When you hear the phrase “domestic violence,” you might picture a husband being physically violent towards his wife. While this is certainly considered domestic violence, domestic violence has a much broader definition than that.
Domestic violence is when someone does something against another member of the household to exert power and control over them. It could include physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Acts of domestic violence can be committed against not only spouses and significant others but also children, extended family members, and roommates.
Like other areas of the country, Las Vegas has stiff laws against domestic violence. Let’s look closer at what domestic violence is and what actions are taken against perpetrators.
What Is Considered Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence can be any act that puts down someone else in the household and makes them feel inferior. It can be minor or very serious. There are two categories of domestic violence: felonies and misdemeanors.
Felonies
Felonies are very serious acts of domestic violence such as:
- Murder
- Attempted murder
- Violence resulting in serious injury
- Threat or abuse with a weapon
- Rape or sexual assault
- Kidnapping
Murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping are all classified as category A felonies. With this serious of acts, the perpetrator usually is not allowed bail.
Attempts at a category A felony are also considered very serious. For example, attempted murder is considered a category B felony, but perpetrators are typically still not released on bail.
In Las Vegas, an act of domestic violence that caused serious injury has a standard bail of $5,000. However, if the violence resulted in significant harm or if it is the third offense, the bail is $15,000.
Misdemeanors
Domestic violence misdemeanors can range widely. They might include:
- Harming someone physically
- Threatening to harm someone
- Constantly putting down and insulting someone
- Stalking someone
- Preventing someone from seeing friends and family
- Pressuring someone to have sex
- Controlling someone’s spending
- Dictating how someone lives their life, such as where they can go and what they can wear
In Las Vegas, misdemeanors related to domestic violence have a bail of $3,000. If it is the second offense, the bail is $5,000.
What Are the Consequences for Domestic Violence in Las Vegas?
Domestic violence is not tolerated by Las Vegas law. The consequences for domestic violence felonies could include:
- Fines up to thousands of dollars
- Jail time up to a life sentence
- Mandatory rehabilitation
The consequences for misdemeanors could include:
- Fines up to $1000
- Up to six months in jail
- Up to 120 hours community service
- Required counseling
If it is the perpetrator’s third domestic violence offense within seven years, it is considered a felony and he or she will spend between one to five years in jail.
No matter the degree of the crime, a domestic violence perpetrator may lose their custody and visitation rights. Also, the perpetrator’s crimes may make it difficult to secure employment or housing after his or her release from prison.
A judge may issue a restraining order against the perpetrator, which prevents him or her from contacting the victim. If the perpetrator violates the restraining order, the victim can call law enforcement right away to enforce the order. Consequences can include additional fines and jail time.
A domestic violence perpetrator with a restraining order will be banned from owning guns.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Arrested for Domestic Violence in Las Vegas?
If you’ve been arrested for domestic violence, you might have the opportunity to leave jail on bail while you await your court dates. However, bail can be costly, and you may not be able to afford it.
All Star Bail Bonds has more than 20 years’ experience in the Las Vegas area. For a fee that’s 15% of the total bail, we can pay your bail and help you obtain your release. As long as you’re present at all your court dates, you won’t have to pay anything else for your bail.
Call All Star Bail Bonds today at any of our five locations for superior bail service.
What Can I Do to Help a Victim of Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence can cause long-lasting and even permanent pain to victims. It can result in serious injuries and mental illness. In some cases, victims’ lives are at risk. That’s why victims should seek help as soon as possible.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, reporting it can be terrifying. You might fear repercussions from the perpetrator. If you are a victim, you may be unable to escape your perpetrator and seek help.
However, reporting the violence may be the only way to protect the victims and prevent further abuse. If you notice an act of domestic violence, call 911. If you’re afraid to call 911 or you’re not sure what to do, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for assistance.