If you've been charged with a misdemeanor in Nevada, your case may not be going through Justice Court or District Court. Instead, it may be assigned to Municipal Court—a court system that handles violations of city ordinances. These can include everything from traffic offenses to petty theft, simple battery, trespassing, and many first-time DUIs or domestic violence charges.

Though every city runs its courtroom a little differently—from Las Vegas to Henderson, North Las Vegas, and beyond—the general structure of a Municipal Court criminal case is surprisingly consistent across jurisdictions.

Here's what you can expect.

1. The Initial Arraignment

The arraignment is usually your first court date. It's a formal proceeding where the judge tells you exactly what you're being charged with. You'll be asked to enter a plea: Guilty, Not Guilty, or No Contest.

If you're facing a lower-level charge and have hired a private attorney, your lawyer can usually appear on your behalf—meaning you don't need to be there in person. However, for more serious charges like DUI or domestic battery, most judges require the defendant to appear in court personally.

The arraignment is also an opportunity for your lawyer to request discovery—police reports, video evidence, and other material that may be used against you.

2. Pretrial Hearings

Municipal Court cases typically involve multiple pretrial hearings. These serve a few critical functions:

• Negotiating the case: Your attorney and the City Attorney will discuss possible resolutions short of trial.

• Exchanging discovery: This includes obtaining police body cam, surveillance footage, and witness statements.

• Determining the next step: Whether to set the matter for trial, continue negotiations, or explore motions.

In many cases, your lawyer can appear on your behalf at these hearings and keep you updated on progress. However, some hearings may require your presence depending on the court and the charge.

3. Trial: Usually Before a Judge, Not a Jury

Most misdemeanor trials in Municipal Court are bench trials, meaning the judge—not a jury—decides the outcome.

There is one important exception: misdemeanor domestic battery.

Because a conviction for domestic battery carries the consequence of losing your right to own firearms, the Nevada Supreme Court has ruled that defendants must be offered the right to a jury trial in those cases.

That said, many defendants do not assert that right, often due to cost, delay, or tactical considerations. As a result, even domestic battery cases often end up being heard by a judge unless a jury trial is affirmatively requested.

4. Plea Negotiations and Submittal Agreements

The majority of Municipal Court cases are resolved through negotiated plea agreements, many of which don't require a conviction if handled properly.

For lower-level misdemeanors—such as minor theft, trespassing, or disturbing the peace—it's common for the prosecutor to offer a “submittal agreement” or similar form of diversion. Under these agreements, you are not found guilty right away. Instead, you agree to complete certain requirements:

• Pay a fine

• Take an online or in-person class (e.g., anger management or theft prevention)

• Remain arrest-free for a specific period

If you complete those conditions, your case is usually dismissed and your record remains clean.

However, not all charges qualify for this kind of resolution. The availability and terms of diversion agreements vary significantly between courts and prosecutors.

5. DUI and Domestic Violence Charges: Less Room for Negotiation

If you're charged with DUI or domestic battery, expect a tougher fight.

Municipal prosecutors (usually referred to as City Attorneys) are generally more aggressive in prosecuting these charges than their counterparts in Justice Court.

There's a reason for that. Justice Court prosecutors (District Attorneys) manage a much heavier caseload. Because of that, they often lack the bandwidth to take every misdemeanor to trial, and they may be more willing to offer creative resolutions.

By contrast, City Attorneys in Municipal Court handle a smaller volume of cases, giving them more time—and institutional support—to pursue cases more aggressively. Many City Attorney offices have internal policies that discourage reductions or dismissals of DUI and domestic violence charges, even for first-time offenders.

Unless there's a serious evidentiary issue—such as a missing witness, an illegal stop, or a problem with the breath or blood test—plea deals for these charges tend to be less generous.

That doesn't mean you're out of options. But it does mean your defense must be prepared, informed, and strategic from the outset.

Facing a Municipal Court Case? You Don't Have to Face It Alone.

Misdemeanor charges can carry serious, lasting consequences—even if they start in Municipal Court. From fines and classes to suspended licenses, domestic violence restrictions, or even jail time, the stakes are real.

At Liberators Criminal Defense, we don't treat any case as “just a misdemeanor.” We examine the evidence, press every advantage, and explore every option for resolution or dismissal. Whether you're charged in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, or anywhere in Southern Nevada, our team is ready to help.

Call today or schedule your consultation online. The sooner you act, the stronger your position becomes.