Best Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyers

Criminal defense lawyers in Las Vegas handle cases in three different court systems. Municipal, justice, and district courts each follow their own rules. A felony charge in Clark County is handled in the Eighth Judicial District Court. The attorneys below defend state and federal charges across the valley.

We research each listing using public records, verified reviews, and direct evaluation. Our rankings reflect reputation, reliability, and results.

  • Bar standing and public disciplinary history review
  • Documented case results and courtroom trial experience
  • Peer recognition within the legal community
  • Client reviews, communication, and responsiveness
  • Overall online reputation and verified user feedback

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

Top-Rated Las Vegas Criminal Lawyers for State & Federal Charges

Screenshot of the LV Criminal Defense Website
300 S. 4th St, Ste 950 Las Vegas, NV 89101

Nick Wooldridge is a criminal defense lawyer in Las Vegas who handles state and federal cases throughout Nevada. He founded LV Criminal Defense and works exclusively on criminal matters, much of which is high-profile.

Attorney Wooldridge handles charges under the criminal code, including misdemeanors and serious felonies. His caseload covers drug offenses, domestic violence, federal crimes, sex crimes, and white-collar theft and fraud.

He represents clients at every stage, including arrest, trial, and record sealing. The firm ranks among the most reviewed criminal practices in Nevada.

Screenshot of the Spartacus Criminal Defense Lawyers Las Vegas Website

Led by attorney Chandon Alexander, Spartacus Law Firm puts heavy focus on DUI defense and felony charges. Alexander has earned recognition among the area's top criminal trial lawyers.

The DUI practice runs deep, covering first offenses, repeat charges, drug-related DUI, and cases involving substantial bodily harm. The firm also defends sexual assault and stalking allegations.

Payment plans help clients who need representation quickly. For anyone arrested late at night, this is a criminal defense attorney in Las Vegas reachable around the clock.

Screenshot of the Goodman Law Group Website
520 S 4th St # 200, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA

Ross Goodman is a board-certified criminal trial lawyer who opened Goodman Law Group in 2001. The National Board of Trial Advocacy grants that certification to very few attorneys.

His record makes him a sought-after Las Vegas criminal defense attorney for high-profile and serious matters. Goodman defends clients in state and federal court across Clark County.

His caseload includes drug crimes and violent felonies. Casino marker cases round out the practice, a charge tied to Nevada's gaming economy.

Screenshot of the The Defenders Website
830 S 4th St #100, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA

With more than 10,000 clients served, The Defenders runs one of the busiest criminal practices in Clark County. The team works under attorney Richard Harris and has collected hundreds of positive reviews.

Defense work spans assault and battery, drug charges, fraud, juvenile cases, and theft. The firm also handles expungement and record sealing for people seeking to clear an old conviction.

Service reaches Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Pahrump, and the staff speaks Spanish. A Best of Las Vegas gold award reflects its local standing.

Screenshot of the Benjamin Durham Law Firm, Personal Injury & Criminal Defense Lawyers Website

Benjamin Durham Law Firm is a two-market practice, with offices in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Attorneys Benjamin and Easton Durham lead a team covering both criminal defense and personal injury.

On the criminal side, the firm defends drug and theft charges, plus felony and misdemeanor matters. It also pursues record sealing after a case ends.

Video calls are available for clients who cannot visit the office in person.

Screenshot of the Cofer & Geller Website
601 S 10th St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA

Thousands of defended cases and a long list of acquittals give Cofer & Geller credibility in serious matters. The attorneys have won dismissals on charges as severe as murder and sexual assault.

Their reach extends past the trial court. The firm argues appeals before the Nevada Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The lawyers also take on police misconduct and civil rights claims when a client's rights are violated during an arrest.

Screenshot of the Joel M. Mann Website
601 S 7th St #9, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA

Joel M. Mann is a Las Vegas defense attorney recognized by Super Lawyers for his criminal work. He represents people in state cases and complex white-collar matters alike.

His practice covers DUI, drug charges, sex crimes, and violent felonies. Casino marker and casino debt cases are a particular focus, given how common they are in the city.

Mann meets with clients directly so they can weigh their options before deciding how to proceed.

