1. Goodman Law Group
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer and nearly 30 years experience
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, white collar crimes, federal crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: For nearly 30 years, Ross has built a reputation as one of Nevada’s most prominent and effective criminal defense attorneys. He doesn’t just handle cases, he gets results. His practical application of the law has helped thousands of clients achieve the results they deserve, including acquittals, dismissals, and reduced sentences. At Goodman Law Group, they believe you deserve defense, and they take great pride in protecting the rights of people from Las Vegas and around the world who are facing charges in Clark County. They represent clients in both state and federal courts, and handle everything from the earliest stages of an arrest through trials and appeals. The Las Vegas criminal defense lawyer is Board Certified by The National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Criminal Trial Lawyer with nearly 30 years of experience. Ross has advocated for several UFC fighters in disciplinary proceedings before the Nevada State Athletic Commission, protecting their careers and reputations. He has defended numerous professional athletes, from NFL players to UFC and MMA fighters, in cases involving assault, drug violations, and regulatory matters.
Location: Serves North Las Vegas and Clark County, Nevada
Contact: (702) 825-7854 | https://www.goodmanlawgroup.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7
2. Gallo Criminal Defense Las Vegas
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 18+ years trial experience and courthouse convenience
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, hit and run, marijuana crimes, theft crimes, probation violations, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: James C. Gallo is an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada. His offices are conveniently located in downtown Las Vegas near the courthouse. He represents clients throughout all of Clark County, including the cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City and Mesquite. If you have been arrested or charged with any crime in Nevada then contact an attorney at Gallo Criminal Defense Las Vegas to discuss your case during a free and confidential consultation. James C. Gallo represents clients charged with all types of criminal offenses including DUI, hit and run, marijuana crimes, drug charges, theft crimes, or violation of probation cases. From a simple misdemeanor to the most serious felony offense, James C. Gallo is experienced in fighting the charges aggressively. With more than 18 years of experience as a trial lawyer, James C. Gallo can help you understand the defenses that apply to your case. In addition to making oral arguments before the Nevada Supreme Court and the Federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, Mr. Gallo has handled hundreds of criminal cases at the trial level.
Location: Downtown Las Vegas (serves North Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Mesquite)
Contact: (702) 385-3131 | https://www.gallolawnv.com/
Consultation: Free and confidential consultation available
3. Nevada Defense Group
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor experience and over 99.9% favorable case outcomes
Practice Areas: DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, sex crimes, theft, assault, child sex crimes, murder, misdemeanors, felonies
Background: No matter who you are, a criminal charge can upend your life in an instant. Hiring an aggressive, proven defense attorney to assert your rights gives you the chance to safeguard your freedom. The Las Vegas firm, Nevada Defense Group, delivers effective advocacy in criminal defense, family and personal injury matters. If you’ve been accused of a felony, misdemeanor or traffic offense, they take on the authorities to keep them from using improper evidence against you. Over 21 awards and 60 nominations as a Top Attorney, Legal Elite, Super Lawyer, and Leading Lawyer in Criminal Defense. Over 99.9% of all criminal cases reduced, dismissed, or favorably negotiated. Hundreds of cases dismissed in 2018-2019, with thousands more dismissed or reduced over the past 10 years. Retained by over 4500 clients in 8,000+ cases, no other private criminal attorney has been retained for more criminal matters over the last ten years. Former prosecutor, former judicial extern, former public defense law clerk, studied police department policies and procedures from in-field observation alongside officers and investigators.
Location: 714 South Fourth Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (serves North Las Vegas)
Contact: (702) 988-2600 | https://www.nevadadefensegroup.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. The Defenders
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 100+ years combined experience and former prosecutors on staff
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, murder, white collar crimes, assault, theft, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: If you’re in criminal trouble in Nevada, welcome to the law firm that can help. The Defenders is a criminal defense law firm whose lawyers defend clients arrested or charged with DUIs, felonies, misdemeanors, domestic violence, sex crimes, murder, drug possession, white collar crimes and more than a dozen other criminal case categories. First, time is critical. You need help now, before the trouble gets any deeper. Second, the choice of a law firm you make now can affect the outcome of your case and make a lifetime of difference. You need to work with a Nevada-based law firm, one whose lawyers know the ins and outs of the local court system and laws. The Defenders is that law firm, one with proven results for clients. The attorneys at The Defenders help clients in tough situations every day. Their team of criminal defense lawyers includes two former prosecutors and their in-house private investigator is a former 25-year veteran Las Vegas police officer. Together, they draw on more than 100 years of law enforcement and criminal defense experience. Serving all of Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding areas including Henderson and North Las Vegas (Clark County).
