Domestic Violence with Substantial Bodily Harm
Domestic violence is one of the most common crimes committed within large urban areas with an equally large population, and Las Vegas is no exception. The crime covers different types, from simple vocal threats to near-fatal physical abuse. Substantial bodily harm is covered in the latter.
What is Domestic Violence with Substantial Bodily Harm?
Substantial bodily harm is a type of domestic violence charge where physical force leads to considerable damage to a victim’s body. It is covered in NRS 0.060 within Nevada domestic violence law. It refers to near-fatal injury and/or injuries that cause permanent cosmetic/motor damage or pain inflicted on the victim. Injuries included in the legal description of substantial bodily harm include:
– temporary or permanently broken bones
– wounds requiring surgery like cut wounds, bullet wounds or severe burns
– organ damage
– permanent or temporary paralysis
– concussions and contusions
– extended period of unconsciousness
It is important to remember that self-inflicted injuries during the alleged instance of domestic violence do not count towards a substantial bodily harm charge.
What Counts as Domestic Violence with Substantial Bodily Harm in Nevada
As in many other cases considered in Nevada, and in Clark County in particular, the courts take many factors into consideration before considering a domestic violence charge to involve substantial bodily harm. A charge is usually determined by:
- How severe the injury is
- How painful it is for the victim
- How long the pain lasted
- How the victim received the injury
- The eventual medical cost incurred
In a general sense, the more serious these factors are, the more severe the potential penalties can be received by the accused. Las Vegas defense attorneys take these figures into account to determine any inconsistencies that can help defend their client from a conviction.
Penalties for Domestic Violence with Substantial Bodily Harm
As a general rule, domestic violence with substantial bodily harm committed in Nevada is considered as a Category C felony at the minimum. As such, it can receive the following penalties:
– Minimum 1 year to maximum 5 years in prison
– Not more than $10,000 in fines, unless additional fees are required by case-related circumstances
– Other penalties as may be found fit by the court
Note that, despite having severe penalties, substantial bodily harm in Las Vegas is not the only charge where such harm can incur greater punishment than normal. Other cases may be elevated to higher charges if physical injury is inflicted, like stalking or kidnapping/illegal detention.
Dealing with a Domestic Violence with Substantial Bodily Harm Charge in Las Vegas
Substantial bodily harm charges can be difficult to navigate due to the medical factors that can be involved. As such, Las Vegas defense attorneys seek the assistance of forensic medical experts to refute any claim of injury that can be brought up. Records of similar cases with similar injuries may also be brought up to help countermand what the prosecution is bringing up. While it may not entirely result in an acquittal, it can at least help lessen a person’s domestic violence charges.
Goodman Criminal Defense Attorney is Here for Your Substantial Bodily Harm Charges in Las Vegas Needs
Ross C. Goodman, Esq. Of Goodman Criminal Defense Attorney understands that a domestic violence charge enhanced by a claim of substantial bodily harm is a difficult legal complaint to deal with. As such, he uses his skill and experience in handling such cases to ensure that his client gets the best outcome from the legal proceedings. With over two decades of handling severe domestic violence cases and other criminal charges, Goodman Criminal Defense Attorney is your best bet in avoiding a severe conviction due to domestic violence with substantial bodily harm in Las Vegas.
Get in touch now by calling 702-383-5088, and let Ross help you deal with your Las Vegas domestic violence with substantial bodily harm case.
