1. Goodman Law Group
Practice Focus: Federal crimes, state felonies, white collar offenses, violent crimes, regulatory matters, athletic commission proceedings
Case Types Handled: Murder, sexual assault, drug trafficking, DUI/DWI, robbery, assault and battery, federal conspiracy charges, weapons offenses, professional athlete disciplinary matters
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, grand jury representation, motion practice, sentencing advocacy, preliminary hearings, bail hearings, appeals
Background: Ross C. Goodman has practiced criminal defense for nearly 30 years. He is a graduate of the Boyd School of Law at UNLV. He is one of only two attorneys in Nevada certified as a Specialist in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the State Bar of Nevada and Board Certified as a Criminal Trial Lawyer by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is a former U.S. Marine Corps Major. His father and mother served as mayors of Las Vegas for a combined 25 years. He maintains an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He has represented professional athletes including UFC fighters and NFL players in high-profile matters.
Location: 520 S 4th Street, Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Contact: (702) 825-7854 | https://www.goodmanlawgroup.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
2. Adras and Altig Attorneys at Law
Practice Focus: DUI/DWI defense, drug possession and trafficking, sex crimes, weapons charges, white collar offenses
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, drunk driving, drug offenses, sexual assault, child pornography, public nudity, theft, fraud
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion to suppress, DMV administrative hearings, preliminary hearings, bail reduction hearings, probation violation defense
Background: Paul J. Adras graduated from the William S. Boyd School of Law in 2003. He previously worked as an environmental scientist before entering legal practice. Steven M. Altig graduated from University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in 1999. The firm has served the Las Vegas metropolitan area including North Las Vegas for over a decade. Paul Adras has been recognized as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Nevada by the National Trial Lawyers organization.
Location: 601 S. 7th Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Contact: (702) 385-7227 | https://www.adrasandaltiglaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Ofelia Markarian Law Group, PLLC
Practice Focus: Domestic violence defense, DUI/DWI, robbery, assault, drug offenses, criminal appeals
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, domestic battery, driving under the influence, theft crimes, violent offenses, drug possession
Legal Services: Trial defense, motion practice, plea negotiations, preliminary hearings, bail hearings, appeals, record sealing petitions
Background: Ofelia Markarian graduated from Arizona Summit Law School in 2016, finishing fourth in her class. She is admitted to practice in Nevada (2018) and Arizona (2020). She holds inactive status in New Mexico (2018). She is a member of Nevada Attorneys for Criminal Justice. She is fluent in English, Armenian, and Russian, enabling her to serve multilingual clients throughout Clark County.
Location: 411 E Bonneville Avenue, Suite 360, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Contact: (725) LAW-5259 | https://ofeliamarkarianlaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available; contact office for details
4. De Castroverde Criminal and Immigration Lawyers
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, disorderly conduct, immigration-related criminal matters
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, drug crimes, drunk driving, federal offenses, violent crimes, domestic violence
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, bail hearings, preliminary hearings, immigration consequence analysis for criminal defendants, motion practice
Background: The firm was founded in 2005 and is family-owned and operated by brothers Alex and Orlando De Castroverde. Alex De Castroverde graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 1999. Orlando De Castroverde graduated magna cum laude from the University of Mississippi in 2000. The firm employs over 20 attorneys and more than 100 staff members. De Castroverde has received recognition from Chambers and Partners (Band 1 ranking), Martindale-Hubbell Platinum Client Champion status, and multiple local media selections. The firm is one of the first Spanish-speaking law practices in Nevada and among the largest 100% Hispanic-owned legal practices in the state.
Location: 1201 S Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Contact: (702) 222-9999 | https://decastroverdelaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation; available 24 hours
5. Cofer and Geller, LLC
Practice Focus: Felony and misdemeanor defense, DUI, drug crimes, sex offenses, theft, burglary, probation violations
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, possession with intent to distribute, sexual assault, prostitution, burglary, forgery, larceny, theft, probation revocation
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, probation violation defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, bail reduction, record sealing
Background: The firm represents clients throughout Clark County including North Las Vegas in both Justice Court and District Court matters. Their attorneys handle cases ranging from first-time misdemeanor offenses to serious violent felonies. The firm provides defense services for clients facing probation revocation proceedings and offers alternative punishment arguments for technical violations.
Location: Las Vegas, NV (serves North Las Vegas and all of Clark County)
Contact: Contact through firm website | https://www.cofergeller.com
Consultation: Consultation available; contact office for scheduling
Criminal Defense Regulations in Nevada
Bar Admission Requirements: The State Bar of Nevada has governed the legal profession since 1928. Attorneys must pass the Nevada Bar Examination or qualify through reciprocity with qualifying states. All applicants undergo character and fitness review. The State Bar of Nevada is located at 3100 W. Charleston Boulevard, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89102, and can be reached at (702) 382-2200.
Specialty Certifications: Nevada offers the Certified Specialist in Criminal Trial Advocacy designation through the State Bar of Nevada. Only two attorneys in the state currently hold this certification. Attorneys may also obtain board certification from the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Criminal Trial Lawyer.
