1. Hofland & Tomsheck
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Board Certification and former Chief Deputy District Attorney experience
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, theft, federal crimes
Background: When your future is on the line, you need highly competent and trusted legal representation. That type of counsel can be found at Hofland & Tomsheck, a criminal defense legal team serving Henderson and the surrounding area. The firm has a well-established reputation for legal proficiency in this field. Attorney Josh Tomsheck brings verifiable credentials to the table, which include Board Certification as a Criminal Trial Lawyer by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as well as Certification as a Specialist in Criminal Trial Advocacy by Nevada’s State Bar. These accomplishments place him at the pinnacle of the Nevada criminal defense profession. He is a former Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney who has handled hundreds of major felony crimes, which gives clients the added advantage of having a lawyer who thoroughly understands how the prosecution thinks and acts.
Location: Henderson, Nevada (serves Clark County)
Contact: (702) 895-6760 | https://www.lvnvlawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Goodman Law Group
Focus Area: Criminal defense with one of only two attorneys in Nevada holding dual criminal trial specialist certifications
Practice Areas: DUI, assault, domestic violence, drug crimes, sex crimes, theft, federal crimes
Background: Criminal cases in Henderson move quickly, often beginning with the Henderson Police Department or LVMPD’s Southeast Area Command and advancing to Henderson Municipal Court or Clark County District Court in a matter of days. Goodman Law Group delivers the level of representation these cases require. Led by Attorney Ross C. Goodman, one of Nevada’s most credentialed and experienced criminal trial lawyers, the firm brings disciplined preparation, strategic defense, and a long record of results to every felony and misdemeanor case arising in Henderson. Ross holds two of the highest distinctions available to a criminal trial lawyer: Certified Specialist in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the State Bar of Nevada and Board Certification by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. These credentials reflect tested excellence, peer-reviewed skill, and a demonstrated record of success in serious criminal cases.
Location: Henderson, Nevada (serves Clark County)
Contact: (702) 825-7854 | https://www.goodmanlawgroup.com/
Consultation: Free and confidential consultation available
3. Dempsey, Roberts & Smith, LTD
Focus Area: Criminal defense with comprehensive investigation and representation
Practice Areas: DUI, assault, battery, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft, traffic violations
Background: When your freedom is at stake due to a criminal charge, investigation, or warrant, you need to exercise extreme caution. Your future is at risk if you are convicted. At Dempsey, Roberts & Smith, the attorneys will fight to get you the best possible outcome. They will work to reduce or dismiss charges and do everything they can to keep clients out of jail. The criminal defense lawyers defend people facing criminal charges in a variety of settings, from traffic violations to serious felony offenses in municipal courts and district courts. The attorneys review evidence, present a plea (if appropriate), analyze the prosecutor’s case, assess the potential sentences, review search and seizure procedures, and interview witnesses.
Location: Henderson, Nevada (serves Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Clark County)
Contact: (702) 388-1216 | https://drsltd.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
4. The Defenders
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 24/7 availability and service since 2007
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, assault and battery, theft crimes
Background: Being accused of a State or Federal criminal offense in Henderson is a serious issue. Facing criminal charges can be very frightening and stressful for you and your family. If you have been accused of a crime in Henderson, Nevada, you will need a highly qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney to defend you. A defense lawyer familiar with the local court system can get your charges dropped or dismissed. The law office has been servicing Nevada since 2007 and defends clients accused of DUI charges, drug crimes, domestic violence, assault and battery, theft crimes and other criminal offenses. The firm has an excellent history of successful case results and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Location: Henderson, Nevada (serves Clark County)
Contact: (702) 333-3333 | https://thedefenders.net/
Consultation: Free strategy session available 24/7
5. Edward F. Gonciarz, Attorney & Counselor at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 20+ years experience in Southern Nevada
Practice Areas: DUI, traffic violations, criminal defense, civil litigation
Background: When you hire a lawyer, make sure you work with someone who has the experience to be effective for you and who will make your case a priority. With a proven record in criminal defense, civil litigation and real estate matters, Attorney Edward F. Gonciarz will put every resource behind finding a solution. With more than 20 years of legal experience, the firm takes on the kinds of cases that affect Las Vegas and Southern Nevada residents every day. The office is focused on serving the needs of people who are struggling in the criminal justice system or in a difficult economy. Along with a polite and friendly legal staff, when the firm takes your case, the entire office is focused on getting results.
Location: 8870 South Maryland Parkway, Suite 100, Las Vegas, Nevada 89123-1004 (serves Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Pahrump, Boulder City, and Clark County)
Contact: (702) 997-8030 | https://www.gonciarzlaw.com/
Consultation: Free and confidential initial consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Nevada
Felony Classifications
Nevada classifies felonies into five categories:
Category A Felony: Includes first-degree murder and sexual assault. Penalty ranges from life imprisonment with or without the possibility of parole to death (Nevada has the death penalty).
