1. The Defense Firm
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, drug crimes defense, violent crimes defense, domestic violence defense
Case Types Handled: DUI/DWI, drug offenses, domestic violence, assault, theft, felonies, misdemeanors, violent crimes, traffic crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, DMV hearings, charge reduction, sentencing advocacy
Background: Ryan Helmick is the Founder and Lead Attorney of The Defense Firm. He is a nationally recognized attorney who has handled some of the most high-profile cases in Las Vegas. Voted “Best Criminal Defense Attorney of Las Vegas” by the Las Vegas Review Journal. Received “Lawyer of the Year” award for 2024 and 2025. Author of “The Defense Begins” available on Amazon. The firm has achieved results including reducing DUI and failure-to-stop charges to reckless driving and illegal parking respectively. The firm emphasizes dedication, communication, and keeping clients informed throughout the process.
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Contact: https://thedefensefirm.com
Consultation: Consultation available
2. Draskovich Horvath
Practice Focus: Criminal defense in state and federal courts, DUI defense, violent crimes defense, sex crimes defense
Case Types Handled: Misdemeanors, felonies, state charges, federal charges, DUI/DWI, drug crimes, violent offenses, sex crimes, domestic violence, theft, white collar crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, plea negotiations, motion practice, jury trials, pre-trial investigation
Background: Robert M. Draskovich and W. Michael Horvath are partners at the firm. The firm has more than 35 years of collective experience handling a wide range of state and federal criminal cases. The attorneys have been named among the top 3% of all criminal defense attorneys in the United States. The firm is one of the most established criminal defense law firms in the Las Vegas area. The attorneys have successfully handled numerous high-profile cases and criminal defense matters that gained national media attention. The firm does not focus on volume but rather gives clients personal attention. W. Michael Horvath is experienced handling Nevada criminal defense cases. The firm fights for client rights and freedoms in and out of the courtroom.
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Contact: (702) 381-6590 | https://www.draskovich.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. LV Criminal Defense
Practice Focus: Criminal defense exclusively, sex crimes defense, drug crimes defense, federal crimes defense, violent crimes defense
Case Types Handled: Sex crimes, drug offenses, federal crimes, violent crimes, DUI, domestic violence, theft, murder, assault, white collar crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, plea negotiations, pre-charge investigation, jury trials, motion practice
Background: Nick Wooldridge is the founder of LV Criminal Defense and is a nationally recognized attorney. He has two decades of experience and has worked on high-profile cases including matters linked to the Boston Marathon bombing. Nick Wooldridge has trained with some of the top criminal lawyers in the country. He is a Nevada Super Lawyer. The firm exclusively handles criminal cases. The firm represents both Nevada residents and out-of-state visitors facing charges in Las Vegas. The firm understands the unique challenges visitors face and works to minimize unnecessary trips back to Nevada while fighting cases.
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Contact: https://www.lvcriminaldefense.com
Consultation: Free phone consultation available 24/7
4. Pariente Law Firm, P.C.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, casino marker defense, white collar crimes defense, cyber crimes defense
Case Types Handled: DUI/DWI, casino markers, violent offenses including assault and battery, home invasion, sex crimes, drug crimes, white collar crimes including fraud and embezzlement, cyber crimes including child pornography and identity theft, appeals
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, post-conviction appeals, motion practice, pre-charge investigation
Background: Michael D. Pariente is the lead attorney at Pariente Law Firm. John G. Watkins serves as Of Counsel. The firm emphasizes working directly with clients rather than passing them off to junior associates. Clients have direct access to Michael Pariente’s personal cell phone. The firm has successfully defended thousands of cases from DUIs to white collar offenses. The firm frequently represents out-of-state visitors facing criminal accusations in Nevada. The firm handles complex cases involving multiple charges and the intricacies of Nevada law.
Location: 1635 Village Center Circle, Suite 280, Las Vegas, NV 89134
Contact: (702) 466-1871 | https://www.parientelaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7
5. The Defenders
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, domestic violence defense, drug crimes defense, sex crimes defense
Case Types Handled: DUI/DWI, felonies, misdemeanors, domestic violence, sex crimes, murder, drug possession, white collar crimes, theft, assault, battery
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, expungements, record sealing, DMV hearings
Background: The Defenders is a criminal defense law firm led by Attorney Richard Harris. The firm includes two former prosecutors. The in-house private investigator is a former 25-year veteran Las Vegas police officer. The team draws on more than 100 years of combined law enforcement and criminal defense experience. The firm was voted the Gold Winner (1st place) for Best Defense Lawyer and Best Domestic Violence Lawyer in the Las Vegas Review Journal’s 2025 “Best of Vegas” survey. The firm has earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. The firm has dozens of Las Vegas DUI lawyers, domestic violence attorneys, and assault and battery attorneys.
