to file a lawsuit in civil court, but having an attorney is highly recommended - the attorney understands Nevada law, potential weaknesses of your civil court case, and how the outcome of the civil court lawsuit can affect your future.
How is a civil case different from a criminal case?
In civil court, you can sue for money damages to compensate for your lost wages, to cover the cost of your medical treatment, and to pay for pain and sufferings or emotional distress.
It is also important to remember that in civil court, you cannot punish the wrongdoer. Nobody will go to jail. Nobody will serve time. Only the State Attorney's Office or local criminal defense attorney can file criminal charges.
If you miss a Civil Court date
In Nevada, if you miss a civil court date, the judge will most likely issue a ruling against you. In very rare cases, the judge may issue an order for you to appear in court.
The first step - contact the police
If you are got caught in the middle of a domestic violence incident, we recommend contacting the police first until the danger is resolved. The civil lawsuit can wait.
The statute of limitation in civil court
There is a statute of limitations on domestic violence cases in the Nevada Civil Court, depending on if the case is a misdemeanor or a felony.
| Classification | The Statute of Limitations |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Domestic Violence | One (1) Year |
| Felony Domestic Violence | Unlimited |
Seek help of
domestic violence attorney
This article is not intended to replace legal advice. You should seek a domestic violence attorney to get a full picture regarding your legal rights and options. We urge you to contact the attorney Parviz Heshmati at 702-432-1000. He will examine all the facts (physical evidence, witnesses' statements, motives for the battery arrest) and come up with the best possible strategy for your case.
The attorney Parviz Heshmati handled numerous domestic violence cases in the past and has the knowledge and experience to recommend the best possible course of action.
The initial consultation is always free.
Walk-ins are welcome!
The Law Offices of Heshmati & Associates represent clients in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Clark County, and the rest of Nevada.
Additional Resources: Police Department
Las Vegas Police, Domestic Violence Unit - The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Unit investigates domestic violence cases.
