Have you been accused of a crime and need a criminal defense attorney in Nevada to defend your criminal case?
At Las Vegas Defense Group we defend clients against all misdemeanor and felony charges.
Some of the most common cases we take on & fight include:
Battery domestic violence
DUI / DWI / Drunk Driving
Solicitation for prostitution
Casino markers
Sealing Nevada criminal records
Statutory rape
Our Las Vegas Defense Lawyers Recognized for Excellence
Las Vegas Defense Group has received multiple Best of Las Vegas awards over the years, including recognition for criminal defense, domestic battery, DUI/DWI, workers’ compensation, immigration, employment and labor, and traffic ticket defense.
The firm has been awarded Best of Las Vegas Gold for Best Defense Lawyer in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2020, 2018, and 2017. Las Vegas Defense Group also received Silver for Best Defense Lawyer in 2022 and 2021, along with Bronze in 2020 and 2019.
For domestic battery defense, Best of Las Vegas awarded Las Vegas Defense Group Gold for Best Domestic Battery Lawyer in 2025 and 2024. The firm also received Silver in 2023 and 2021 and Bronze in 2022.
Las Vegas Defense Group has also been recognized by Best of Las Vegas for Best DUI/DWI Lawyer, receiving Gold in 2024, 2023, and 2020 and Silver in 2025, 2022, 2021, and 2019.
The firm’s Best of Las Vegas recognition extends to several other areas. Las Vegas Defense Group received Bronze for Best Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in 2025, 2023, 2022, and 2021. The firm was awarded Silver for Best Immigration Lawyer in 2018 and 2017 and Bronze in 2019. In 2019, Best of Las Vegas also awarded Las Vegas Defense Group Silver for Best Employment & Labor Lawyer and Silver for Best Traffic Ticket Defense.
Awards and Recognition Across Our Firm
Several Las Vegas Defense Group attorneys have received recognition from the same legal organizations over the years. Michael Becker and Michael Vicente Castillo were both named Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers in Nevada by The National Trial Lawyers. Becker received the recognition in 2015 and 2017, while Castillo received it in 2015.
The American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys has also recognized multiple attorneys from Las Vegas Defense Group. Michael Becker received its 10 Best Attorney recognition for Client Satisfaction in multiple years. Michael Vicente Castillo received the 10 Best Attorney recognition in Nevada in 2015, and Neil Shouse has been recognized as one of the organization’s 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction.
Michael Becker, Michael Vicente Castillo, and Daria A. Panoff have all received recognition from the American Institute of Legal Counsel for client satisfaction. Becker received its 10 Best Law Firm Client Satisfaction recognition from 2017-2019, while Castillo and Panoff each received the recognition in 2017 and 2018.
Three Best Rated has also recognized multiple Las Vegas Defense Group attorneys. Michael Becker was named a Top Lawyer in 2017 and Best Criminal Defense Attorney in 2019, while Michael Vicente Castillo was named a Top Lawyer in 2017. Daria A. Panoff was also associated with Three Best Rated’s Top 3 Criminal Defense Firm in Las Vegas recognition in 2017.
Best of Las Vegas has recognized both Michael Vicente Castillo and Daria A. Panoff. Castillo received Gold for Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in 2017 and 2018. Panoff received Gold for Best Criminal Defense Firm in 2017 and 2020, along with Gold for Best DUI Firm in 2020.
Michael Becker and Michael Vicente Castillo were both named among the Best DUI Lawyers in Las Vegas by Expertise in 2018. Avvo has also recognized multiple attorneys from the firm. Becker has a 10.0 Superb Rating and received the Clients’ Choice Award, Castillo received a Perfect 10 Rating in 2018, and Panoff has received a 5/5 client review.
Individual Awards and Recognition
Attorney Charles Goodwin has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star each year from 2022-2026. The Rising Stars selection is based on peer recognition and professional achievement and is limited to a relatively small percentage of attorneys in each state. Goodwin is listed among the Las Vegas Defense Group attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers.
Attorney Michael Becker has also received several recognitions that are specific to his legal career. Super Lawyers named Becker a Mountain States Super Lawyer in 2020. He was recognized by the National Advocacy for DUI Defense as a Nationally Ranked Superior DUI Attorney in 2015 and by Desert Companion Magazine as a Top Lawyer in Criminal Defense in 2014. Becker was also named among MYVEGAS Magazine’s Top 100 Lawyers of the Year in 2016 and received Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Champion Silver recognition in 2021. Lawyer.com awarded Becker 100 Law Points in 2015.
Attorney Michael Castillo was named a Super Lawyer in 2017 and 2019 and a Rising Star in 2016. He was also recognized by MYVEGAS Magazine among its Top 100 Lawyers in 2018 and received the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys’ 10 Best Attorney recognition in Nevada in 2015.
Attorney Daria Panoff has received additional recognition for client satisfaction, including an American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys 10 Best Law Firm Client Satisfaction recognition in 2017 and 2018.
Attorney Neil Shouse has received recognition from several legal organizations, including the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, the National Academy of Jurisprudence’s Premier 100, and the National Advocacy for DUI Defense’s Nationally Ranked Superior DUI Attorney recognition.
Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorney Michael Becker
Las Vegas criminal defense attorney Michael Becker has a long track record of winning dismissals and “Not Guilty” verdicts – even in the most serious felony trials. He has a proven track record of successfully arguing full acquittals at jury trials for
- rape,
- felony child abuse,
- attempted murder,
- forgery,
- assault and battery,
- solicitation for prostitution,
- drug charges, and
- trespassing.
