Best Criminal Lawyer in Nevada
Richard A. Harris
Criminal Lawyer
After graduating from law school in 1980, Rick took two bar exams during the same week—California and Nevada. He passed them both; an accomplishment unmatched by anyone since. He had an overall score of 95 percent on the Nevada bar exam.
Rick first practiced with Criminal Defense Attorney and former Las Vegas Mayor, Oscar Goodman. In 1982, he founded Richard Harris Personal Injury Law Firm. As a trial lawyer and skilled negotiator, Rick has resolved several of the largest personal injury cases in Nevada. He has earned membership into the prestigious Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Outstanding Lawyers of America, and the Verdict Club as a platinum member. Rick served on the Board of Governors of the Nevada Justice Association and has been a lobbyist for injury victims’ rights in the Nevada Legislature.
ROSS GOODMAN
Criminal Lawyer
Ross Goodman is proud of his Las Vegas roots. He knew he would return to Las Vegas after concluding his commitment with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves (Major) to continue the legacy of his father, Oscar B. Goodman, one of the leading criminal defense attorneys in the U.S. and 3 time Mayor of Las Vegas, and his mother, Carolyn Goodman, who is currently serving in her third term as Mayor of Las Vegas. Ross Goodman said that “his parents tenure as Mayor of Las Vegas is historical representing the first time a family has been in charge of a major city for 25 years.”
He understands that most people come to Las Vegas for “fun, to get crazy and even outright debauchery.” However, he is quick to add that “this popular image of Las Vegas as America’s adult playground even has limits.” The hotel and casino industry and, the clubs within, are heavily regulated with a high level of cooperation with law enforcement.
As a result, Ross says about 60% of his clientele are from around the world arrested for charges ranging from drug possession, DUIs, domestic violence, indecent exposure and disorderly conduct. Ross has been successful in getting 100s of cases Dismissed and a series of Not Guilty verdicts. Ross credits his success to his work ethic, attention to detail, and his never ending passion to “leave no stone unturned” in providing the best defense for his clients.
ROBERT M. DRASKOVICH
Criminal Lawyer
Robert M. Draskovich, Jr. is a Las Vegas native who knows this city better than anyone else. Fellow locals may remember him from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish, with honors, in 1994.
However, those in the legal profession all know him as a tireless crusader.
Attorney Draskovich received his Juris Doctor, with honors, in 1997 from Brigham Young University Law School. He was a staff member of the Brigham Young University Law Review in 1996 and 1997 and was invited to become a member of Brigham Young University Law School Board of Advocates, which he served from 1995 to 1997. He was admitted to the bar in Nevada and the U. S. District Court of Nevada in 1997, and to the U. S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.
Following law school, Mr. Draskovich quickly earned a reputation for zealously representing clients in difficult cases and successfully helping people where other attorneys had failed. He has defended a wide array of clients, ranging from members of the Hell’s Angels, the Vice President of Smith & Wesson, and a six-time Olympic Gold Medalist. Many of his cases have received intense media coverage due to their out of the ordinary nature.
Daria Panoff
Criminal Lawyer
Daria received her J.D. from UNLV Law School, where she earned a Dean’s Award and served on Nevada Law Journal.
Her article on Nevada’s prostitution laws won the law school’s Carl W. Tobias “Excellence in Writing” Award for best student note. An employee at Las Vegas Defense Group since 2009, Daria is also licensed to practice law in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.
Joel M. Mann
Criminal Lawyer
Joel M. Mann opened his own criminal defense law practice in 2006, he wanted to build a law firm where clients received exceptionally personalized service.
Joel believes that keeping lines of communication open and treating the attorney-client relationship as a partnership are essential keys to achieving successful resolutions for those who have been charged in criminal cases.
Mark Coburn
Criminal Lawyer
Successfully representing a criminal case in Nevada requires a high level of skill, experience, and an understanding of Nevada’s complex Criminal Defense laws. Unless you are willing to accept the maximum penalties, you should hire a qualified attorney to assist you with your case.
While clerking for one of the most prominent defense attorney’s in the State of Georgia, Mark Coburn earned his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1995.
Mark Coburn was admitted to practice law in the District Court, Northern District of Georgia (Atlanta) in 1996. He was admitted to practice law in Nevada in 2002. Since then, he has helped thousands of clients in Southern Nevada who have faced intimidating criminal charges.
Nick Wooldridge
Criminal Lawyer
Las Vegas criminal attorney Nick Wooldridge founder of LV Criminal Defense is ready to help you now in the toughest cases in the state and federal courts in Nevada. Call him as soon as possible after an arrest at 702-623-6362. He will explain what to expect in your criminal case and what your best defenses are. Most importantly, he can help you understand when you can expect to return to your normal life.
You should entrust your criminal case to an experienced defense lawyer who exclusively deals with criminal cases. Nick Wooldridge represents clients in the smallest misdemeanor cases and the most serious felony cases with over a decade of experience, much in high-profile cases.
