Governor Lombardo’s New Crime Legislation Could Reshape Nevada’s Legal System

In a big move that could shake up how crime is punished in Nevada, Governor Joe Lombardo has introduced a sweeping proposal aimed at cracking down on repeat offenders, DUIs, fentanyl trafficking, and more. Known as The Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act, Senate Bill 457 is Lombardo’s answer to rising public concern over violent and drug-related crimes in the Silver State.

At eBail, we stay on top of local legislation because it directly affects bail bond options, penalties, and timelines for defendants. If someone you care about has been arrested, understanding these changes is more important than ever.

Here’s a breakdown of the key parts of this bill and how they could impact Nevadans:

Fentanyl Charges Just Got More Serious

Under this proposal:

The amount of fentanyl required to be charged with trafficking would drop from 28 grams to just 4 grams.
Low-level trafficking would carry a sentence of up to 6 years, but fines would increase up to $50,000.
High-level trafficking (28+ grams) could mean life in prison with the possibility of parole after 10 years.

That’s a major shift—especially for those previously facing lower-level drug charges. This could lead to harsher sentences and higher bail amounts for drug offenses.

DUI Offenders: Be Ready for Stricter Penalties

Nevada’s DUI laws may be about to get a lot tougher:

A third DUI offense within 7 years would carry 2 to 15 years in prison (currently it’s 1 to 6 years).
If you’re undergoing treatment for substance abuse and get another DUI, you could face the same stiff penalties.
Perhaps the most controversial change? DUI drivers who cause a death could now be charged with second-degree murder.

That last part is huge. Right now, Nevada courts are limited by a previous Supreme Court ruling—but this bill would override that and give prosecutors more tools to pursue murder charges.

Repeat Offenders and “Habitual Criminal” Designation

Currently, it takes five prior convictions to be labeled a habitual offender in Nevada. Under SB457, that number would drop to just two.

If someone commits a new crime while out on release for a prior offense, a judge could add an extra 1 to 20 years to their sentence.

This means higher risks for repeat offenders—and for the people who cosign their bonds. If someone you know has a history, it’s more important than ever to know the full risk before signing anything.

Felony Charges for Shoplifting? Possibly.

Right now, theft under $1,200 is considered a misdemeanor. But SB457 would drop the felony threshold to $750. That means shoplifting items over that amount could now result in a felony charge, carrying harsher consequences and higher bail.

Other Key Points:

Opioid settlement funds would go toward police training and reentry programs.
Court diversion programs would be eliminated for crimes involving child abuse or exploitation.
The cost of housing new offenders could add up to $42 million every two years to Nevada’s budget.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you or someone you care about is arrested in Clark County or anywhere in Nevada, you could soon be facing higher bail, longer sentences, and more aggressive prosecution. Even first-time mistakes could turn into major charges, depending on the amount involved or prior history.

That’s why it’s more important than ever to work with a bail bonds team you can trust.

At eBail, we’re here for you 24/7, holidays included. We speak your language, we don’t judge, and we move fast to help you or your loved one get out of jail as quickly as possible.

Call us now at (702) 462-9200 — we’ll explain everything, walk you through the bail process, and fight to make a tough time just a little easier.

The laws may be changing, but our commitment to helping you never will.

Need bail now? Click here to contact eBail or call (702) 462-9200.