Not only does the new year mean a new decade, but 2020 also results in new laws. Dozens of laws, including many relating to crime, has now taken effect since January 1.
The following are several new crime-related laws that take effect starting in 2020:
- Marijuana convictions – Assembly Bill 192 allows individuals who have been convicted of possession of less than an ounce of cannabis to request that a judge seal their criminal record. This new law takes effect on July 1.
- Drug tests performed before hiring – Assembly Bill 132 makes it against the law for employers to not hire job applicants because of a positive drug test for pot; however, the new law doesn’t apply to doctors, firefighters, and workers who operate a vehicle as part of their job duties. AB 132 took effect on January 1.
- Immigrant arrests – Assembly Bill 376 requires the police to inform individuals under arrest about the reason for their questions prior to asking them about their immigration status. This new law took effect on January 1.
- “Red flag” gun law – Assembly Bill 291 grants the courts more authority to seize guns from individuals who are considered a danger to themselves or others. The new law also makes it a misdemeanor to leave a firearm lying around if the person knows there is a significant risk a child might get a hold of it. AB 291 took effect on January 1.
- Speeding – There is now a cap for speeding fines at $20 for each MPH above the speed limit or the proper rate of speed. If an offender pays all their fees and fines before their first scheduled court appearance, the citation can be reduced to a non-moving violation. Furthermore, it is now against the law to drive at a rate of speed that leads to another person’s injury or property damage. This law took effect on January 1.
- Reckless driving and vehicular manslaughter – This law allows someone to be prosecuted for reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter in parking garages, parking lots, roads in apartment complexes and gated communities, and places where the public has access. Previously, most traffic laws—except for DUI—only applied to a vehicle driving on a public road.
- Trick driving – If you are caught driving in a manner that slows traffic on a public roadway in order to perform stunts or film stunts, you will be charged with trick driving. A conviction may result in a minimum fine of $1,000, at least 100 hours of community service, driver’s license suspension for up to six months, vehicle impoundment for at most 30 days, and potential jail time.
- Criminal justice reform – Assembly Bill 236 was created to drastically reduce the state’s prison population by raising the drug trafficking threshold from over four grams to 100 grams and allowing some offenders to seek probation, rather than a prison sentence. The new law also raising the felony threshold for theft crimes to more than $1,200 in the value of stolen property. Lastly, first-time, non-violent offenders who are charged with felonies or misdemeanors may seek a deferred sentence. If signed, the new law would take effect in July 1.
If you have been arrested in Las Vegas, contact The Draskovich Law Group today at (702) 381-6590 and schedule a free consultation to learn about your legal options.