Henderson Criminal Defense Lawyer

High-Stakes Defense for Criminal Charges in Henderson, Nevada

Criminal cases in Henderson move quickly — often beginning with the Henderson Police Department or LVMPD’s Southeast Area Command and advancing to Henderson Municipal Court or Clark County District Court in a matter of days. When your freedom and reputation are on the line, the lawyer you choose early in the process makes a meaningful difference.

Goodman Law Group delivers the level of representation these cases require. Led by Attorney Ross C. Goodman — one of Nevada’s most credentialed and experienced criminal trial lawyers — the firm brings disciplined preparation, strategic defense, and a long record of results to every felony and misdemeanor case arising in Henderson.

Individuals in Henderson, including professionals, students, military members, and out-of-state visitors, turn to Goodman Law Group because we offer:

• Unmatched Trial Credentials — One of only two attorneys in Nevada certified as a criminal trial specialist by both the State Bar and NBTA.
• Nearly 30 Years of Serious-Felony Defense — A long record of dismissals, reductions, and acquittals in complex cases.
• Disciplined, Strategic Approach — Defense rooted in Ross Goodman’s training and leadership as a U.S. Marine Corps Major.
• Deep Local Insight — Extensive experience with Henderson investigations, prosecutors, and court procedures.

If you were arrested, charged, or contacted by detectives, call (702) 825-7854 or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.

About Attorney Ross C. Goodman

Clients rely on Ross Goodman because of his rare combination of trial experience, discipline, and proven results. With decades of experience defending high-stakes criminal cases in Nevada, he is known for detailed preparation, courtroom command, and the ability to dismantle the government’s theory when it counts.

Ross holds two of the highest distinctions available to a criminal trial lawyer — certifications that very few attorneys in the country, and only two in Nevada, possess:

• Certified Specialist in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the State Bar of Nevada
• Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by the NBTA

These credentials reflect tested excellence, peer-reviewed skill, and a demonstrated record of success in serious criminal cases.

A former U.S. Marine Corps Major, Ross applies the discipline, precision, and leadership honed in military service to every aspect of the defense process. His long-standing reputation as a top-rated criminal defense attorney in Henderson includes dismissals and acquittals in major felony matters, including major DUI cases, domestic violence allegations, sex-crime investigations, weapons offenses, and cases involving significant public attention.

Cases We Handle 

Goodman Law Group represents clients in every major category of criminal offense prosecuted in Henderson, Las Vegas Justice Court, and Clark County District Court. This includes:

• Domestic Violence — including battery, strangulation, and substantial bodily harm
• DUI & Vehicular Crimes — first-time DUIs, high BAC, felony DUI, and DUI resulting in injury or death
• Drug Possession — simple possession, possession for sale, trafficking, and prescription-related charges
• Juvenile Crimes — school-related offenses, property crimes, battery, drug allegations, and minors charged as adults
• Felony Defense — all felony-level cases involving violence, weapons, property, or repeat-offender enhancements
• Assault & Battery — simple assault, battery with a deadly weapon, and allegations involving threats or force
• Theft Crimes — shoplifting, grand larceny, embezzlement, and fraud-related offenses
• Burglary & Property Crimes — residential, commercial, and vehicle burglary, as well as attempted burglary
• Sex Crimes — sexual assault, lewdness, indecent exposure, online allegations, and consent-based disputes

Where Henderson Criminal Cases Begin

Most criminal matters in Henderson originate with the Henderson Police Department (HPD), which maintains its own investigative units and patrol divisions independent of LVMPD. HPD takes a proactive approach to domestic incidents, DUI enforcement, juvenile matters, casino-related cases, and neighborhood complaints, meaning arrests often occur quickly after the initial call.

Common sources of Henderson criminal investigations include:

• HPD patrol responses to domestic disputes, disturbances, neighbor complaints, or traffic stops.
• Casino and hotel security at locations such as Green Valley Ranch, M Resort, Sunset Station, and Fiesta Henderson.
• Retail and commercial centers in the Galleria District and Eastern Avenue corridor, where shoplifting, fraud, and theft investigations often begin with loss-prevention teams.
• School-related referrals for juvenile offenses such as fights, threats, or possession allegations.
• Neighborhood and HOA security reports, which frequently rely on surveillance footage or third-party statements.

Because Henderson maintains an extensive citywide camera network and many neighborhoods rely on HOA security feeds, early legal involvement is essential to securing the same evidence law enforcement relies on.

Where Henderson Criminal Cases Are Handled

Although Henderson is its own municipality, cases do not remain in a “Henderson-only” system. Jurisdiction depends on the type and severity of the charge:

• Henderson Municipal Court. Handles misdemeanor cases arising within city limits — including first-offense DUI, simple battery, petty theft, traffic violations, and certain domestic matters.
• Henderson Justice Court. Oversees misdemeanor cases filed by HPD and the initial proceedings for all felonies. This includes bail decisions, arraignment, and preliminary hearings.
• Clark County District Court. All felony cases — including sexual assault, domestic battery with strangulation, felony DUI, weapon offenses, and violent felonies — are transferred here if the judge finds probable cause.
• Clark County Juvenile Court. Processes cases involving minors, including school-issued petitions, property crimes, battery, and drug-related allegations.

