1. Goodman Law Group
Practice Focus: Criminal trial defense, DUI/DWI defense, domestic violence, drug offenses, felony defense, sex crimes, weapons charges, white collar crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies and misdemeanors at state and federal levels, DUI/DWI, drug possession and trafficking, domestic violence and battery, sexual assault allegations, weapons offenses, violent crimes, theft and fraud, juvenile defense, probation violations
Legal Services: Trial defense and jury trial representation, preliminary hearings, bail and bond hearings, motion practice including motions to suppress evidence, plea negotiations, grand jury representation, post-conviction relief, appeals, record sealing, expungement consultations
Background: Ross C. Goodman founded Goodman Law Group and has practiced criminal defense law for nearly 30 years. He earned his J.D. from the University of Tulsa and his B.A. from the University of California, San Diego. He is one of only two attorneys in Nevada certified as a Specialist in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the State Bar of Nevada. He also holds board certification in Criminal Trial Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Major. His peer ratings include AV Preeminent from Martindale-Hubbell, 10.0 Superb on Avvo, and selection to Super Lawyers for over a dozen consecutive years. He is admitted to practice in Nevada, Oklahoma, and the District of Columbia, and before the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.
Location: 520 S. 4th Street, Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Contact: (702) 383-5088 | https://www.goodmanlawgroup.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation offered, available around the clock
2. Law Office of Joel M. Mann
Practice Focus: Criminal defense for misdemeanors and felonies, DUI/DWI defense, drug crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, white collar crimes, violent crimes
Case Types Handled: DUI and drunk driving charges, drug and marijuana possession and distribution, domestic violence and battery, theft and robbery, unpaid casino markers, solicitation and prostitution charges, probation and parole violations, gun and weapon offenses, white collar crimes, fraud, criminal appeals
Legal Services: Trial defense at state and federal levels, appellate advocacy before the Nevada Supreme Court, Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, and U.S. Supreme Court, pre-trial motions including motions to suppress evidence, plea negotiations, expungement and record sealing, bail hearings
Background: Joel M. Mann earned his J.D. from the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2002 and was admitted to practice in Nevada the same year. He previously worked in the Appellate Division of the Clark County District Attorney’s Office. He founded his criminal defense law firm in 2006. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He served as president of the Nevada Attorneys for Criminal Justice from 2009 to 2010 and received the organization’s Outstanding Service and Leadership award. He holds a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo and has been selected to Nevada Super Lawyers since 2011.
Location: 601 S. 7th Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Contact: (702) 474-6266 | https://www.legalmann.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
3. Dempsey, Roberts & Smith, Ltd.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, domestic violence defense, assault and battery, drug offenses, theft crimes
Case Types Handled: DUI and DWI charges, assault and battery, domestic violence allegations, drug possession and distribution, theft and property crimes, traffic violations, serious felony offenses including first-degree murder charges, misdemeanors in municipal and district courts
Legal Services: Criminal defense representation in municipal and district courts, evidence review and analysis, pre-trial negotiations with prosecutors, search and seizure procedure analysis, witness interviews, trial defense, plea negotiations
Background: Dempsey, Roberts & Smith, Ltd. was established in 1992 and has offices in Henderson, Nevada. The firm has 41 years of experience in practice and has nine attorneys. The firm is listed in the Martindale-Hubbell registry and received a Distinguished peer review rating in 2025. Kenneth M. Roberts is among the partners and has received recognition from Super Lawyers. The firm is a member of the LegalShield network and offers services in criminal defense, family law, personal injury, and other practice areas.
