Facing criminal charges in Las Vegas is one of the most serious and frightening situations a person can encounter. Whether accused of DUI, drug offenses, violent crime, sex crime, or any other felony or misdemeanor, having an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney by your side is critical to protecting your rights, freedom, and future. When your liberty is on the line, you need a lawyer who knows Nevada criminal law inside and out. One with an in-depth understanding of the Clark County court system and a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes through skillful negotiation, motion practice, and trial advocacy. This list unveils the top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Las Vegas who are reputed for their legal expertise, aggressive advocacy, significant trial experience, and a demonstrated commitment to fighting fiercely for their clients in the face of serious criminal charges.
Table Of Contents
- Michael Becker – Las Vegas Defense Group
- K. Ryan Helmick – The Defense Firm
- Ross C. Goodman – Goodman Law Group
- Joel M. Mann
- Phil Brown – Brown Law Offices
- Michael A. Troiano
- Josh Tomsheck – Hofland & Tomsheck
- Nick Wooldridge
- Augustus Claus – ATAC Law
- The Draskovich Law Group
Michael Becker – Las Vegas Defense Group
In the Las Vegas criminal justice system, Michael Becker stands as a formidable force in criminal defense, commanding respect from prosecutors, judges, and fellow attorneys alike. With a long and distinguished track record spanning decades of criminal defense practice, Becker has taken more than 100 criminal cases to trial, securing dozens of “not guilty” verdicts and hung juries that have resulted in acquittals and dismissals in numerous serious felony cases, including murder, child abuse, and other high-stakes prosecutions.
Becker’s aggressive and proactive approach to criminal defense is renowned throughout Clark County. His firm employs an in-house private investigator—a former 25-year Las Vegas Metro Police detective, giving the firm a distinct advantage in building compelling defense strategies from the very inception of a case through final verdict. Named to prestigious “Top Attorney” lists, including Super Lawyers, Becker routinely appears as a legal expert for local and national media, cementing his reputation as one of Nevada’s most skilled trial advocates.
Practice Areas: Murder, Felony, DUI, Domestic Violence, Drug Crimes, Assault & Battery, Theft, Casino Markers
K. Ryan Helmick – The Defense Firm
Nationally recognized and award-winning, K. Ryan Helmick and his firm, The Defense Firm, have established themselves as a powerhouse in Las Vegas criminal defense. With over 13 years of dedicated criminal defense experience, Helmick has handled some of the most high-profile and complex criminal cases in the Las Vegas region, including murder, sexual assault, drug trafficking, and other serious felony prosecutions. His cases have been featured on A&E Network’s “Accused: Guilty or Innocent,” showcasing his skill in high-stakes trial work.
Helmick’s accolades speak to his excellence and dedication: voted “Best Criminal Defense Attorney of Las Vegas” by the Las Vegas Review Journal, recipient of the “Lawyer of the Year” award for both 2024 and 2025, and recognized by prestigious organizations including Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and Lawyers of Distinction. Beyond his trial victories, Helmick’s commitment to justice extends to his roles as a member of the Office of Appointed Counsel for cases involving life sentences and as an Ombudsman for the Police Fatality Fact-Finding Review Board. Trained extensively at the Trial Lawyers College under the mentorship of renowned trial lawyer Gerry Spence and the legendary Bill Terry, Helmick brings unparalleled preparation and relentless advocacy to every case.
Address: 8180 Rafael Rivera Way, Suite 205, Las Vegas, NV 89113
Phone: (702) 435-6425
Hours: Open 24/7
Website: thedefensefirm.com
Practice Areas: Murder, Sexual Assault, DUI, Drug Crimes, Violent Crimes, Federal Offenses, Felony, Misdemeanor, Expungement
Ross C. Goodman – Goodman Law Group
With nearly 30 years of criminal defense experience, Ross C. Goodman stands as a cornerstone of the Las Vegas criminal justice community. Board-Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and a member of the National College for DUI Defense, Goodman brings decades of proven expertise to cases spanning domestic violence, drug crimes, DUI, theft, and violent crimes in both state and federal courts.
Goodman’s local knowledge, combined with his national recognition, has made him a trusted advocate for clients facing serious criminal charges. His approach emphasizes thorough case investigation, strategic motion practice, and aggressive trial advocacy designed to achieve the best possible outcomes. Recognized for his top-rated defense work, Goodman continues to be a leading force in criminal defense throughout Las Vegas and Clark County.
Practice Areas: DUI, Drug Crimes, Domestic Violence, Violent Crimes, Theft, White-Collar Crime
Joel M. Mann
Joel M. Mann has earned recognition as both a Super Lawyers honoree and one of America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys. His track record includes dismissed charges in kidnapping, assault, burglary, and other serious felony cases. Specializing in DUI charges, domestic violence, drug offenses, sex crimes, and casino marker disputes, Mann brings extensive courtroom experience and a proven ability to secure favorable outcomes for his clients.