Mandatory Continuing Legal Education: Nevada requires attorneys to complete 13 CLE credits annually. Of these, 10 credits must be in general legal topics, 2 credits must address ethics and professional responsibility, and 1 credit must cover substance abuse or mental health issues. Newly admitted attorneys are exempt for the remainder of their admission year plus the following full year. New attorneys must complete the Transitioning into Practice (TIP) program.
Public Defender System: Clark County Public Defender’s Office provides representation to indigent defendants in criminal cases throughout Clark County, including North Las Vegas. Eligibility is determined at arraignment based on financial qualification. The office also operates the Special Public Defender’s Office for conflict cases.
Felony Classification System: Nevada classifies felonies into Categories A through E under NRS 193.130.
Category A felonies carry sentences of death or life imprisonment. Examples include murder, sexual assault with a deadly weapon, and first-degree kidnapping.
Category B felonies carry sentences of 1 to 20 years in prison. Examples include robbery, burglary, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Category C felonies carry sentences of 1 to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Examples include fraudulent credit card use and stalking.
Category D felonies carry sentences of 1 to 4 years in prison and fines up to $5,000. Examples include involuntary manslaughter and bail jumping.
Category E felonies carry sentences of 1 to 4 years in prison and fines up to $5,000, with probation mandatory for first-time offenders. Examples include drug possession for personal use and false emergency reports.
Bail and Pretrial Release: Assembly Bill 236 (2019) reformed Nevada’s pretrial release system. The law encourages non-monetary conditions such as supervision and electronic monitoring. Defendants must receive a pretrial hearing within 48 hours of arrest. Adversarial bail hearings must occur within 3 days for indictments.
Speedy Trial Requirements: Nevada recognizes the constitutional right to speedy trial. Criminal masters conduct arraignments and ascertain whether defendants invoke or waive speedy trial rights. Trial dates are set in conjunction with the trial court clerk.
Record Sealing Eligibility (NRS 179.245): Waiting periods vary by offense severity. Category A felonies and violent crimes require 10 years after discharge from custody or supervision. Category B, C, and D felonies require 5 years after discharge. Category E felonies require 2 years after discharge. Gross misdemeanors require 2 years after discharge. Misdemeanors require 1 year after discharge. Non-conviction records may be sealed immediately. Certain offenses cannot be sealed, including crimes against children, felony DUI, sexual offenses, and home invasion with a deadly weapon.
Death Penalty Status: Nevada retains the death penalty for first-degree murder with aggravating circumstances, though no execution has occurred since 2006. The sole method of execution is lethal injection. Capital defense cases require significantly more attorney hours than non-capital murder cases, with Clark County Public Defender capital cases averaging 2,298 hours compared to 1,087 hours for non-capital murder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do North Las Vegas criminal cases get processed?
North Las Vegas criminal cases begin at the North Las Vegas Justice Court, located at 2428 Martin Luther King Boulevard, North Las Vegas, NV 89032. The court can be reached at (702) 455-7801. This court handles misdemeanor cases through trial and conducts arraignments and preliminary hearings for felony and gross misdemeanor charges. Felony cases that proceed past preliminary hearing are transferred to the Eighth Judicial District Court for trial.
How does the bail process work in Clark County for North Las Vegas arrests?
When arrested in North Las Vegas, defendants are typically processed at the Clark County Detention Center. At the initial court appearance, defendants can post bail according to the bail schedule or request a bail reduction hearing. Under AB 236 reforms, judges must consider non-monetary release conditions and hold a pretrial hearing within 48 hours. Defendants who cannot afford private counsel can request appointment of a public defender from the Clark County Public Defender’s Office at arraignment.
What are the penalties for a first-time DUI in Nevada?
A first-time DUI in Nevada is a misdemeanor offense. Penalties include 2 days to 6 months in jail (or 48 to 96 hours of community service), fines ranging from $400 to $1,000, a 185-day driver’s license revocation, and mandatory attendance at a DUI school or victim impact panel. The court may also require installation of an ignition interlock device. Repeat DUI offenses carry progressively harsher penalties, with a third DUI within 7 years classified as a Category B felony.
Can I get my criminal record sealed in Nevada after a conviction?
Nevada permits record sealing for most offenses after specified waiting periods. The waiting period begins when you are discharged from custody, probation, or parole. For Category E felonies, the waiting period is 2 years. For Category B, C, and D felonies, it is 5 years. For Category A felonies and violent crimes, it is 10 years. Certain offenses are ineligible for sealing, including crimes against children, felony DUI, sexual offenses, and home invasion with a deadly weapon. If your case was dismissed or you were acquitted, you may petition for immediate sealing.
What diversion programs are available in Clark County?
Clark County offers several diversion and alternative sentencing programs. The Specialty Court Division includes Drug Court, DUI Court, Mental Health Court, Veterans Treatment Court, and Felony Domestic Violence Court. These programs allow eligible defendants to complete treatment and supervision in lieu of incarceration. Successful completion may result in charge dismissal or reduction. Eligibility depends on the offense type, criminal history, and willingness to participate. Defense attorneys can negotiate diversion placement during plea discussions or argue for specialty court placement at sentencing.