Location: Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada
Contact: (702) 333-3333 | https://thedefenders.net
Consultation: Consultation available day and night
Criminal Defense Regulations in Nevada
Nevada requires attorneys to be admitted to the State Bar of Nevada and maintain active licensure. The State Bar of Nevada provides continuing legal education requirements (13 hours annually including 3 hours of ethics) and maintains disciplinary oversight.
Nevada does not offer state-level board certification specifically for criminal defense practice. Attorneys may obtain national certifications through the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) for Criminal Trial Law or the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) for DUI Defense.
The Nevada Public Defender system provides representation to indigent defendants. Clark County has its own Public Defender Office. Eligibility is determined based on financial guidelines.
Nevada classifies felonies into five categories: Category A (life imprisonment or death), Category B (1 to 20 years), Category C (1 to 5 years), Category D (1 to 4 years), and Category E (1 to 4 years with probation presumption). Gross misdemeanors are punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or $2,000 fine. Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine.
Nevada allows record sealing (similar to expungement) under NRS 179.245. Category A and B violent felonies are generally not eligible. Category B non-violent felonies may be sealed 5 years after case closes. Category C and D felonies may be sealed 5 years after case closes. Category E felonies may be sealed 2 years after case closes. Gross misdemeanors may be sealed 2 years after case closes. Misdemeanors may be sealed 1 year after case closes. DUI convictions may be sealed 7 years after case closes.
Nevada has the death penalty for first-degree murder with aggravating circumstances. Capital cases require specially qualified defense counsel.
Bail in Nevada is determined by the court based on the offense, criminal history, flight risk, and danger to the community. Clark County uses a bail schedule for many offenses. Defendants may also be released on own recognizance or with conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after an arrest in Clark County?
After an arrest in Clark County, defendants are typically taken to the Clark County Detention Center (CCDC) for booking and processing. An initial appearance before a judge or justice of the peace occurs within 72 hours. At this hearing, the judge advises the defendant of the charges, informs them of their rights, and sets bail or conditions of release. For felonies, a preliminary hearing is scheduled within 15 days (if in custody) to determine if probable cause exists. If probable cause is found, the case is bound over to District Court. Arraignment in District Court follows where the defendant enters a formal plea. Las Vegas Justice Court handles misdemeanors and felony preliminary hearings.
How does the casino marker prosecution work in Nevada?
Failing to pay a casino marker in Nevada is treated as a criminal offense equivalent to writing a bad check under NRS 205.130. When a casino marker is not repaid within the required time (typically 30 days plus a 10-day grace period), the casino may send a demand letter. If payment is not received within 10 days of the demand letter, the casino can refer the matter to the Clark County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Marker amounts under $650 are misdemeanors, $650 to $3,500 are gross misdemeanors, and amounts over $3,500 are felonies. Defenses may include showing intent to pay, payment plans, disputes over the debt, or procedural violations by the casino.
What are the DUI penalties in Nevada?
A first DUI offense in Nevada is a misdemeanor with penalties including 2 days to 6 months in jail (jail may be substituted with community service), fines of $400 to $1,000, license suspension for 185 days, and possible DUI school attendance. A second offense within 7 years carries 10 days to 6 months in jail, $750 to $1,000 fines, and 1-year license suspension. A third offense within 7 years is a Category B felony with 1 to 6 years in prison. DUI causing death or substantial bodily harm is a Category B felony with 2 to 20 years in prison. Nevada has Misdemeanor DUI Court and Felony DUI Court programs offering treatment-based alternatives for qualifying defendants.
Can I seal my criminal record in Nevada?
Nevada allows record sealing under NRS 179.245. Most felony convictions may be sealed 5 years after the case closes (completion of all terms including probation, parole, and restitution). Category E felonies may be sealed after 2 years. Gross misdemeanors may be sealed after 2 years. Misdemeanors may be sealed after 1 year. DUI convictions require a 7-year waiting period. Acquittals and dismissals may be sealed immediately. Certain offenses are not eligible for sealing including crimes against children, sexual offenses, felony DUI causing death, and Category A and B violent felonies. A petition must be filed with the court where the case was heard. The filing fee is approximately $35 to $150 depending on the court. The district attorney and law enforcement may object to the petition.
What diversion programs are available in Clark County?
Clark County offers several diversion and specialty court programs. Misdemeanor DUI Court provides treatment-based supervision for qualifying DUI offenders. Felony DUI Court serves repeat DUI offenders with substance abuse issues. Drug Court provides intensive supervision and treatment as an alternative to incarceration for defendants with drug addiction. Mental Health Court serves defendants with qualifying mental health conditions. Veterans Treatment Court is available for eligible military veterans. The District Attorney’s Office may offer diversion agreements for certain first-time offenders resulting in dismissal upon successful completion. HOPE Court (Honest Opportunity Probation with Enforcement) provides structured probation with swift, certain sanctions for violations.