With a deep understanding of Nevada criminal law and Clark County court procedures, Mann provides personalized defense strategies tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. His reputation for aggressive advocacy and attention to detail has made him a sought-after defense counsel throughout Las Vegas.
Practice Areas: DUI, Domestic Violence, Drug Offenses, Sex Crimes, Felony, Misdemeanor, Casino Markers
Phil Brown – Brown Law Offices
Phil Brown, founder of the Brown Law Offices, brings 14 years of experience as a Chief Deputy District Attorney in Clark County to his criminal defense practice. This unique background, having prosecuted hundreds of cases from the government’s perspective, gives Brown an insider’s understanding of how prosecutors think, what strategies they employ, and how to effectively counter their arguments.
Brown has handled numerous complex and high-profile criminal cases, conducting preliminary hearings, jury trials, bench trials, sentencing hearings, and probation revocations. His extensive trial experience and deep knowledge of the Clark County legal system make him a formidable advocate for clients facing serious criminal charges. Brown has also taught law enforcement officers criminal law procedure and advised law enforcement on investigations and charging decisions.
Practice Areas: DUI, Domestic Violence, Drug Manufacturing, Embezzlement, Violent Crimes, Federal Offenses
Michael A. Troiano
Michael A. Troiano brings 17 years of criminal defense experience to his Las Vegas practice, with a specialization in criminal law and DUI defense. Recognized by The National Trial Lawyers as a “Top 40 under 40 Nevada Trial Lawyer,” Troiano has earned his reputation through aggressive courtroom advocacy and strategic case management.
Named a Mountain States “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers and recipient of the “10 Best DUI Attorney Client Satisfaction Award” by The American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys, Troiano combines youth, energy, and proven legal acumen. His approach emphasizes thorough case investigation, expert testimony coordination, and strategic negotiation with prosecutors to achieve favorable dispositions for his clients.
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI, Drug Crimes, Felony, Misdemeanor
Josh Tomsheck – Hofland & Tomsheck
Josh Tomsheck is a powerhouse attorney and partner at Hofland & Tomsheck Attorneys and Counselors at Law, leading the firm’s Criminal Trial and Personal Injury Practice Groups. With over 150 jury and bench trials under his belt since his admission to practice in 2005, Tomsheck has built an impressive track record handling high-profile cases that have captured both local and national attention.
Tomsheck’s legal acumen was honed during his tenure as a Chief Deputy District Attorney in Clark County, where he prosecuted complex criminal cases in the Gun Crimes Section of the Major Violators Unit, handling violent felony and firearms prosecutions. This prosecutorial background gives him a strategic advantage in defending clients facing serious charges. His passion for justice and his extensive trial experience make him a formidable advocate for his clients.
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Violent Crimes, Gun Crimes, Felony, Drug Crimes, DUI
Nick Wooldridge
Nick Wooldridge is recognized as an experienced and dedicated criminal defense attorney serving clients throughout Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. With a client-centered approach emphasizing direct communication and strategic case management, Wooldridge represents clients facing a wide range of criminal charges.
Wooldridge’s commitment to aggressive advocacy and thorough case preparation has earned him recognition as a skilled trial attorney capable of handling complex felony prosecutions, DUI cases, and other serious criminal matters. His goal is to provide clients with the best possible defense through relentless preparation and strategic courtroom advocacy.
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI, Drug Crimes, Felony, Misdemeanor
Augustus Claus – ATAC Law
Augustus Claus, founder of ATAC Law, brings two decades of criminal defense experience to his Las Vegas practice, handling cases ranging from misdemeanors to capital murder. Named 2022 Best Litigation Attorney and recipient of the Presidential Commendation Award, Claus has built an impressive reputation for aggressive and innovative criminal defense.
ATAC Law maintains an in-house investigation team, giving the firm a significant advantage in building strong defense strategies. The firm has successfully overturned wrongful convictions and exposed corrupt practices throughout Nevada, demonstrating a commitment not only to individual clients but also to justice system integrity. Claus’s expertise and dedication have made ATAC Law a trusted resource for clients facing the most serious criminal charges.
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Murder, Felony, Misdemeanor, Capital Cases, Federal Offenses
The Draskovich Law Group
The Draskovich Law Group is a local, award-winning law firm known for crafting winning defense strategies for clients facing criminal charges throughout Las Vegas and Clark County. With extensive experience in serious felony cases and a commitment to aggressive advocacy, the firm has earned recognition as one of the region’s leading criminal defense practices.
The firm’s approach emphasizes thorough case investigation, strategic motion practice, and courtroom readiness. The Draskovich Law Group’s attorneys bring significant trial experience and a deep understanding of Nevada criminal procedure to every case, ensuring that clients receive the highest quality defense representation.
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Felony, Misdemeanor, DUI, Drug Crimes, Violent Crimes