Because multiple courts may touch the same case, early decisions, especially regarding bail, charge reductions, and evidence preservation, often shape the long-term outcome.

What to Expect After an Arrest in Henderson

Henderson prosecutions move quickly, and knowing the typical sequence can help clients anticipate what comes next:

• Arrest or Citation. HPD may arrest on-scene for DUI, domestic violence, or felony allegations; lower-level matters may result in a citation or future summons.
• Transport to Henderson Detention Center (HDC). Many arrestees are booked here before transfer to CCDC for felony-level cases.
• Initial Appearance & Bail. A judge reviews probable cause, criminal history, and safety considerations. Bail conditions can include no-contact orders, electronic monitoring, or alcohol testing — all of which can be challenged.
• Filing of Charges. The Henderson City Attorney (misdemeanors) or Clark County District Attorney (felonies) decides whether to file the case as-is, add enhancements, or decline prosecution.
• Preliminary Hearing (for felonies). This hearing gives the defense an early opportunity to test the strength of the state’s evidence and expose investigative weaknesses.
• Negotiation, Motions, or Case Dismissal. Many Henderson cases are resolved through motion practice challenging evidence, suppression issues, or procedural violations.
• Trial. If unresolved, the case proceeds to trial in Municipal Court (misdemeanors) or District Court (felonies).

A disciplined and proactive defense, especially during the filing and preliminary-hearing stages, often determines whether the case escalates or collapses under scrutiny.

How Goodman Law Group Builds a Defense

Our defense approach is built on disciplined preparation, forensic evaluation, and strategic courtroom advocacy. Serious cases require more than negotiation — they require a methodical plan tailored to the evidence, the charge, and the court.

Our process typically includes:

• Immediate Evidence Review. We obtain police reports, surveillance, witness statements, and digital evidence early. Initial inconsistencies often shape the defense narrative.
• Independent Investigation. Surveillance retrieval, interviews, timeline reconstruction, and evidence preservation before it is lost or overwritten.
• Expert Collaboration. Where needed, we consult toxicologists, accident-reconstruction specialists, forensic analysts, digital-forensics experts, or mental-health professionals.
• Constitutional & Procedural Challenges. Many cases resolve through motions, including challenges to unlawful searches, defective warrants, custodial statements, or mishandled evidence.
• Trial-Ready Preparation. Ross Goodman’s decades of felony trial experience combined with his dual criminal-trial certifications signal to prosecutors that we are prepared to litigate, not simply negotiate.

Henderson Criminal Defense FAQ

Do I have to appear in court for every hearing?

For most misdemeanors, your attorney can appear for you once a formal representation is filed. Felony cases generally require your presence at key hearings (arraignment, plea, trial), but many procedural dates can be handled by counsel. We advise clients individually based on the judge, charge, and case posture.

Can charges be reduced or dismissed in Henderson?

Yes. Reductions and dismissals happen frequently, especially when:

• The evidence is weak or internally inconsistent
• Surveillance contradicts statements
• Police procedures were flawed
• Witnesses recant or credibility issues emerge
• Constitutional violations affect admissibility of evidence

Many cases resolve through negotiations or legal motions long before trial.

Will a domestic violence arrest automatically lead to charges?

Not necessarily. HPD must arrest when probable cause exists, but the Henderson City Attorney or Clark County District Attorney decides whether to file charges. 

Evidence gaps, conflicting statements, lack of injury, or credibility concerns often result in reduced charges or dismissal before the case formalizes.

Do I need a lawyer before charges are filed?

Absolutely. Henderson detectives frequently contact individuals before submitting a case to prosecutors. Early representation allows us to:

• Stop direct police contact
• Preserve favorable evidence
• Provide pre-charge advocacy
• Prevent overcharging or unjust enhancements

Some of the strongest outcomes begin during this pre-filing window.

Does Henderson offer diversion programs?

Yes. Depending on eligibility, certain cases may qualify for diversion, counseling-based resolutions, or suspended adjudication, especially in lower-level drug, theft, or first-time misdemeanor cases. Felonies, domestic violence, and DUI offenses have stricter rules, but alternative outcomes may still be possible.

How long do Henderson criminal cases take?

Misdemeanors can resolve in as little as a few weeks. Felonies may take several months or longer, particularly when forensic work, expert review, or motion practice is required. Cases involving surveillance, digital discovery, or multiple witnesses often extend the timeline — which can benefit the defense as the state must meet its burden.

How do plea negotiations work in Henderson courts?

Negotiations typically occur after the preliminary hearing (in felonies) or after initial discovery review (in misdemeanors). A strong defense approach includes:

• Identifying legal vulnerabilities
• Challenging weak evidence
• Presenting mitigating facts
• Demonstrating trial readiness

Prosecutors take negotiations more seriously when facing a certified criminal-trial specialist prepared to litigate.

Will a conviction affect my professional or gaming license?

Possibly. Henderson has a high concentration of professionals working in gaming, hospitality, healthcare, and transportation — all industries with strict licensing rules. Early counsel helps mitigate or avoid outcomes that could lead to discipline, suspension, or loss of credentialing.

Speak With a Henderson Defense Attorney Today

Serious charges demand experienced counsel. Goodman Law Group is ready to intervene early, protect your rights, and guide you through the process. 

Call (702) 825-7854 for a FREE and confidential consultation.