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Nevada Criminal Defense Lawyers

8 distinguished criminal defense law attorneys in Nevada, each reviewed by the Lawyers of Distinction Selection Committee.

Nevada criminal defense law directory

John Fahrendorf

John Fahrendorf

Distinguished Lawyer

Criminal Defense Law

598 California Ave, Reno, NV 89509, USA

Many of my clients have told me they cannot believe I am a lawyer, which I hope is a compliment. I pride myself on being dedicated to my clients, understanding of their needs, and passionate about attaining their desired results. My clients know I am hardworking, honest, and available to speak to them whenever they have questions. Though I primarily practice criminal law, the most important part of my job is helping my clients get through hard times. While I know my clients appreciate my strong grasp of the law, I understand being a lawyer is more than being a law nerd: it is about being there for people. I am a native Nevadan and am grateful to have worked in the casino and hospitality industries, the film business, and for several nonprofits. The skills I learned working in several industries help me in and outside of the courtroom. When I am not practicing law, you can find me enjoying one of the many glorious activities which make Northern Nevada the best place in to live.

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Joseph Gersten

Joseph Gersten

Featured Lawyer

Criminal Defense Law

9680 W Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89147, USA

Las Vegas, Nevada attorney Joseph Gersten is the founder of The Gersten Law Firm. His practice focuses on criminal defense in the Nevada federal and state courts. He represents Nevada residents, as well as visitors and tourists, on the full range of criminal offenses — including drug and prostitution charges, domestic violence offenses, and firearms violations. He also provides legal services for family law, personal injury, and business matters. Clients who work with Joe and his law firm know they are not hiring just any lawyer: He holds a Master of Forensic Sciences degree and has experience in complex matters from his work for the United States Secret Service, Intelligence Division, and the United States Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations. He also offers clients the benefit of his extensive experience as a trial attorney for two large insurance companies and a private law firm. In addition to practicing law, Joe is an Adjunct Professor at UNLV Lee Business School, lecturing on business and real estate law. Before moving to Las Vegas, Joe worked in Washington, D.C. and Connecticut. He founded The Gersten Law Firm to provide legal services in Las Vegas and Henderson, as well as throughout Clark County. He lives in Las Vegas with his family.

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Melissa Barry

Melissa Barry

Distinguished Lawyer

Criminal Defense Law

900 E Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104, USA

Area of Practice: Criminal Defense and Family Law Melissa Barry grew up in a small town in Northeastern Ohio. All her life, Melissa knew that she was going to be practicing law. She worked diligently to do so. Melissa obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in Criminal Justice and then returned near her hometown to attend law school at the University of Akron. While attending law school, Melissa worked as a teacher's aide doing research and comparing felony murder statutes in various states. Melissa was also involved in a clinical program where she represented clients charged with misdemeanor offenses in Summit County through the Legal Defender's Office. After the time for the clinical expired, Melissa was employed as an intern continuing to represent misdemeanor clients. Melissa began working for the Las Vegas City Attorney's Office in 2008 representing the City of Las Vegas in misdemeanor prosecutions, including driving under the influence, domestic violence offenses, drug offenses, theft offenses and even vehicular manslaughter prosecutions. She was also responsible for charging cases submitted to the City Attorney's Office for prosecution. During her employment with the Las Vegas City Attorney's Office, Melissa handled countless bench trials and responded to - and argued - countless motions by defense counsel. After taking the Arizona bar exam, Melissa became a Deputy County Attorney with the Mohave County Attorney's Office. While working in that capacity, she handled misdemeanor prosecutions, juvenile prosecutions and felony prosecutions. This allowed Melissa to continue conducting bench trials and jury trials. Melissa did not have a jury trial during her time there where a defendant was acquitted of all charges, winning all of her trials. While handling a variety of felony cases, Melissa supervised misdemeanor attorneys. Melissa was trained extensively in DUI and DV prosecution and engaged in additional training every year covering a variety of topics. After prosecuting, Melissa realized her passion for working in the private sector protecting the rights and liberties of people involved in both criminal and civil litigation. While practicing criminal defense, Melissa conducted more jury trials and continued with an excellent record. She is excited to help you keep your rights protected. Since venturing into private representation of clients Melissa has mainly focused on criminal defense and family law. She is empathetic and understanding as to not add additional stress to an already intimidating time. Additionally, Melissa is one of the National Women's Trial Lawyers Top 25 for 2021. Melissa's criminal experience has made her an excellent trial attorney and she is able to help people outside of the criminal law to protect their rights, help with both tumultuous and peaceful divorces, and help you fight for custody of your child and child support while helping you feel at ease. Call today and she will be happy to help you with your legal concerns.

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Michael Sanft

Michael Sanft

Distinguished Lawyer

Criminal Defense Law

726 S. Casino Center Blvd, STE 211, Las Vegas, NV 89101

With nearly 20 years of criminal defense experience, Michael has maintained a significantly higher success rate than his peers securing many acquittals during his time practicing solo. His vision of “Real Criminal Defense” drives him to be the best attorney in Las Vegas.

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Choosing a criminal defense lawyer in Nevada

Every Lawyers of Distinction criminal defense law member in Nevada is licensed to practice law and has passed a review of achievements, peer recognition and ethics. Compare profiles and reviews, look for experience with matters like yours, then contact an attorney directly from their profile.

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