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Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorneys

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Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorneys

Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorneys are often the difference between a manageable outcome and a conviction that follows you for years. If you’ve been arrested, accused, or believe you are under investigation, the most important step you can take is getting a defense team involved early—before statements are taken out of context, evidence disappears, or charges escalate.

At De Castroverde Law, we defend people facing misdemeanors, felonies, and serious allegations throughout Clark County and Nevada. We build trial-ready defenses from day one, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and pursue the best available outcome—dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.

A Las Vegas criminal defense attorney team built for high-stakes cases

When police and prosecutors are involved, the system moves quickly. A strategic defense team helps you regain control by:

  • Protecting your rights from the start (silence, counsel, search issues)
  • Identifying weaknesses in reports, testing, witness accounts, and video
  • Filing motions to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully
  • Negotiating from strength when the evidence is flawed
  • Preparing the case for trial if that is the best path forward

Prosecutors negotiate differently when they know your attorneys are ready to litigate.

What’s at stake in Nevada criminal cases

  • Jail or prison exposure
  • Probation, classes, monitoring, and strict court conditions
  • Fines, fees, restitution, and cost burdens
  • A permanent record affecting jobs, housing, and licensing
  • Immigration consequences for non-citizens
  • Damage to reputation and family stability

Even “minor” charges can create major consequences if handled incorrectly early.

Why clients choose De Castroverde Law

The right representation is not about a generic promise—it’s about preparation and execution.

Our approach is built around:

  • Early intervention to shape the case before it hardens
  • Evidence-focused defense (video, lab work, testing, credibility)
  • Courtroom readiness (not just paperwork)
  • Clear communication and a plan you understand

The Las Vegas criminal court process (what to expect)

While every case is different, most Nevada criminal matters follow a predictable path:

  1. Arrest / citation / investigation contact
  2. Booking + bail decision (release conditions can matter a lot)
  3. Arraignment (charges, plea entered, dates set)
  4. Discovery + investigation (reports, video, bodycam, testing, witness issues)
  5. Motions + hearings (suppress evidence, challenge procedures)
  6. Resolution or trial (dismissal, reduction, diversion, plea, or trial)

Understanding the process reduces panic and improves decision-making.

What to do (and not do) after an arrest

Do this immediately:

  • Stay calm
  • Invoke your right to remain silent
  • Ask for an attorney
  • Avoid consent searches
  • Do not discuss the case by text or social media

Do not:

  • “Explain your side” to police
  • Contact the complaining witness
  • Assume you can fix it later

Criminal charges we defend in Las Vegas

Below are common categories we handle. These sections also help users quickly find focused information (and help Google understand topical depth).

DUI and DUI-related accusations

DUI cases involve two tracks: the criminal court case and the administrative consequences that can affect driving privileges. A strong DUI defense focuses on the facts, the stop, the testing, and the timeline.

Common defense issues include:

Drug charges

Drug cases often hinge on search legality, intent, and chain-of-custody evidence. Charges can range from possession to distribution allegations.

Key defense areas include:

  • Illegal stops or searches
  • Ownership/knowledge disputes
  • Lab testing issues
  • Quantity and intent arguments
  • Constitutional suppression motions

Domestic violence allegations

Domestic violence cases can move fast: arrests, no-contact orders, and immediate restrictions. These cases often involve credibility disputes, inconsistent statements, and sometimes false or exaggerated claims.

Sex crimes

These cases require immediate action and careful strategy. Early defense work often includes evidence preservation, witness credibility analysis, timeline building, and challenging unreliable or incomplete narratives.

Assault and violent-crime allegations

Assault accusations can involve self-defense issues, credibility disputes, and enhancement factors (injury, alleged weapon involvement). A strong defense focuses on what actually happened, what can be proven, and what cannot.

Theft/fraud-related allegations

These cases often involve paper trails, digital evidence, and intent arguments. Defense strategies focus on knowledge, intent, and evidentiary gaps.

Bench warrants and missed court

Missing court can turn a manageable situation into an arrest warrant. Fast action is crucial.

Serious felonies, including murder

The highest-stakes cases require a defense team that moves fast, investigates thoroughly, and prepares for trial from the start.


How we build a defense strategy that wins

A real defense is not one argument—it’s a structured plan:

1) Case triage & immediate protection
We identify deadlines, conditions, and early risks.

2) Evidence audit
We review reports, video, testing, witness statements, and inconsistencies.

3) Constitutional challenges
We evaluate stops, searches, arrests, and statements for legality.

4) Negotiation leverage
We negotiate from a position of strength only after understanding the evidence.

5) Trial readiness
If trial is right, we prepare a jury-focused defense: clear story, strong cross, disciplined strategy.


Arrested while visiting Las Vegas?

Visitors are often surprised by how fast Nevada cases can move. If you were arrested while traveling, you still need local counsel familiar with the courts and how to handle appearances, timelines, and strategy.