Philip H. Brown
Criminal Lawyer
In 2011, Attorney Philip Brown founded Brown Law Offices with the intention of providing exceptional legal representation on behalf of those who have been accused of serious crimes. As a court appointed attorney in both state and federal courts, Attorney Brown handles all types of defense litigation and juvenile delinquent defense, including:
- Drug offenses
- Firearms charges
- Gang crimes
- Sex crimes
- Domestic violence
- Casino marker default
- Fraud/white collar crime
- Computer crimes
- Probation/parole violations
- Warrants, record sealing
- Juvenile delinquent proceedings
BAR MEMBERSHIPS
- State Bar of Nevada
- United States District Court for the District of Nevada
- State Bar of California
- United Sates District Court for the Central District of California
- State Bar of Maine
- 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
EDUCATION
- University of San Diego School of Law, LL.M. in Criminal Law, 1996
- St. Thomas University School of Law, Juris Doctor, Magna Cum Laude, 1995
- University of Miami, Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, 1990
FORMER EXPERIENCE
Clark County District Attorney’s Office, Las Vegas, NV
Chief Deputy District Attorney, 1997 to 2011
Handled all facets of criminal and juvenile prosecutions on a full range of cases from misdemeanors to homicide, including:
- Acted as lead counsel for numerous felony jury trials, including murder, armed robbery, drug trafficking, gang-related offenses and habitual criminal cases
- Litigated high profile and complex cases
- Conducted grand jury proceedings, preliminary hearings, sentencings and probation revocations
- Litigated all phases of juvenile delinquency cases from the charging decision through contested hearing and appeal
- Litigated numerous hearings to certify juveniles to adult status
- Instructed new and experienced law enforcement officers regarding criminal law and procedure
- Advised law enforcement regarding investigations, search warrant preparation and charging decisions
- Wrote appellate briefs to the Nevada Supreme Court and United States Supreme Court
- Conducted oral argument before the Nevada Supreme Court
- Responded to post-conviction writs and motions
Nevada Justice: Why You Need a Top-Tier Criminal Lawyer
The glittering lights of Las Vegas might seem alluring, but navigating the Nevada legal system after facing criminal charges can feel like traversing the unforgiving Mojave Desert – hot, dry, and potentially perilous. The legal system, while striving for fairness, can be intricate and demanding. Here’s why securing a top-notch criminal lawyer in Nevada is crucial for protecting your freedom and achieving the best possible outcome:
1. Unmatched Expertise in Nevada’s Legal Landscape:
Nevada has its own unique set of criminal codes, statutes, and court decisions. A top-tier criminal lawyer licensed in Nevada possesses an in-depth understanding of these nuances, allowing them to:
- Decode Legal Complexities: They can meticulously analyze your case within the framework of the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) and interpret key court rulings that may influence the prosecution’s strategy and your potential defenses.
- Stay Current on Legal Developments: The legal landscape is constantly evolving. Your lawyer actively monitors changes in Nevada criminal law, ensuring your defense strategy reflects the most up-to-date legal principles and leverages any recent rulings that could benefit your case.
2. Championing Your Rights Under Nevada Law:
Your fundamental rights are paramount:
- Protecting Your Constitutional Rights: The best criminal attorneys in Nevada are dedicated to safeguarding your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. They ensure that law enforcement and prosecutors adhere to proper procedures, such as respecting your right to remain silent and the right to legal representation. They will challenge any violations of your rights and work to exclude any unlawfully obtained evidence from being used against you.
3. Building a Strong, Personalized Defense Strategy:
A skilled criminal lawyer in Nevada takes a proactive approach:
- Meticulous Case Evaluation: They will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case, meticulously analyzing evidence, witness statements, and police reports. This deep dive allows them to identify strengths and weaknesses, crafting a defense strategy specifically designed to maximize your chances of success.
4. Negotiation and Plea Bargaining: Pursuing the Best Possible Outcome:
Sometimes, negotiation can lead to a favorable resolution:
- Expert Negotiation Skills: A competent criminal attorney possesses excellent negotiation skills and can work with prosecutors to secure a favorable plea agreement on your behalf. They will advocate for you, aiming to reduce charges or penalties, and explore alternatives such as diversion programs or probation. This negotiation skill can help minimize the potential consequences of your case.
5. Powerful Advocacy in the Courtroom, When Necessary:
If your case goes to trial, having a seasoned lawyer by your side is critical:
- Trial-Ready Attorneys: The best criminal lawyers in Nevada have extensive courtroom experience, including knowledge of trial strategies, effective presentation skills, and the ability to cross-examine witnesses effectively. They will fight vigorously to defend your rights and interests in the courtroom.
6. Access to a Network of Trusted Professionals:
Top criminal lawyers leverage valuable connections:
- Strength in Numbers: Top criminal lawyers often have access to a network of investigators, forensic experts, and expert witnesses. They can collaborate with these specialists to gather evidence, analyze complex data, and build a solid defense strategy.
7. Support and Guidance During a Difficult Time:
The legal process can be emotionally draining:
- Understanding and Empathy: The best criminal lawyers in Nevada not only provide legal representation but also offer emotional support and reassurance throughout the process. They understand the impact of the situation on your life and can help alleviate some of the stress by guiding you through the legal complexities and providing reassurance.