Location: 1130 Wigwam Parkway, Henderson, NV 89074
Contact: (702) 388-1216 | https://drsltd.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Heshmati & Associates
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, drug offenses, domestic violence, theft crimes, traffic violations, misdemeanor and felony defense
Case Types Handled: DUI and DWI charges, drug possession and sales, battery domestic violence including strangulation cases, theft and burglary, weapons charges, assault, sex crimes, probation violations, warrant resolution
Legal Services: Criminal defense representation in Henderson Municipal Court, Clark County District Court, and Las Vegas Justice Court, pre-trial negotiations, motion practice, trial defense, warrant quashing, out-of-state defendant representation, flat fee pricing with payment plans available
Background: Parviz A. Heshmati and Parish D. Heshmati founded Heshmati & Associates. Parviz Heshmati was born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Las Vegas. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2004 and his J.D. from the William S. Boyd School of Law in 2008. He has received the Rising Star designation from Super Lawyers Magazine in 2015, 2016, and 2019, the Top 100 Trial Lawyers recognition from The National Trial Lawyers Association in 2013, 2015, and 2016, and the 10 Best by State award from the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys in 2015, 2020, and 2021. Forbes Advisor recognized Parish Heshmati as the Best Car Accident Attorney in Las Vegas for 2023.
Location: 515 S. 7th Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Contact: (702) 432-1000 | https://www.halo-attorneys.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, payment plans available
5. Gallo Criminal Defense Las Vegas
Practice Focus: Criminal defense for misdemeanors and felonies, DUI defense, drug crimes, theft offenses, domestic violence, traffic violations
Case Types Handled: DUI and DWI offenses, drug charges including marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin, domestic violence battery, petty theft and shoplifting, traffic violations including racing, hit-and-run, and reckless driving, weapons offenses, warrant resolution
Legal Services: Criminal defense representation in Henderson Municipal Court, Henderson Justice Court, and Clark County District Court, motion practice including motions to suppress evidence and motions to dismiss, pre-trial negotiations, trial defense, bench warrant and failure to appear warrant resolution, appeal representation before the Nevada Supreme Court and Federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
Background: James C. Gallo is a Las Vegas native who graduated from Bishop Gorman High School in 1987. He earned his Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in International Relations from the University of San Diego in 1991 and his J.D. from the University of San Diego in 1995. He began his legal career in insurance defense and civil litigation before transitioning to criminal defense. He has represented high-profile professional athletes including former UFC champions. He opened his criminal defense practice in 2004. He has more than 18 years of trial experience and has argued before the Nevada Supreme Court and the Federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Location: Downtown Las Vegas office near the courthouse
Contact: (702) 385-3131 | https://www.gallolawnv.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, available around the clock including weekends
Criminal Defense Regulations in Nevada
Nevada requires all attorneys to pass the Nevada Bar Examination and be admitted to the State Bar of Nevada before practicing law. The bar exam consists of the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) and the Nevada Essay Exam. Applicants must demonstrate good moral character and fitness to practice law through a background investigation that includes fingerprinting and criminal history checks.
The State Bar of Nevada offers specialty certification programs. Attorneys may register as Certified Specialists in specific practice areas, including Criminal Trial Advocacy. Ross C. Goodman and Joshua L. Tomsheck are the only two attorneys in Nevada certified in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the State Bar.
Nevada’s public defender system provides legal representation to indigent defendants charged with felonies, gross misdemeanors, and misdemeanors where incarceration is sought. A person qualifies as indigent if they have insufficient resources to hire a private attorney. Public defenders are available in both state and federal courts. Clark County operates its own public defender office for defendants in Henderson and Las Vegas.
Attorney advertising in Nevada is regulated by the Nevada Rules of Professional Conduct. Attorneys must not make false or misleading statements about their services. The attorney-client privilege in Nevada protects confidential communications between attorneys and their clients from disclosure.
Nevada requires attorneys to complete continuing legal education (CLE) credits annually. The requirements include a minimum number of ethics hours each year.
Nevada classifies felonies into five categories: Category A through Category E. Category A felonies are the most serious and can result in the death penalty or life imprisonment. Category B felonies carry one to 20 years in prison. Category C felonies carry one to five years and up to $10,000 in fines. Category D felonies carry one to four years and up to $5,000 in fines. Category E felonies typically result in probation for first-time offenders, with potential imprisonment of one to four years.
