Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested in Las Vegas your best defense is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. I have the experience and the legal skills to get you the best results possible. I started this law firm in 2006. I serve clients in Las Vegas and throughout Clark County. I represent people in state courts and federal courts. I am one of only a few that have been sworn in before the U.S. Supreme Court. Over the years, I have helped clients get their charges dismissed or reduced and obtained relief for them at the trial and appellate levels. I will work hard to help you avoid fines, and jail time, keep your license, and, above all, keep your records clean.

What Should You Do If Charged With a Crime?

Talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer as soon as you are able to if you or someone you know have been arrested or charged with a crime. Getting legal help is critical to ensure a defendant’s rights are protected. A person may be charged with a crime before they are arrested. If this happens, a judge will issue a warrant for the person’s arrest. If the police find you, they will arrest you. The police must give you a copy of the warrant that states the charge for which you are being arrested.

Regardless of why you are arrested, you must know that you have the constitutional right to:

• Remain silent
• Have an attorney to represent you

Before you make any statement to a police officer make sure you or a family member contact a criminal defense attorney. We will make sure your rights are fully protected. If you were denied these rights at any time, your criminal defense lawyer needs to know this. Know that if you decide to speak to law enforcement, your statements may be misconstrued. This means they will likely be used against you. Your side of the story can best be told through your attorney.

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?

As an experienced criminal defense attorney, I have been trained to investigate and find elements of cases that are unique. I look for factors to use that can reduce a conviction of a potential crime. I will organize and present the facts in a manner that best supports a winning legal argument.

Just as important as being experienced you need;

• Knowledge of the criminal law system
• Outstanding negotiating skills
• Be able to access important resources

Should I hire a criminal defense attorney?

If you are being charged with a crime you should hire an attorney. A good attorney will be your best chance at getting charges reduced, a lesser penalty or even getting your case dismissed. The cost of an attorney is far less than the cost of having a criminal record.

When should I hire a criminal defense lawyer?

It would be best to have an attorney from the moment you get arrested. While this is usually not possible, you should attempt to speak to an attorney as soon as possible after being released after your arrest. This is especially true if you are facing a more serious criminal allegation. In most cases, however, you will be let out and receive a date on which your arraignment takes place. An arraignment is a hearing in which you hear what you are being charged with and are given a chance to plead guilty or not guilty. You may have a chance to meet with the prosecutor. It would be beneficial for you to have an attorney with you at this point.

Is it better to hire a local attorney?

Trusting your case to a local attorney has many advantages. A local attorney will most likely have experience with local courts which will give them the privilege of understanding the rules of the local court better than a visiting attorney.

Can a lawyer appear on my behalf in court?

Depending on the charge you are facing your attorney may or may not appear in court without you.

Know that if you hire me I will not pass your case to a paralegal. I will be handling your defense from start to finish. With every client I make sure to;

• Thoroughly explain your charges and possible defenses.
• Return your calls and answer your questions.
• Listen closely to you and understand your goals.
• Work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
• Protect Your Rights During Investigation
• Seek Your Release From Custody
• Demand And Analyze The Prosecution’s Evidence
• Pursue Relief For You Through Pretrial Motions
• Explore Your Diversionary Program Options
• Negotiate A Fair Plea Agreement
• Advise You On Whether To Accept A Plea Or Go To Trial
• Fight Aggressively For You In The Courtroom
• Minimize Your Punishment
• Handle All Post-trial Matters
• I will be right by your side, fighting for you and protecting your rights at every stage of the criminal process.

Don’t wait to get help. Get your defense started today. Call or reach me online for a free consultation.

How to Find the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me

If you are searching for a criminal defense lawyer, look for the following traits:

Responsiveness

You want to be able to reach your lawyer when you have questions. I understand the importance of your case, and I’m there when you need me.

Handles Criminal Cases Exclusively

Some attorneys are considered “general practice” lawyers, meaning that they take on cases involving various areas of the law. For example, they might handle criminal defense cases, along with family law, personal injury law, and business law cases. However, these types of lawyers may not have the same breadth of knowledge and experience that comes with focusing on just one area of the law. At the Law Office of Joel M. Mann, we focus exclusively on criminal defense. You benefit from our laser focus.