Category B Felony: Includes robbery, burglary, and certain drug trafficking offenses. Penalty is 1-20 years in prison, depending on the specific offense.
Category C Felony: Includes grand larceny, forgery, and certain controlled substance offenses. Penalty is 1-5 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine.
Category D Felony: Includes certain theft offenses, stalking, and coercion. Penalty is 1-4 years in prison and up to $5,000 fine.
Category E Felony: Includes possession of controlled substances and certain fraud offenses. Penalty is 1-4 years in prison, but the court shall suspend the sentence and grant probation for first-time, non-violent offenders.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Gross Misdemeanor: Includes stalking (first offense), assault with a deadly weapon (no injury), and certain DUI offenses. Maximum 364 days in county jail and $2,000 fine.
Misdemeanor: Includes simple battery, petit larceny, and DUI (first and second offense). Maximum 6 months in county jail and $1,000 fine.
Record Sealing
Nevada allows sealing of criminal records rather than expungement:
Waiting Periods: Vary by offense category. Category A and B felonies require 15-year wait; Category C and D felonies require 12-year wait; Category E felonies require 7-year wait; Gross misdemeanors require 7-year wait; Misdemeanors require 2-year wait; Dismissals and acquittals can be sealed immediately.
Effect of Sealing: Sealed records are not available to the public, and the person can legally deny the arrest or conviction occurred for most purposes.
Ineligible Offenses: Certain sex offenses and crimes against children cannot be sealed.
DUI Laws
Nevada DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense carries 2 days to 6 months jail (or 48-96 hours community service), $400-$1,000 fine, and 185-day license revocation. Second offense (within 7 years) carries 10 days to 6 months jail, $750-$1,000 fine, and 1-year license revocation. Third offense (within 7 years) is a Category B felony with 1-6 years prison, $2,000-$5,000 fine, and 3-year license revocation. Nevada has implied consent; refusal results in 1-year license revocation and can be used as evidence at trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Henderson?
Criminal cases in Henderson are heard in different courts depending on the severity of the offense. Henderson Municipal Court handles misdemeanor offenses that occur within Henderson city limits, including DUI, domestic battery, and traffic offenses. The Henderson Municipal Court is located at 243 Water Street, Henderson, NV 89015. Felony cases and gross misdemeanors are heard in Clark County District Court, located at the Regional Justice Center in downtown Las Vegas. Henderson Justice Court handles preliminary hearings for felonies and some misdemeanors in the Henderson Township. Having a Henderson criminal defense attorney familiar with these court systems provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What is the difference between Henderson Municipal Court and Clark County District Court?
Henderson Municipal Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor offenses that occur within Henderson city limits. Prosecutors are from the Henderson City Attorney’s Office. Penalties are limited to 6 months jail for misdemeanors. Clark County District Court has jurisdiction over all felony cases and some gross misdemeanors throughout Clark County, including Henderson. Prosecutors are from the Clark County District Attorney’s Office. The District Court can impose state prison sentences. If you are initially charged with a felony in Henderson, your case will start with a preliminary hearing in Henderson Justice Court before being transferred to District Court if probable cause is found. A Henderson criminal defense attorney can explain which court has jurisdiction over your specific charges.
What are the consequences of a felony conviction in Nevada?
A felony conviction in Nevada carries consequences beyond incarceration and fines. You lose the right to possess firearms under federal and Nevada law. You lose the right to vote while incarcerated and on parole or probation (restored upon completion). You may be ineligible for certain professional licenses and may face difficulty finding employment and housing. For non-citizens, felony convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. Nevada does allow record sealing after the applicable waiting period, but certain serious offenses cannot be sealed. A Henderson criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid felony conviction or pursue record sealing where eligible.
What is a “stay of adjudication” in Nevada?
A stay of adjudication is similar to deferred adjudication in other states. Under this program, the court withholds entering a judgment of conviction while the defendant completes probation or treatment. If the defendant successfully completes the program, the charges are dismissed and no conviction is entered. The arrest record remains, but it can then be sealed. A stay of adjudication is available for certain drug offenses and other non-violent crimes in Nevada. This option is often preferable to a conviction because it avoids many of the collateral consequences of a criminal record. A Henderson criminal defense attorney can negotiate for a stay of adjudication as part of a plea agreement.
Can I get my Nevada criminal record sealed?
Nevada allows sealing of criminal records after the applicable waiting period. The waiting period begins when the case is closed (completion of sentence, probation, or parole). Waiting periods range from immediate (for dismissals and acquittals) to 15 years (for Category A and B felonies). To petition for record sealing, you must file a petition with the court that handled your case. If granted, the sealed record is not available to the public, and you can legally deny the arrest or conviction for most purposes. However, law enforcement and certain licensing agencies can still access sealed records. Some offenses, such as sex crimes and crimes against children, cannot be sealed. A Henderson criminal defense attorney can evaluate your eligibility and file a petition to seal your record.