Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Paradise, NV

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Paradise, Nevada?

  If you have a situation in Paradise that requires police involvement but is not an emergency, please call the non-emergency number at 3-1-1.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Paradise, Nevada?

  To obtain police reports for cases in Paradise, go online at https://wa1.lvmpd.com/AppNetProd/UnityForm.aspx?key=UFKey. Additionally, obtain reports in person from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department command near your location or go to the LVMPD headquarters at 400 South Martin Luther King Boulevard, Building C in Las Vegas. Requests can be done by sending mail addressed to: Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Attn: Correspondence Section 400 S. Martin Luther King Boulevard Building C Las Vegas, NV 89106

• What should you do if you are arrested in Paradise?

  If you are arrested in Paradise, it is important to cooperate with the police while exercising your right to remain silent. Do not provide a statement or answer any questions without an attorney present. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible after being permitted to do so. It is essential to remember that anything you say, while in custody, may be used against you in court and your words could potentially harm your defense.

• What is the criminal defense process in Paradise?

  The criminal defense process in Paradise involves a series of events after arrest. If defendants cannot be released, they are taken into custody, then booked and processed in jail. Afterward during the arraignment, they have the option to plead or not plead guilty. Negotiations to reduce charges or enter a plea bargain can happen next. If the negotiation is unsuccessful, a trial overseen by a judge may proceed for misdemeanor charges while a preliminary hearing may occur for felonies. If there is enough evidence found during the hearing, a jury trial may follow.

• What are the typical felony offenses in Paradise?

  Paradise is a tourist hub that may be a hotspot for felonies such as DUI, robbery, rape, and manufacture/distribution of drugs. Individuals facing felony charges in the metro may be detained at the City of Las Vegas Detention Center. It is important to note that the severity of the offense can greatly impact the criminal defense process. An attorney can help those facing criminal charges navigate the complex legal system and protect their rights.

• What are some defenses to a sexual assault charge in Paradise?

  There are several defenses that can be raised in a sexual assault case and these include consent, mistaken identity, and absence of sexual penetration. It is important to discuss your specific case with a qualified criminal defense attorney in Paradise, who can advise you on the best strategy for your defense. It is also important to note that sexual assault cases often require a great deal of sensitivity and care, as they can have significant emotional and psychological impacts on both the victim and the accused.

• What are the possible consequences of a criminal conviction in Paradise?

  In addition to imprisonment and getting fined, a criminal conviction in Paradise can result in a variety of serious or lifelong consequences. If convicted, individuals may lose their licenses, be ineligible for public benefits or funds, and face deportation if they are immigrants. The criminal record can follow them anywhere and make it difficult to find a job, secure housing, or obtain loan approval.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.