Experience with Local Courts

You will want a lawyer familiar with the local courts and prosecutors who are familiar with them. I represent clients in all of Nevada’s state and federal trial and appeals courts, so I often interact with other members of the legal community you might come in contact with. With almost 20 years of handling criminal cases, I have come to know all of the players involved in the criminal justice system.

Legal Knowledge

Many criminal defense lawyers charge by the hour. The more time they put into your case, the more money you will likely have to pay. However, you don’t want to pay for them to obtain a basic understanding of the law, such as what a warrant covers, how to prepare for a bail hearing, or what the possible penalty for a crime might be. They should know the basics and be able to answer your questions about areas of the law where they have experience.

I have a strong understanding of the legal issues that affect my clients. I also keep up with the latest developments through my memberships in the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National College for DUI Defense, and Nevada Attorneys for Criminal Justice.

Clear Fee Structure

When you decide to hire a lawyer, you will want to know how much it will cost you. You should get a clear fee structure in a written fee agreement. I provide a flat fee structure that allows you to know how much my services will cost without worrying about what the final cost will be. I also provide a free consultation so that you can speak to a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer before you pay anything.

Enthusiasm

Good criminal defense lawyers are passionate about protecting the rights of the accused. They demand that law enforcement obey the very laws they are sworn to uphold. They ensure prosecutors are held to the highest standards of the American legal system. When you decide to hire me, I listen to you to get to know you and understand your goals. I protect your rights at every stage of the case.

Your Defense Is Individualized and You Have a Say

Since it is your life on the line, you should have a say about what direction your case goes in. I can advise you of your various options throughout the process. How you decide to move forward will ultimately be up to you.

What to Do When a Friend or Loved One Is Arrested in Las Vegas

Learning that a friend or loved one has been arrested is a scary thing. You’re likely very upset and may not know what to do next. Understanding what to do, though, is important. This is a crucial time, and taking the right steps will help protect your loved one, while taking the wrong steps may hurt their case.

Keep Your Reaction Calm

It’s natural to become visibly upset after hearing that a loved one has been arrested. You may not understand what happened or become frustrated with the knowledge that they are not guilty.

Although you will have many thoughts running through your head and many emotions will surface, you must remain calm. You’ll need to speak to many officials, such as police officers, and this is much easier if you can remain calm while doing so. Officers, and anyone else you speak with, will be much more willing to help you if you can keep a cool head.

Find Out Where They Are

You may not know what county or jurisdiction your loved one was in at the time of the arrest. This can make locating them more difficult. Try to contact your loved one’s friends, employer, and anyone else who may have known their whereabouts. This will determine which police department to call.

Whether you call the police station or visit in person, the desk officer can tell you if the individual was processed through that particular precinct. Even if the individual hasn’t been taken to jail, an arrest record should still exist, so officers will be aware of the arrest.

Ask What the Charges Are

Police cannot arrest someone without probable cause. Once an officer has confirmed to you that your loved one has been arrested and processed, ask what the charges are. This can help you better understand the situation and determine the next steps you’ll take. Then, ask to see your loved one.

Tell Them Not to Talk to Anyone Other Than an Attorney

Seeing your loved one can help relieve your fears and confirm that they are OK. However, when you see your loved one, it’s most important that you tell them not to say anything at all to the police. They should only make statements after they have spoken to an attorney.

Anything they do say can be held against them in the future, which could prove harmful to their case.

What Types of Cases Do I Take?

I concentrate exclusively on criminal defense. Because of this focus, I have a deep understanding of how the criminal justice system works in Nevada’s state and federal courts.

I represent both adults and juveniles in cases involving:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• Drug Charges
• Theft Crimes
• Casino Marker/Debts
• Violent Crimes
• Conspiracy/Aiding & Abetting
• Weapons Charges
• White Collar Crimes
• Probation Violations

Unlike many criminal defense lawyers in Las Vegas, the Law Office of Joel M. Mann represents clients beyond the trial court level. I also assist clients with criminal defense appeals and also helps people to get their criminal records sealed. From the moment you are under investigation or arrested for a crime, you need to know what your rights are and what you could be facing. Contact me for a free consultation.