Conduct that can be criminal
| Conduct | Statute |
|---|---|
| Contracting without a license. A first offense is a misdemeanor, with increasing penalties for repeat offenses. | NRS 624.700, 624.750 |
| Diversion of money received for a construction project | NRS 624.750 |
| Theft, including obtaining money by a material misrepresentation | NRS 205.0832 |
| Obtaining money by false pretenses | NRS 205.380 |
| Knowingly recording a false or groundless lien | NRS 205.395 |
A contractor who simply did poor work or ran out of money has usually not committed a crime. Prosecutors look for evidence of intent: taking money with no plan to do the work, lying about a license, or using project funds for something else.
Where to report
- Nevada State Contractors Board. The Board investigates unlicensed contracting and construction fraud and refers cases to the district attorney or the Attorney General. Its criminal complaint form is on the Board's website.
- Local police or sheriff. For theft or fraud.
What to expect
- The decision to charge belongs to the prosecutor.
- A court may order a convicted contractor to pay restitution. For unlicensed contracting, the Board asks victims for three written estimates from licensed contractors.
- Criminal cases move on their own schedule and can run alongside a civil claim.
- Deadlines apply. Misdemeanor charges for unlicensed contracting must be filed within two years.
A caution. Do not threaten to report a contractor to the police in order to get a better settlement. Use the criminal process for what it is for, and pursue your money through the civil options.
How we help
Where an owner wants help presenting a matter to the Board or to law enforcement, we act as the owner's advocate: organizing the evidence, preparing the complaint, and communicating with investigators. This work is handled on an hourly basis under a written agreement.
This page is general information about Nevada law, not legal advice. Every dispute turns on its own facts and documents.