Assault Attorney in Reno: Protecting Your Future Starts Here

Former Prosecutor. 15,000+ Cases. Fighting for Reno Since 1986.

An assault charge in Reno moves fast, and the decisions you make in the first hours matter. You may be worried about your job, your reputation, and what a conviction could mean long term. What you need immediately is an attorney who knows Nevada’s assault statutes, knows the local courts, and can fight hard for you from the first call.

At Larry K. Dunn & Associates, our father-daughter team, Larry K. Dunn and Karena Dunn, has defended clients against criminal charges across Northern Nevada since 1986. Larry is a former prosecutor, which means we know how the state builds these cases before your first hearing. When you call, you reach a real person and, in most situations, can speak directly with an attorney the same day or the next.

Contact Larry K. Dunn & Associates online now for a confidential consultation with our assault attorneys in Reno, or call us at (775) 522-3550.

Local Courtroom Experience Backed by a Former-Prosecutor Edge

Founded in 1986, our firm has handled over 15,000 criminal cases in Northern Nevada, including complex assault charges at every level. Because Larry K. Dunn began his career as a prosecutor, we understand exactly how the state structures its case before your first court date. That perspective directly shapes how we approach evidence review, witness cross-examination, and pre-trial negotiations.

Larry and Karena Dunn are known throughout Washoe County by prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement for their command of local procedure and cross-examination techniques. We appear regularly in both Reno Justice Court and the Second Judicial District Court, so we know the timelines, filing requirements, and judicial expectations that affect your case. Our digital case system keeps communication fast and secure even when you’re outside the city. When you call the office, you reach a real person, not a voicemail box.

What Assault Charges Actually Mean Under Nevada Law

Assault charges in Nevada cover a wider range of conduct than many people expect. Under NRS 200.471, assault is defined as unlawfully attempting to use physical force against another person, or intentionally placing someone in reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm. No physical contact is required. Battery is a separate offense under NRS 200.481, involving willful and unlawful use of force, and domestic violence offenses add another layer of complexity under state statutes.

Penalties vary significantly depending on the charge category, prior record, and the facts of the incident:

Assault cases in Reno generally fall into these categories:

• Simple misdemeanor assault: Up to 6 months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines; community service may substitute for jail time
• Gross misdemeanor assault against a protected class (law enforcement, firefighters, healthcare providers, school employees, judges, corrections officers, and others): up to 364 days in jail and up to $2,000 in fines
• Felony assault with a deadly weapon (Category B): 1 to 6 years in Nevada state prison
• Aggravated or domestic violence-related assault with prior convictions or strangulation: can escalate to a Category C or D felony depending on circumstances

Misdemeanor assault cases are handled in Reno Justice Court. Felony charges are forwarded to the Second Judicial District Court after a preliminary examination finds probable cause. Cases can move from arrest to court date quickly. Our misdemeanor and felony assault attorneys have spent decades in both courts and know how to position your defense from the start.

What Happens After an Assault Arrest in Reno

After an arrest, you’ll typically be booked at the Washoe County Detention Facility. Your initial appearance in Reno Justice Court follows, with timing depending on the specifics of your case, sometimes within hours, sometimes a few days. Early hearings set bail, review charges, and establish the foundation for your defense.

What you say immediately after arrest matters. Statements made to law enforcement can be used against you, so exercising your right to remain silent is critical. Without an assault lawyer in your corner early, you may unknowingly give up rights or miss opportunities that can’t be recovered later.

Steps to take right away:

• Stay calm and don’t discuss your case with anyone except your attorney
• Save all paperwork provided by law enforcement or the court
• Write down your account of events while the details are fresh
• Contact experienced legal counsel as soon as possible

Our attorneys move quickly to gather facts and advocate at bail hearings and early negotiations. We know the systems and timelines specific to Reno courts, so you can avoid costly missteps as your case gets underway.

How We Build Your Assault Defense

Every assault case we take starts the same way: we listen to your account, then dig into the evidence, including police reports, witness statements, footage, and anything else that bears on what actually happened. Under NRS 200.471, the prosecution must prove both that the defendant intended to cause apprehension and that the alleged victim actually experienced it. Identifying weaknesses in either element is central to how we build a defense.

Assault is an intent-based charge, which means the facts of the encounter, exactly what was said, who moved first, and what each person understood in the moment, can make or break the state’s case. Having defended hundreds of assault and battery cases in Reno courts, we know which arguments resonate and how prosecutors typically frame these charges.

Defense strategies we evaluate in every case:

• Self-defense or defense of others
• Mistaken identity
• False accusations
• Lack of intent or accidental conduct
• Challenging police evidence or arrest procedures

Take Control: Your Next Steps After an Assault Charge

The sooner you act, the more options you may have. Reaching out to our team early means we can start building your defense before deadlines narrow your choices.

Practical steps to take now:

• Schedule a confidential consultation with our attorneys
• Organize all documents from law enforcement or the court
• Write down your account of events while the details are fresh
• Limit all discussions about your case to your legal team

When you connect with Larry K. Dunn & Associates, you speak directly with our attorneys, not staff, not a case manager. Our digital-first approach keeps communication fast and accessible beyond regular business hours, so you can get answers when you need them.

Call us at (775) 522-3550. We offer confidential consultations so you can get answers without pressure or obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Immediately After Being Charged With Assault in Reno?

Don’t discuss your case with anyone except your attorney. Write down everything you remember about the incident, and hold onto any documents from law enforcement. Contacting an assault attorney as early as possible protects your rights and gives you support navigating court procedures. Our attorneys can walk you through next steps from day one.

How Much Experience Does Your Team Have With Assault Cases?

We bring over 55 years of combined criminal defense experience in Northern Nevada and have handled hundreds of assault and battery cases across both Reno Justice Court and the Second Judicial District Court. Our firm has represented clients in over 15,000 criminal cases since 1986, and founding attorney Larry K. Dunn’s background as a former prosecutor gives us direct insight into how the state approaches these charges.

Will I Meet Directly With Your Attorneys or Just Staff?

You’ll meet directly with our attorneys. We don’t hand cases off to junior staff. As a father-daughter firm, we keep every client in direct contact with the attorneys handling their case from the first consultation through resolution.

Can Your Team Help With Both Felony and Misdemeanor Assault Charges?

Yes. We represent clients facing both misdemeanor and felony assault charges throughout Reno and Northern Nevada. From simple assault to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon to charges involving domestic violence, we tailor our approach to the severity and specific facts of your case.

How Do Nevada’s Local Laws Affect My Assault Case?

Nevada’s assault statutes, bail schedules, and options for diversion or negotiated outcomes differ from those in other states. Reno Justice Court and the Second Judicial District Court each have their own procedures and timelines that affect filing deadlines and plea options. We explain how these factors apply to your case so you know what to expect at each stage.

What Makes Your Approach to Assault Defense Different?

We combine a former prosecutor’s inside understanding of how cases are built with over three decades of Reno courtroom experience. Our digital-first case system keeps communication efficient, and every client works directly with the attorneys, not a rotating staff. Over 15,000 criminal cases handled since 1986 means we’ve seen the full range of what these charges can look like and how to respond.

The sooner you contact a legal team that knows Reno and understands what’s at stake, the more options you may have to shape your outcome.