Screenshot of the Goodwin Law Group, PLLC Website
6671 S Las Vegas Blvd Building D, Suite 210, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA

Charles Goodwin built Goodwin Law Group around one goal: getting charges reduced or dropped. His track record on dismissals is what he leads with.

The firm defends DUI cases, including commercial driver charges under Nevada law. Drug trafficking and violent crime matters fill much of the rest of the docket.

Goodwin handles each case personally and digs into the details before shaping a defense.

Screenshot of the T. Augustus Claus / ATAC Law Website
400 S 4th St Suite 532, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA

Augustus Claus is a Las Vegas criminal lawyer with roughly two decades of trial experience. His firm, ATAC Law, keeps investigators on staff to examine evidence early.

That approach shows in the results, including dismissed fraud, robbery, and grand larceny charges. The practice has earned National Trial Lawyers recognition along the way.

Claus defends assault, domestic violence, and category A felony cases.

Screenshot of the At Ease Law Website
900 E Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104, USA

At Ease Law pairs criminal defense with family law, a useful mix when a domestic case crosses both. Attorneys Melissa Barry and Robert Hill run the practice.

Their defense work covers drug charges and felony allegations. The family side handles divorce, including high-asset splits with complicated property.

The firm serves clients across Las Vegas, Henderson, and nearby communities such as Anthem and Boulder City.

Screenshot of the Half Price Lawyers Website
732 S 6th St #100, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA

True to the name, Half Price Lawyers built its practice on affordable rates and flexible payment plans. The firm covers a wide span of law, including criminal defense, bankruptcy, and immigration.

On criminal matters, the attorneys defend DUI, drug, and domestic battery charges, plus felonies and misdemeanors. Spanish-speaking staff and years of combined experience fill out the offering.

Screenshot of the Pariente Law Firm, P.C. Website
1635 Village Center Cir Suite 280, Las Vegas, NV 89134, USA

Michael Pariente is a former prosecutor who leads a team with more than 50 years of combined courtroom experience. That inside view of how the state builds cases shapes the firm's defense strategy.

Pariente Law Firm handles drug crimes, sex crimes, and federal charges. It also defends internet and cyber crime allegations, a fast-growing area in Nevada.

Screenshot of the Law Offices of Mace J. Yampolsky Criminal Defense Las Vegas Website

Mace Yampolsky has defended criminal cases in Las Vegas since 1981. He is the only Nevada criminal defense attorney to win a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. That case, Riggins v. Nevada, reshaped how courts treat a defendant's right to refuse medication.

His practice covers murder, DUI, and serious felony charges. Decades of trial work back an AV peer rating, the top mark Martindale-Hubbell awards.

Screenshot of the Hofland & Tomsheck Website
228 S 4th St, 1st floor, Suite B, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA

Josh Tomsheck is one of only two attorneys in Nevada certified as a criminal trial specialist by the State Bar. A former Chief Deputy District Attorney, he understands how prosecutors think.

He and partner Bradley Hofland defend DUI, federal, and domestic violence cases, plus appeals and post-conviction work. Tomsheck holds a perfect Avvo rating and repeated Super Lawyers selections.

Screenshot of the Gabriel L. Grasso, P.C. Website
411 S 6th St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA

With more than 160 jury trials taken to verdict, Gabriel Grasso brings rare courtroom mileage to a defense. He wins better than 80% of the cases he tries in state and federal court.

Grasso concentrates on casino marker charges, public corruption, and federal white-collar cases.

Screenshot of the Steven J Karen Law Offices Website
2810 W Charleston Blvd #82, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA

A sitting judge pro tempore for the Eighth Judicial District Court, Steven Karen sees criminal cases from both sides of the bench. He has practiced in Las Vegas for 32 years.

His office handles DUI, casino crimes, and domestic battery, along with personal injury and medical malpractice claims.

Screenshot of the Shahani Law, Ltd. Website
601 S 7th St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA

Jherna Shahani is a Las Vegas defense attorney who builds her practice on dismissals and reduced charges. She defends drug, marijuana, and burglary cases.

Clients can reach the firm at any hour for a free consultation.

