Criminal Defense Lawyers

Washoe County Court

Navigating the Washoe County Court System

The Washoe County court system handles a wide range of civil and criminal cases for Nevada’s second most populous county. With courthouses located in Reno and Sparks, the Second Judicial District Court serves all residents across Washoe County’s 6,600 square miles.

If you find yourself involved in a legal case in Washoe County, it’s important to understand the basics of the court system. This article provides an overview of the types of cases heard, key personnel, and what to expect when attending hearings or a trial. We’ll also look at some common procedures and terms used in Washoe County courts.

Types of Cases Heard in Washoe County

The Second Judicial District Court has jurisdiction over the following types of legal disputes:

• Civil cases – These involve non-criminal legal conflicts between two or more parties, such as breach of contract lawsuits, personal injury claims, divorce and child custody proceedings, estate disputes, foreclosures, etc.
• Criminal cases – All felony and gross misdemeanor crimes committed in Washoe County end up here. For minor offenses like traffic violations or municipal code infractions, you’d visit Reno or Sparks Municipal Court instead.
• Family Court cases – A division of District Court handles divorce, child custody and support, guardianships, adoptions and other family legal matters.
• Juvenile Court cases – Youth under 18 accused of acts of delinquency go through a separate judicial process than adults.
• Appeals – The District Court hears appeals on decisions originally made in Justice or Municipal Courts throughout the county.

Key Personnel in Washoe County Courts

If you have business at the courthouse, whether as a party to a case, witness, juror or observer, you’ll interact with various officials along the way:

• Judges – Preside over trials, hearings and other legal proceedings. District Court has 20 total judges across civil, criminal, family, and juvenile divisions.
• Court clerks – Manage court records and documents, take minutes in court, schedule hearings, assist judges.
• Bailiffs – Provide security in courtrooms, escort defendants from holding cells.
• Court reporters – Record verbatim transcripts of trials and hearings via stenography or audio recording methods.
• Mediators – Neutral third parties who facilitate settlement conferences between litigants to avoid trial.

What to Expect at the Courthouse

If you’ve never stepped foot in a courthouse before, it’s understandable to feel anxious or intimidated. But knowing what to expect can help ease those nerves.

• Security screening – Everyone entering must pass through a metal detector and security check, similar to an airport. Bags, purses and backpacks are x-rayed.
• Locating the correct courtroom – Directory signs and court personnel can point you to the right courtroom. Arrive early and confirm room number.
• Courtroom layout – The judge sits at the front. Plaintiff/prosecutor tables are on one side, defendant on the other. Public seating is behind.
• Courtroom etiquette – Dress respectfully, don’t eat/drink/chew gum, turn devices off, don’t interrupt or argue. Stand when the judge enters/exits.
• The process – The bailiff opens court, the judge enters, parties and lawyers introduce themselves, proceedings commence. The judge maintains decorum and makes rulings.
• Unfamiliar legal terms – Don’t worry if unfamiliar jargon is used. Ask your lawyer later if you don’t understand something said in court.

Common Court Procedures in Washoe County

To feel more confident navigating Washoe County’s courts, it helps to learn some key terminology used:

• Arraignments – The first court appearance after charges are filed. The defendant enters a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest. Bail/release terms may be set.
• Preliminary hearings – In felony cases, this involves presenting sufficient evidence to indicate the defendant likely committed the crime to justify setting a trial.
• Pre-trial conferences – The judge, prosecution and defense meet to discuss plea options, exchange evidence, set motions schedule, potentially settle to avoid trial.
• Motions – Requests made by parties in a case for specific court action, such as to exclude evidence, dismiss charges or reschedule hearings.
• Voir dire – The jury selection process of questioning prospective jurors before seating a jury for trial.
• Bench trials – Non-jury trials with verdicts decided by the judge based on admitted evidence and arguments.
• Jury trials – Cases presented to a panel of jurors, who determine guilt or liability after post-trial jury deliberations.
• Sentencing – For criminal convictions, the judge determines penalties and fines at a separate hearing after a guilty plea or verdict.

Finding an Attorney in Washoe County

Facing criminal prosecution or a civil lawsuit can be daunting. Having an experienced local attorney in your corner makes the legal process far less intimidating. Skilled legal counsel know how to effectively navigate Washoe County courts.

Where to start when searching for the right lawyer? Personal recommendations from family or friends who had good experiences with an attorney are always helpful. Online legal marketplace sites like Avvo and LawInfo offer user reviews and lawyer profiles to aid in filtering options. Professional associations like the Washoe County Bar Association and State Bar of Nevada have search tools for finding lawyers by location and practice area.

Schedule initial consultations with a few qualified attorneys to discuss your legal needs before deciding who to retain. Many offer free case evaluations to determine how they may be able to assist you. Don’t rush the decision – make sure you feel comfortable communicating with whoever represents you.

What Happens If You Can’t Afford an Attorney?

The financial barriers within Washoe County’s legal system – particularly for lower income residents – can seem insurmountable at times. Attorneys often charge exorbitant hourly rates that quickly add up over the course of a lengthy civil lawsuit or criminal prosecution.

Fortunately, individuals falling below certain income thresholds can obtain free or reduced-cost legal services through Nevada Legal Services or the Washoe Legal Services pro bono program. Those programs focus primarily on providing legal aid in critical civil matters like housing, employment, and domestic violence cases rather than criminal defense however.

For qualifying criminal defendants unable to afford counsel, Washoe County courts will appoint public defenders, although their caseloads are extremely high. Those with incomes slightly above legal aid limits can also request court-appointed lawyers but may have to reimburse some costs later.

Options for Handling Court Matters Without an Attorney

Not every legal situation necessarily requires hiring counsel if you’re comfortable navigating Washoe County’s courts yourself. For relatively straightforward matters, it’s possible to represent yourself – also referred to as appearing pro se or in proper person.

• Small claims court – The cap on money damages is just $10,000 in these informal civil proceedings. The rules of evidence are relaxed as well.
• Traffic ticket cases – Contesting minor moving violations or fines doesn’t mandate having legal counsel with you in municipal court.
• Simple uncontested divorces – If you and your spouse agree completely on dividing assets and child custody, the forms aren’t too complex for self-representation.
• Restraining orders – Protection order petitions against harassers or abusers can sometimes be filed without initially needing to pay for lawyer fees.

Even if you start out self-represented, you can always consult an attorney later for advice or limited-scope legal services if the complexity increases beyond your comfort level. Just know that judges won’t provide any direct guidance on how to build your case.