[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/what-is-domestic-battery-first-degree\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/what-is-domestic-battery-first-degree\/","headline":"What Is Domestic Battery First Degree?","name":"What Is Domestic Battery First Degree?","description":"Domestic battery 1st degree is serious, but not every case ends in a conviction. If you\u2019re dealing with this type of charge, knowing the legal definition and penalties involved can help you take the right next steps. An experienced criminal … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a>","datePublished":"2026-03-23","dateModified":"2026-03-24","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/author\/adrasandaltiglaw\/#Person","name":"Adras & Altig, Attorneys at Law","url":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/author\/adrasandaltiglaw\/","identifier":11,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/831334347187cc30472b9d80ff11f61d828131014d31cbed6d689b601dc6ee66?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/831334347187cc30472b9d80ff11f61d828131014d31cbed6d689b601dc6ee66?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Adras & Altig, Attorneys at Law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/adras-daltig-law-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/adras-daltig-law-logo.png","width":437,"height":92}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Adras-and-Altig-Blog-Template-44.png","url":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Adras-and-Altig-Blog-Template-44.png","height":683,"width":1024},"url":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/what-is-domestic-battery-first-degree\/","about":["Domestic Violence"],"wordCount":608,"articleBody":"Domestic battery 1st degree is serious, but not every case ends in a conviction. If you\u2019re dealing with this type of charge, knowing the legal definition and penalties involved can help you take the right next steps. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand what you\u2019re up against and the best options for your defense.What Is Domestic Battery of the 1st Degree?The meaning of domestic battery 1st degree is when someone intentionally harms someone in a qualifying domestic or dating relationship. The law focuses on the severity of the act, not just that contact occurred. According to Nevada law, this includes:Substantial Bodily Harm \u2013\u00a0Injuries that require medical attention or leave lasting effects.Use of a Deadly Weapon \u2013\u00a0Any act that involves a firearm or other dangerous weapon can elevate the charge.Strangulation \u2013\u00a0Causing breathing or circulation issues, even briefly, is a felony-level offense.Aggravating Circumstances \u2013 Prior domestic violence convictions and attacks on pregnant victims increase penalties. Repeat offenses can also lead to harsher penalties.In determining what domestic battery 1st degree is, the crime depends on the combination of injury and relationship.Penalties for Domestic Battery 1st Degree in NevadaPenalties for domestic battery include the following:Third Offense \u2013\u00a0This is a Category B felony, punishable by up to six years in prison (or two to 15 years, if you have a prior felony or a deadly weapon was involved) and fines up to $5,000.Strangulation \u2013\u00a0This is a Category C felony. It\u2019s punished by up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000.Battery Causing Substantial Bodily Harm \u2013\u00a0This is a Category B felony, with the same penalties as a third offense.\u00a0Battery Against a Pregnant Victim \u2013 A first offense is a gross misdemeanor with 20 days of incarceration and fines ranging from $500\u2013$1,000. A second or subsequent offense is a Category B felony, punishable by up to six years in prison.If convicted, you\u2019re prohibited from owning or controlling firearms. Violating that prohibition is an additional Category B felony.Recent Changes in Nevada Domestic Violence LawNevada has updated its domestic violence statutes, which took effect on January 1, 2026. These changes include:Broader Range of Crimes \u2013\u00a0Certain crimes weren\u2019t always treated as domestic violence, like kidnapping or attempted kidnapping. Now, they\u2019re explicitly included when committed against a household member or dating partner. This means prosecutors can pursue additional charges under domestic violence statutes. These typically carry higher penalties or mandatory conditions that may not apply to the base offense.Stricter Enforcement \u2013\u00a0Law enforcement and prosecutors now have more authority to enforce protective measures. Firearm surrender rules are applied more consistently. Similarly, no-contact or protective orders are broadly granted in high-risk situations.\u00a0Long-Term Impact on Your Record \u2013 Some changes also affect how the state handles your criminal records. If your charges involved vulnerable victims, such as children or elderly household members, you\u2019ll likely be subject to stricter rules regarding record sealing.\u00a0Contact a Domestic Violence Defense Attorney at Adras & Altig NowFacing a domestic battery 1st degree charge in Nevada is complex. The attorneys at Adras & Altig in Las Vegas have extensive experience defending clients against domestic violence charges. Call us today for your fully confidential consultation.About the AuthorLatest PostsAdras & Altig, Attorneys at LawAt Adras & Altig, we believe that every client we work with deserves a fresh start. Our dedicated\u00a0Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys\u00a0take the time to get to know you so we can understand the circumstances surrounding your arrest.DUI vs. Wet Reckless in NevadaWhat Happens When a Minor Under 21 Gets a DUI in Nevada?What Is Domestic Battery First Degree?"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"What Is Domestic Battery First Degree?","item":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/what-is-domestic-battery-first-degree\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]