Nevada retains the death penalty for first-degree murder cases with aggravating circumstances. Capital cases require specialized defense counsel.
Bail and pretrial release in Nevada are governed by the Eighth Amendment and state statutes. Judges consider flight risk, danger to the community, and the nature of the charges when setting bail. Nevada uses a bail schedule for standard offenses.
Nevada’s speedy trial requirements mandate that felony trials commence within 60 days of arraignment if the defendant is in custody, or within 180 days if released. Preliminary hearings must occur within 15 days for defendants in custody.
Record sealing eligibility in Nevada varies by offense category. Category A felonies can be sealed 10 years after the case ends. Category B felonies require a 15-year waiting period. Category C and D felonies require 12 years. Category E felonies require seven years. Misdemeanors generally require one to two years.
Nevada has habitual offender enhancement laws. Defendants convicted of a third violent felony face life imprisonment or 25 years. Those with five or more felony convictions face enhanced sentences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after an arrest in Henderson, Nevada?
Following an arrest in Henderson, individuals are typically booked at the Henderson Detention Center or Clark County Detention Center. Within 72 hours, a judge reviews the arrest at a 48-hour hearing to determine probable cause and set bail. Defendants must appear for arraignment in Henderson Municipal Court for misdemeanors or Henderson Justice Court for felonies. At arraignment, the court reads the charges, the defendant enters a plea, and bail conditions are addressed. For felony cases, a preliminary hearing must be held within 15 days if the defendant remains in custody. The Henderson City Attorney prosecutes misdemeanors, while the Clark County District Attorney handles felonies.
How does the bail process work in Clark County courts?
Bail in Clark County follows a standard bail schedule based on the charges. Judges may deviate from the schedule based on factors including flight risk, criminal history, community ties, and danger to public safety. Defendants can post cash bail at the Henderson Municipal Court cashier window, the Henderson Detention Center, or through licensed bail bond agents. Conditions of release may include electronic monitoring, no-contact orders with alleged victims, alcohol testing, or travel restrictions. A criminal defense attorney can file an emergency motion to reduce bail if the amount is excessive.
What are the penalties for a first DUI offense in Henderson?
A first DUI offense in Nevada is a misdemeanor. Penalties include two days to six months in jail or community service, fines ranging from $400 to $1,000 plus court costs, DUI school attendance, completion of a victim impact panel, and a 185-day driver’s license suspension with eligibility for a restricted license after 90 days. If blood alcohol concentration exceeds 0.18, the court may require a DUI assessment program and an ignition interlock device. A conviction remains on the defendant’s criminal record and can be used to enhance penalties for subsequent DUI arrests within seven years.
Can criminal records be sealed in Nevada?
Nevada allows record sealing for most criminal convictions after a waiting period that begins when the case ends. Category E felonies require seven years, Category C and D felonies require 12 years, Category B felonies require 15 years, and Category A felonies require 10 years. Misdemeanors generally require one to two years. Some offenses, including crimes against children and certain sex offenses, cannot be sealed. Defendants who received a dismissal through deferred adjudication can have their records sealed immediately. A petition must be filed with the court that handled the case.
What diversion programs are available for criminal defendants in Henderson?
Henderson and Clark County offer several specialty court programs as alternatives to traditional prosecution. Drug Court provides treatment and supervision for defendants with substance abuse issues, potentially resulting in dismissed charges upon completion. Mental Health Court serves defendants with diagnosed mental health conditions, offering treatment instead of incarceration. Veterans Treatment Court assists military veterans struggling with substance abuse or mental health challenges related to service. The Felony Serious Offender Program is available for certain DUI defendants facing felony charges, offering a path to reduced charges through a three to five-year alcohol and drug-free program with house arrest, random testing, and counseling requirements.