Screenshot of the Oronoz & Ericsson LLC Website
9900 Covington Cross Dr #290, Las Vegas, NV 89144, USA

Trial lawyers James Oronoz and Thomas Ericsson defend criminal charges and pursue injury claims, with results topping $5 million in a wrongful death case. Their criminal work covers DUI, drug, and weapons charges.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Frank P. Kocka Website
600 S 8th St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA

Frank Kocka is a former prosecutor and a current judge pro tem for North Las Vegas, so he knows the local courts from every seat. He defends DUI, domestic battery, drug, and federal charges, and his office speaks Spanish.

Screenshot of the Sprenz Law Website
9960 W Cheyenne Ave #170, Las Vegas, NV 89129, USA

Serving Las Vegas since 2003, Sprenz Law handles DUI and criminal defense alongside personal injury and immigration matters. The firm has secured verdicts and settlements reaching into the millions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a criminal defense lawyer in Las Vegas cost?

Most charge flat fees or hourly rates. Criminal defense rarely works on a contingency basis. The fee depends on the charge, the court, and whether the case goes to trial. Many firms offer payment plans.

What if I cannot afford a private attorney?

You may qualify for a public defender. The Clark County Public Defender represents people who cannot pay. The court reviews your income before appointing one. A private attorney is optional, not required.

How long does a criminal case take in Las Vegas?

It depends on the charge. A misdemeanor may resolve in a few months. Felony cases move through arraignment, hearings, and possible trial. Complex cases can run a year or more.

What is the statute of limitations for crimes in Nevada?

It varies by offense level. Most misdemeanors have a one-year limit and gross misdemeanors two years (NRS 171.090). Most felonies carry a maximum term of 3 years (NRS 171.085). Murder has no deadline.

Should I take a plea deal or go to trial?

That is a strategic decision. A plea can reduce charges or penalties. Trial may be the better path when the evidence is weak. Your lawyer weighs both against the facts.

Can I clear a Las Vegas conviction from my record?

Sometimes, through record sealing. Nevada does not offer expungement, only sealing under NRS 179.245. Dismissed cases can be sealed right away. Most convictions require a waiting period first.

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor?

Often, yes. Even a misdemeanor can affect your job, housing, and reputation. A conviction stays on public record until sealed. A lawyer may get the charge reduced or dropped.

Types of Criminal Cases in Las Vegas

DUI Charges. Nevada sets the legal limit at 0.08 BAC. A third DUI within seven years becomes a felony (NRS 484C.400). Penalties rise fast with each offense.

Drug Crimes. These include simple possession, sale, and trafficking. Nevada courts treat trafficking as a serious felony. Penalties depend on the drug type and amount.

Domestic Violence. A battery domestic violence charge carries mandatory penalties. Even a first offense can mean jail and counseling. Protective orders often follow an arrest.

Sex Crimes. These cases carry severe penalties and registration rules. Some sex offenses have a 20-year filing window. The stakes for reputation are high.

Casino-Related Crimes. Unpaid casino markers are treated as theft under Nevada law. Marker and gaming fraud charges are common in Las Vegas. Many become felonies above a set dollar amount.

Theft and Fraud. Charges include larceny, burglary, and white-collar fraud. The value involved often decides the felony threshold. Federal fraud cases move through the District of Nevada.

Violent Crimes. Assault, robbery, and homicide fall in this group. These cases often turn on witness testimony and forensic evidence. A strong defense starts early.

How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Las Vegas

Check their local court experience. Las Vegas has municipal, justice, and district courts. A lawyer who knows the Eighth Judicial District Court knows its judges and procedures.

Ask about the trial record, not just settlements. Some cases must go before a jury. You want someone who has tried cases, not only negotiated pleas.

Confirm state and federal experience. Some charges land in the U.S. District Court for Nevada. These follow different rules than state court.

Look for charge-specific focus. A drunk-driving case needs different skills than a fraud case. Match the lawyer's focus to your charge.

Understand the fee agreement. Get the fee, scope, and payment terms in writing. Ask what happens if the case goes to trial.

Criminal Penalties and Outcomes in Las Vegas

Outcomes in Nevada depend on the charge and your history. Misdemeanors may bring fines, probation, or short jail terms. Felonies can carry years in state prison. A skilled defense may reduce a charge or win a dismissal. Prior convictions and the strength of the evidence both shape the result. A Las Vegas attorney can review your case and explain the realistic range.