1. Olsen Law Offices, P.C., L.L.O.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 35+ years trial experience and former Assistant State Attorney General
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, DUI, weapons charges, sex crimes, domestic violence, federal crimes
Background: With more than 35 years of trial experience, including serving as an Assistant State Attorney General, Attorney Tom Olsen has secured favorable outcomes for thousands of clients charged with narcotics offenses and other types of crimes. He is the ally who can fight for clients facing state or federal drug crimes in Nebraska, including anywhere along Interstate 80. These are serious criminal charges that become even more complex for out-of-state residents. If facing allegations for possession with intent to distribute, drug manufacturing, or drug trafficking, it is critical to call Olsen Law Offices, P.C., L.L.O. immediately. The firm is available 24/7 to assist with methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine charges. From offices in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, the firm defends clients throughout the state including Lancaster County.
Location: Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska (serves Lancaster County and all of Nebraska)
Contact: (402) 598-5789 | https://www.olsenlawomaha.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Glasz Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with aggressive representation and free consultations
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: At Glasz Law, the understanding is that every criminal defense case is unique and requires personalized attention. The team of experienced Lincoln criminal defense attorneys is dedicated to fighting for the best possible outcome for each case. Whether facing charges in Lincoln, Omaha, or anywhere throughout Nebraska, the firm is there to provide aggressive and strategic legal representation. When necessary, the attorneys won’t hesitate to go to trial, no matter if it’s a misdemeanor, felony, or federal criminal charge in the Lincoln, Nebraska, area. No matter the charge, from a less serious crime to a minor misdemeanor like a traffic ticket or warrant, the firm will help navigate the legal system. Glasz Law has been a fixture in the Lincoln, NE community since its founding in 2016. The attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge obtained over years of experience handling complex legal matters.
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska (serves Omaha and all of Eastern Nebraska)
Contact: (402) 624-4637 | https://www.glaszlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Pollack & Ball LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with forceful advocacy and dedicated representation
Practice Areas: DUI, drug trafficking, white collar crimes, assault, battery, juvenile court cases, misdemeanors, felonies
Background: Pollack & Ball LLC is a law firm in Lincoln, Nebraska that handles many different types of legal matters. The firm is dedicated to criminal defense and provides forceful advocacy in defending the rights of individuals accused of committing crimes. The attorneys represent persons who have been charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI), and all misdemeanor and felony charges including juvenile court cases, possession of controlled substance, drug trafficking, white collar crimes, assault and/or battery, and all other criminal charges in Nebraska Courts. The firm strives to work hard for clients and is proud of their winning cases. For more information on how to work with the firm, clients can call for a consultation.
Location: 1003 H St., Lincoln, NE 68508
Contact: (402) 476-7474 | https://www.pollackandball.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
4. Monzón, Guerra & Chipman, Attorneys At Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with immigration intersection expertise and hundreds of trials completed
Practice Areas: Criminal defense, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, federal crimes
Background: The attorneys of Monzón, Guerra & Chipman, Attorneys At Law, command stellar reputations in the community. Collectively, the attorneys have tried hundreds of cases in state, federal, and appellate courts. Many legal situations can have complex branches; for example, an arrest in a criminal case can endanger immigration status. Engaging more than one law firm to handle all challenges can be confusing and expensive. The attorneys at Monzón, Guerra & Chipman practice in four high-impact areas: immigration, criminal defense, family law and personal injury. These practice areas frequently have intersecting issues, and the attorneys consult with each other to ensure clients are fully covered and all potential legal vulnerabilities have been addressed.
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Contact: (402) 979-8703 | https://www.monzonlaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
5. McHenry Haszard Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 45+ years of practice and century of combined legal experience
Practice Areas: DWI, criminal defense, family law, business law
Background: At McHenry Haszard Law, the understanding is that cases are not about technical rules and regulations; cases are about people. The firm knows that clients come needing a wide variety of legal services. For that reason, the office is maintained to provide skillful services that are responsive to the needs of clients in large and small, civil and criminal, personal and business cases. The experienced legal team holds more than a century of legal experience and the firm has been in practice for nearly 40 years. The attorneys understand the legal terrain of southeast Nebraska, who the judges and opposing lawyers are and what legal arguments are successful in some situations, but not in others. The firm represents clients in civil and criminal matters alike.
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska (serves Southeast Nebraska)
Contact: (402) 858-4263 | https://www.mchenrylaw.com/
Consultation: Initial consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Nebraska
Felony Classifications
Nebraska classifies felonies into nine classes:
Class IA Felony: Includes first-degree murder. Penalty is life imprisonment.
Class IB Felony: Includes second-degree murder. Penalty is 20 years to life imprisonment.
Class IC Felony: Includes certain drug trafficking offenses. Penalty is 5-50 years imprisonment, mandatory minimum 5 years.