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What Can We Help You With?

De Castroverde Law Group - Criminal & Immigration has helped countless clients defend against serious charges, including:

World-Class Las Vegas Criminal Defense

Former district attorney Frank Johan Coumou discusses the De Castroverde Law’s unparalleled experience defending clients against all types of criminal charges.

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Speak with Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorneys today

If you are facing criminal allegations, do not wait for the situation to worsen. Contact De Castroverde Law Group for a confidential consultation and a clear plan for next steps.

When your freedom and future are on the line, choose Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorneys who are prepared to fight for you.

FAQs — Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorneys

  • What should I do immediately after being arrested in Las Vegas?

    Stay calm, do not answer questions, and clearly request an attorney. Avoid explaining your side of the story—police are trained to gather evidence, not to protect your interests. Do not consent to searches, and do not discuss the case by text or on social media. Contacting Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorneys early allows your defense team to advise you immediately, preserve helpful evidence, and take steps that may reduce charges or prevent the case from escalating.

  • Can criminal charges be dismissed before trial?

    Yes. Charges may be dismissed when the state lacks evidence, witnesses are unreliable, procedures were not followed, or your rights were violated. Dismissals can also occur after strong pre-trial litigation—such as suppressing evidence from an illegal stop or search. Even when dismissal is not immediately available, skilled defense work may lead to reductions, diversion, or outcomes that avoid the worst long-term consequences.

  • Do I really need a lawyer for a misdemeanor?

    Yes. Misdemeanor cases can still result in jail time, probation, fines, classes, and a record that appears on background checks. Many people accept a quick deal without understanding how it will affect employment, licensing, or future charges. A defense attorney can challenge the evidence, negotiate better outcomes, and help protect your future—even in “minor” cases.

  • How long does a criminal case take in Nevada?

    It depends on the charge level, court scheduling, evidence volume, whether motions are filed, and whether trial is necessary. Some misdemeanor cases resolve in weeks or a few months. Felony cases often take longer, especially when expert evidence or extensive discovery is involved. Your attorneys should give you a realistic timeline after reviewing the specific charges and the court handling your case.

  • What happens if I miss a court date?

    Missing court can lead to a bench warrant, which can result in arrest during a traffic stop or routine interaction with law enforcement. It can also increase bail and complicate negotiations. If you missed court, contact your attorney immediately—often a lawyer can move quickly to address the warrant and guide you through the best next step before the situation worsens.

  • What if I was arrested while visiting Las Vegas from another state?

    You still need Nevada counsel familiar with local courts and procedures. Some hearings may be handled with counsel appearing on your behalf depending on the court and circumstances, but you should not assume you can ignore dates or handle it later. A local defense team helps manage deadlines, protect your rights, and reduce disruptions to travel and work.

  • Will a criminal conviction stay on my record forever?

    Not always. Nevada law allows record sealing in many circumstances, depending on the charge and the outcome of the case. Dismissals and certain non-convictions may be sealable sooner, while convictions typically require waiting periods. A defense strategy should always consider long-term record consequences, not just the immediate case resolution.

  • Can talking to police ever help my case?

    In most cases, speaking to police without counsel does more harm than good. Statements can be misunderstood, taken out of context, or used to fill gaps in the state’s case. Even if you believe you are innocent, it is safer to politely decline questioning and request an attorney. Your lawyers can communicate on your behalf in a controlled, strategic way.

  • How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense attorney in Las Vegas?

    Fees vary depending on the seriousness of the charges, complexity, and whether litigation or trial preparation is required. A reliable firm should explain fee structure upfront and outline what is included. The focus should be on value: preparation, responsiveness, and strategy—not just a low number that results in minimal work.

  • When should I contact a criminal defense attorney?

    Immediately—ideally before speaking to police, or as soon as you learn you are being investigated. Early representation increases options, preserves evidence, and can sometimes prevent charges from being filed. The earlier Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorneys are involved, the more control you have over the outcome.

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What Our Clients Say About Us.

By far the best lawyers you could ask for. They completely alleviate you from any stress and hassles from your case and they always end up giving good news. I’m so happy I was able to utilize De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers and would never consider going anywhere else. Craig Hendricks and his team are phenomenal.Gianna G.
Great experience. I have had two cases with them and they are very quick to respond with any questions. They notify me about everything that is going on with my case. They made it super easy and took a load off my back. I will be using them for all my future legal needs.Andrea G.
If you are looking for caring and excellent attorneys, I highly recommend Orlando De Castroverde and David Menocal. They are very experienced and care about their clients. I was recommended to them by a family member for a very difficult situation. They took care of everything and made me feel so relieved. They care about their clients. Theirs staff is great also. If you leave a message or request a call back they are quick to respond. Thank you for the awesome help from Orlando and David. I am truly grateful.Maria C.

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