2026 Nevada Revised StatutesChapter 41 – Actions And Proceedings In Particular Cases Concerning PersonsNRS 41.133 Conviction of crime is conclusive evidence of facts necessary to impose civil liability for related injury.

Statutory Text

If an offender has been convicted of the crime which resulted in the injury to the victim, the judgment of conviction is conclusive evidence of all facts necessary to impose civil liability for the injury.

(Added to NRS by 1985, 968)

NV Rev Stat § 41.133 – Last Verified February 2026

Plain English Explanation

When someone is convicted of a crime in Nevada, that conviction can be used as solid proof in a civil lawsuit brought by the victim. The person who was hurt does not have to re-prove what happened all over again in civil court.

Basically, the criminal court already decided the person was guilty. So if the victim later sues that person for money to cover their losses, the conviction alone is enough to establish that the defendant did what they were accused of. The guilty verdict carries over.

This matters because criminal cases and civil cases are two separate legal proceedings. Normally a victim would need to present evidence all over again in civil court. But Nevada law says that once a conviction exists, it settles the question of fault. The defendant cannot walk into civil court and argue they did nothing wrong when a criminal court already found otherwise.

Think of it this way. If someone is convicted of assault, the assault victim can sue for damages without having to prove the assault happened a second time. The conviction does that work for them.

The law is straightforward. A guilty verdict is conclusive, meaning final and not open for debate, on every fact needed to hold that person financially responsible for the harm they caused.

Frequently Asked Questions About NRS 41.133

Can someone be sued in civil court after already being convicted of a crime in Nevada?

Yes. A criminal conviction in Nevada opens the door for a civil lawsuit from the victim. The two cases are separate, but the conviction makes the civil case much easier to pursue because the defendant cannot dispute the underlying facts that the criminal court already decided.

Does the victim have to prove everything all over again in civil court?

No. That is exactly what NRS 41.133 is designed to prevent. Once a conviction is on record, Nevada law treats it as conclusive proof of the facts needed to hold the offender financially responsible. The victim can focus on showing their losses rather than relitigating what happened.

What does “conclusive evidence” mean in this context?

Conclusive evidence means the matter is settled and cannot be argued against. The defendant cannot go into civil court and claim innocence or deny what happened after a criminal court has already found them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

What if the offender was found not guilty? Does NRS 41.133 still apply?

No. This statute only applies when there is an actual conviction. A not guilty verdict does not prevent a civil lawsuit, but it does mean the victim will need to prove their case using the civil standard of proof, which is lower than the criminal standard.

What kinds of damages can a victim recover in a civil lawsuit after a conviction?

A victim can pursue compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. The conviction establishes fault, and then the civil case determines how much money the offender owes the victim for the harm caused.

If you were the victim of a crime in Nevada and the offender has been convicted, do not wait to explore your right to pursue civil damages. Contact a licensed Nevada attorney today to find out how NRS 41.133 can work in your favor and help you recover what you are owed.