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WHAT IS HARASSMENT IN NEVADA?
Harassment in Nevada is knowingly threatening to cause bodily injury, physical confinement, or substantial harm to another person in a way that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or harassed.
WHAT THE PROSECUTION MUST PROVE
To convict you of Harassment in Nevada, the prosecution must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
The defendant knowingly threatened to cause bodily injury, physical confinement, or substantial harm to the victim
The threat was made in a manner that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or harassed
The defendant intended to cause the victim to feel terrorized or harassed
If the prosecution cannot prove any single element beyond a reasonable doubt, you cannot be convicted.
PENALTIES FOR HARASSMENT IN NEVADA
Harassment
Misdemeanor. Up to 6 months in jail and/or up to $1,000 fine.
Harassment of Protected Class
Gross misdemeanor. Up to 364 days in jail and/or up to $2,000 fine.
THOMAS'S DEFENSE TIPS
Insights from Thomas Boley — Las Vegas criminal defense attorney with 18+ years defending harassment charges
Harassment charges often arise from text messages, social media posts, and emails. The context of the communication matters — a heated argument that includes strong language is not automatically harassment.
The threat must be one that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized or harassed — not just an overly sensitive individual. This objective standard is important for the defense.
Harassment is frequently charged alongside stalking. If the conduct is ongoing and repeated, the charge may escalate to stalking, which carries significantly harsher penalties.
The above represents general observations from years of criminal defense practice in Nevada. Every case is different — contact Thomas for advice specific to your situation.
COMMON DEFENSES TO HARASSMENT
Every case is unique, but these are the defenses most commonly raised in harassment cases in Nevada:
No credible threat — the communication was venting or hyperbole
First Amendment — protected speech
The victim's fear was not reasonable
False accusation
Insufficient evidence