Class ID Felony: Includes first-degree sexual assault. Penalty is 3-50 years imprisonment, mandatory minimum 3 years.
Class II Felony: Includes kidnapping and robbery. Penalty is 1-50 years imprisonment.
Class IIA Felony: Includes assault in the first degree and certain drug offenses. Penalty is 0-20 years imprisonment.
Class III Felony: Includes assault in the second degree and theft over $5,000. Penalty is 0-4 years imprisonment or 2 years post-release supervision, or both, and up to $25,000 fine.
Class IIIA Felony: Includes third-degree sexual assault and certain fraud offenses. Penalty is 0-3 years imprisonment or 18 months post-release supervision, or both, and up to $10,000 fine.
Class IV Felony: Includes theft $1,500-$5,000 and certain drug possession offenses. Penalty is 0-2 years imprisonment or 12 months post-release supervision, or both, and up to $10,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class I Misdemeanor: Includes third-degree assault and theft under $500. Maximum 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine.
Class II Misdemeanor: Includes reckless driving and minor in possession of alcohol. Maximum 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine.
Class III Misdemeanor: Includes certain traffic offenses. Maximum 3 months in jail and $500 fine.
Class IIIA Misdemeanor: Includes certain minor offenses. Maximum 7 days in jail and $500 fine.
Infraction: Minor violations punishable by fine only.
Set Aside (Expungement)
Nebraska allows “set aside” of certain criminal convictions:
Eligible Offenses: Most misdemeanors and certain felonies can be set aside after completing the sentence.
Waiting Periods: Generally 2 years after completion of sentence for most offenses.
Ineligible Offenses: Certain violent offenses, sex offenses, and motor vehicle homicide cannot be set aside.
Effect of Set Aside: A set aside does not erase the conviction but restores civil rights and allows the person to state they have not been convicted for most purposes.
DUI Laws
Nebraska DUI applies to operating with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense carries 7 days to 60 days jail (or up to 6 months if refusal), $500 fine, and 6-month license revocation. Second offense (within 15 years) carries 30 days to 6 months jail, $500 fine, and 18-month license revocation. Third offense (within 15 years) is a Class W misdemeanor with 90 days to 1 year jail, $1,000 fine, and 15-year license revocation. Fourth offense is a Class IIIA felony. Nebraska has implied consent; refusal results in 1-year license revocation and can be used as evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Lincoln?
Criminal cases in Lincoln are heard in the Lancaster County courts. Lancaster County Court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies. Lancaster County District Court handles felony cases after the preliminary hearing. The U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska handles federal criminal cases. Having a Lincoln criminal defense attorney familiar with these court systems, judges, and prosecutors provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What is the Lancaster County Jail and how does bail work?
The Lancaster County Jail is located at 3801 W. O Street in Lincoln. After arrest, defendants may be held at the jail until a bail hearing. Bail in Nebraska can be set by the arresting officer for minor offenses, or by a judge for more serious offenses. Bail can be posted as cash, a bail bond (through a bondsman), or property. Some defendants may be released on their own recognizance (OR) without posting bail. A Lincoln criminal defense attorney can advocate for reasonable bail or OR release at the bail hearing.
What are the consequences of a felony conviction in Nebraska?
A felony conviction in Nebraska carries consequences beyond incarceration and fines. You lose the right to possess firearms under federal and Nebraska law. You lose the right to vote while incarcerated and for 2 years after completion of sentence (can be restored by application). 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. Nebraska does allow “set aside” of certain felony convictions after the waiting period, but some serious felonies cannot be set aside. A Lincoln criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid felony conviction or pursue set aside where eligible.
What is problem-solving court in Lincoln?
Lancaster County has several problem-solving courts that offer alternatives to traditional prosecution and incarceration. These include Drug Court, Mental Health Court, Veterans Treatment Court, and DUI Court. These courts focus on treatment and rehabilitation rather than punishment. Participants must plead guilty but can have charges dismissed or reduced upon successful completion of the program. Problem-solving courts typically involve regular court appearances, substance abuse or mental health treatment, drug testing, and supervision. A Lincoln criminal defense attorney can evaluate whether problem-solving court is an option for your case.
Can I get my Nebraska criminal record set aside?
Nebraska allows “set aside” of most criminal convictions after completing the sentence. The waiting period is generally 2 years after completion of sentence. A set aside does not completely erase the conviction but does restore civil rights (such as voting and firearms rights for some offenses) and allows the person to state they have not been convicted for most purposes. However, certain offenses cannot be set aside, including certain violent offenses, sex offenses, and motor vehicle homicide. The petition must be filed in the court where the conviction occurred. A Lincoln criminal defense attorney can evaluate your eligibility and file a petition to set aside your conviction.