Michael has also been named to many “top attorney” lists, including Super Lawyers, and routinely appears as a legal expert for local and national media.
Why Call the Criminal & DUI Lawyers at Las Vegas Defense Group?
Our criminal defense attorneys in Nevada bring more than 100 years of collective experience. We defend clients against all criminal charges, including battery, domestic violence, Las Vegas hit and run, grand larceny, assault and battery, solicitation for prostitution, casino markers, theft, murder, and drug charges.
As one of the only criminal lawyers in Las Vegas to have our own in-house private investigator (a former 25-year Las Vegas Metro Police detective) on staff, we are known for taking an aggressive and proactive approach to each & every case from inception through verdict. This commitment to excellence and attention to detail has allowed us to secure countless “not guilty” verdicts and numerous case dismissals short of trial – even in the most difficult cases – on behalf of our clients.
We may be able to help you avoid jail time and possibly get the charges reduced or dismissed altogether.
To learn more about specific crimes, visit our sections on Nevada crimes A to Z or Nevada crimes by NRS code section. Our assault attorneys in Las Vegas can help if you’ve been charged.
Reviews of Our Las Vegas Defense Group – Criminal & DUI Lawyers Near You
SEE WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT US
Hire the Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyers that Nevada Law Enforcement Themselves Use
More so than anyone, the police know which criminal defense lawyers in Las Vegas are the best. So, who does Nevada law enforcement call when they themselves get in trouble? They call the Las Vegas Defense Group.
Nevada Association of Public Safety Officers (NAPSO) is the state’s largest peace officer association. NAPSO selected one criminal defense attorney to contract with to defend any of its members who face actual or potential criminal charges. They chose us.
If law enforcement trusts us to defend them, you should too – we know the playing field, we understand the rules, and we know how to beat them in court.
Bail and Release Assistance for Nevada Jails
Are you or a loved one being held at a local Nevada jail?
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys can assist you with Nevada bail and inmate release information, locating a Las Vegas bail bonds agent, and devising the best strategy to get the person released quickly. We can assist you at the following jail facilities in Nevada:
- Clark County Detention Center (Las Vegas Jail)
- Henderson Jail
- Mesquite Jail
- Laughlin Jail (Tucker Holding Facility)
- North Las Vegas Jail
Our Las Vegas Defense Group – Criminal & DUI Lawyers Locations
Address:
6655 W Sahara Ave, Suite C216
Las Vegas, NV 89146
Phone: (702) 333-3673
Hours: Open 24/7
Criminal Defense Attorney in Nevada Answers FAQs
Can I get a consultation by phone or video conferencing?
Absolutely. One of our experienced criminal defense attorneys near you is available to meet with you in person, on the phone, or by video conferencing. Our criminal defense attorneys and staff are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year to help you in your moment of need.
Do I need a defense lawyer if I’m arrested in Las Vegas?
Some defendants do represent themselves in court. But it is always advisable to have an experienced Las Vegas criminal defense lawyer, even for a first-time arrest. Prosecutors may be more willing to negotiate a charge reduction or dismissal when the defendant is represented.
The Nevada legal system is complicated and intimidating, and criminal defense attorneys give defendants the best chance of achieving a favorable resolution.
What if I can’t afford a Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorney?
Nevada courts assign public defenders to defendants who cannot pay for their own lawyers. However, these defendants should consult with a private Las Vegas criminal defense attorney first to inquire about discount rates and payment plans. Defendants often stand a better chance of winning their case if they are represented by private counsel, who have more time and resources than public defenders.
Can a Defense Attorney appear on my behalf in court?
Defendants facing misdemeanor charges in Nevada usually never have to go to court as long as their attorney appears on their behalf. In felony cases, whether the defendant must show up depends on the charges and the individual judge. Should any case reach trial, the defendant would need to appear personally. During the COVID-19 crisis, courts have become more flexible in terms of allowing defendants to waive their appearances.
How do I get a copy of the police report?
Criminal defense attorneys can always obtain police reports for their clients. Otherwise, defendants can request the report directly from the police department. For the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), people can request reports online or in person.
Can I get my record sealed?
Defendants must formally petition the court for a criminal record seal in Nevada. Most misdemeanor convictions are sealable one year after the case ends. Misdemeanor DUI convictions require a seven-year waiting period. Any charge that gets dismissed may be sealed right away, and certain serious felonies must remain on the record forever. Talk with your trusted Las Vegas criminal defense lawyer to assist with sealing your criminal record.
What are common defenses to a Las Vegas criminal charge?
Depending on the specific charge, defendants may be able to claim such defenses as:
- Self-defense
- Accident
- Consent
- Lack of criminal intent
- Police misconduct
Typical evidence in criminal cases includes eyewitness accounts, surveillance videos, and written communications. If the criminal defense attorney can raise a “reasonable doubt” as to the defendant’s guilt, the prosecutor may reduce or drop the charge. The Nevada criminal court process can be confusing, so hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is advised.
Note that our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers handle personal injury and accident lawsuits throughout Nevada.
Contact an Experienced Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorney Near You
If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime in Las Vegas, contact the Las Vegas Defense Group today at (702) 333-1600 for a free case evaluation.
They will hold your hand through the entire court process and fight for the best possible resolution for your case.
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