Location: Downtown Las Vegas (serves North Las Vegas, Henderson, Clark County)
Contact: (702) 333-3333 | https://thedefenders.net/
Consultation: Available day and night
5. Hofland & Tomsheck
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer and former Chief Deputy District Attorney
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, murder, kidnapping, financial crimes, federal crimes
Background: Josh Tomsheck, a former Chief Deputy District Attorney and a nationally recognized, board-certified criminal trial lawyer, has spent years defending clients in Las Vegas and Clark County, as well as throughout the State of Nevada. His legal knowledge, coupled with a deep understanding of the local courts, has not only garnered numerous awards, but more importantly he has helped clients secure dismissals, reduced charges, acquittals at Trial and favorable outcomes. These results allow people to resume their normal lives, without lasting consequences. Whether you’re being investigated by law enforcement or have already been charged, Josh Tomsheck and the capable team at Hofland & Tomsheck are here to fight for your future. Nationally Recognized Attorney: Josh is a board-certified criminal trial lawyer, a designation that only a small percentage of attorneys achieve. He is also a Life Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Proven Trial Results: Mr. Tomsheck has achieved complete not guilty verdicts in cases ranging from Misdemeanor and Financial Crimes, to Kidnapping, Sexual Assault and First Degree Murder.
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada (serves North Las Vegas and Clark County)
Contact: (702) 895-6760 | https://www.lvnvlawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Nevada
Felony Classifications
Nevada classifies felonies into five categories:
Category A Felony: Includes first-degree murder, sexual assault. Penalty is death, life imprisonment, or 25 years to life.
Category B Felony: Includes robbery, burglary, sale of controlled substances. Penalty ranges from 1 to 20 years depending on offense.
Category C Felony: Includes theft over $25,000, assault with deadly weapon. Penalty is 1 to 5 years imprisonment and up to $10,000 fine.
Category D Felony: Includes possession of controlled substances, theft $5,000-$25,000. Penalty is 1 to 4 years imprisonment and up to $5,000 fine.
Category E Felony: Includes possession of controlled substances (some), theft $1,200-$5,000. Penalty is 1 to 4 years imprisonment (probation eligible) and up to $5,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Gross Misdemeanor: Includes stalking, open or gross lewdness. Maximum 364 days jail and $2,000 fine.
Misdemeanor: Includes DUI (first/second offense), petit larceny, simple battery. Maximum 6 months jail and $1,000 fine.
Record Sealing
Nevada allows sealing of criminal records after waiting periods that vary by offense. Dismissals and acquittals can be sealed immediately. Misdemeanors generally have 1-2 year waiting periods. Felonies have 2-15 year waiting periods depending on category. Certain offenses (sex crimes against children, crimes involving substantial bodily harm) may not 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, 185-day license revocation, and DUI school. Second offense within 7 years carries 10 days to 6 months jail, $750-$1,000 fine, 1-year license revocation, and possible ignition interlock. Third offense within 7 years is a Category B felony with 1-6 years prison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in North Las Vegas?
Criminal cases in North Las Vegas are handled by the North Las Vegas Justice Court for preliminary hearings and misdemeanors, and the Eighth Judicial District Court of Clark County for felony trials. Misdemeanors and DUIs, including domestic battery, are processed through the City of North Las Vegas Municipal Court. The Municipal Court is located at 2332 Las Vegas Blvd. North, Suite 300, North Las Vegas, Nevada 89030. If you’re arrested in North Las Vegas, remain calm and exercise your right to stay silent. Do not answer questions or consent to searches without first speaking to an attorney. Ask for legal counsel immediately.
What is the difference between state and federal charges in Nevada?
State charges are prosecuted by the Clark County District Attorney’s Office and heard in Nevada state courts. Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. Federal crimes include offenses that cross state lines, occur on federal property, involve federal agencies, or violate federal statutes. Common federal offenses in Nevada include drug trafficking, bank fraud, wire fraud, and illegal immigration. The federal government has a conviction rate that exceeds 90 percent. A North Las Vegas criminal defense attorney with federal experience is essential if facing federal charges.
What are the penalties for drug possession in Nevada?
Nevada has reformed drug laws to reduce penalties for simple possession. Possession of controlled substances for personal use is generally a Category E felony (1-4 years, probation eligible) for first and second offenses. Third offense or possession with intent to sell is more serious. Nevada legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21+ (up to 1 oz). Possession of more than 1 oz but less than 50 lbs is a Category E felony. Drug court and diversion programs may be available for eligible offenders. A North Las Vegas criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility for alternative sentencing.
What happens if I am charged with DUI in North Las Vegas?
A DUI charge in North Las Vegas carries serious consequences. After a DUI arrest in Nevada, you face both criminal and administrative proceedings. You may have to attend a DMV hearing regarding your license suspension and appear in court to address criminal charges. First offense carries 2 days to 6 months jail (or 48-96 hours community service), $400-$1,000 fine, 185-day license revocation, and DUI school. Nevada has an implied consent law with automatic license revocation for refusal. A North Las Vegas criminal defense attorney can challenge the arrest procedures, chemical tests, and other evidence.
Can I get my Nevada criminal record sealed?
Nevada allows sealing of criminal records after waiting periods that vary by offense. Dismissals and acquittals can be sealed immediately with no waiting period. Misdemeanors generally have 1-2 year waiting periods after case closure. Category E felonies have a 2-year waiting period. Category B, C, and D felonies have waiting periods of 5-15 years depending on the offense. Certain offenses (sex crimes against children, crimes against children, crimes resulting in substantial bodily harm) may not be eligible for sealing. A North Las Vegas criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and file the petition.