Frequently Asked Questions

The City Attorney’s Office is located within the North Las Vegas Justice Facility located at 2332 Las Vegas Boulevard North. You may contact our office by dialing 702-633-2100. Note, if you have questions concerning warrants, fine payments, court appointed attorneys, or court dispositions, you must contact the Municipal Court at 702-633-1130.

The City Attorney strictly prosecutes misdemeanor offenses which occur within the city limits of North Las Vegas. Misdemeanors carry a maximum sentence of six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Examples of common misdemeanors are: traffic infractions (including driving under the influence offenses), petit larceny, possession of illegal drugs (minimal amounts), domestic battery, simple battery, and violation of City codes. The District Attorney handles felony cases which carry sentences of a year (or more) in State prison.

The City Attorney represents the interests of North Las Vegas by enforcing the laws within the City and State. A person accused of a crime has a right to hire a personal attorney or apply for a court appointed attorney (if financial requirements are met and the City Attorney is requesting jail time or suspended jail time). While the City Attorney does not represent victims/witnesses of crime, the office has Victim Advocates who can provide assistance. Advocates serve as guides through the criminal justice process, provide necessary resources, and accompany victims to court. 

The City Attorney’s Office does not conduct criminal investigations. Crime reports must be filed at the North Las Vegas Police Department or within the jurisdiction of where the criminal act took place. If you are the victim of a crime, report the criminal activity as quickly as possible. If it is an emergency, dial 9-1-1 or in non-emergency cases, you may walk into your local substation or dial 702-633-1390. [verify this number]

Although the City Attorney will consider input from crime victims, the responsibility to prosecute lies solely with this office. There are many factors a prosecutor will use to determine the best course of action in a criminal case. A few examples include a defendant’s prior record, existence of evidence, intimidation of witnesses, and the potential for future criminal activity. 

Defendants have a right to apply for a court appointed attorney if the City Attorney is seeking jail time or suspended jail time, and financial requirements are met. If the City Attorney is not seeking jail time, defendants have a right to hire an attorney or elect to represent themselves. The City Attorney will inform the Court if jail time is being requested during the first court appearance.

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior (frequently between spouses, boyfriend/girlfriends) used to acquire power and control over an intimate partner. Although many cases prosecuted involve intimate partners, domestic violence can occur between family members (parent/child, siblings, etc.), and roommates. 

The law requires police officers to make an arrest when they determine the crime of domestic battery has occurred. Officers will conduct an investigation, and try to determine the primary physical aggressor, and make an arrest accordingly. It is important to be truthful with officers, have pictures taken of any/all injuries and destruction of property, and fill out witness statements by all parties involved.

Dial 9-1-1 immediately! Domestic violence is a crime, and it should be reported, along with any other criminal behavior. Victimization can include physical abuse, threats to life, harassment, stalking, injury to property, trespassing, or coercion. You may contact the Family Violence Intervention Program (TPO Office) for more information about filing a protection order: 702-455-3400. If an order is filed, and granted, keep it with you at all times. Do not allow the abuser to visit or meet with you, even if promises of “good behavior” are made. Violations of the protection order should be reported to the police immediately. You may also contact a Victim Advocate for referrals to community organizations, and information on prosecution of reported cases.

A subpoena is a court order requiring the individual served to attend court at a specified date and time. You will receive a subpoena if you are a victim/witness to a case, and your testimony is relevant to the alleged crime(s) the defendant is facing in court. If you disobey the order to attend court, you may face consequences by the issuing Judge, up to and including contempt of court or a material witness warrant. Your employer may not take adverse action against you for attending court under subpoena.