Choosing a criminal defense lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Your lawyer will shape how the case is investigated, how prosecutors view you, and what options you have on the table. But the internet is full of generic advice, and people facing real criminal charges deserve guidance that’s actually useful.
When you’re facing charges, certain qualities in a lawyer matter more than others. Here’s what’s worth paying attention to when looking for the best criminal defense lawyer near you.
Understand What a Defense Lawyer Actually Does
A criminal defense lawyer’s role goes far beyond showing up to court.
Good defense lawyers:
- Investigate the allegations independently, not just accept the police report.
- Challenge the State’s evidence and how it was collected.
- Negotiate from a position of strength, not fear.
- Build trial-ready strategies even if the case never goes to trial.
- Protect your constitutional rights at every step, from interrogation to sentencing.
In serious cases, defense work often involves scrutinizing forensic evidence, interviewing witnesses the police overlooked, challenging digital-evidence collection, and exposing weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory.
Before you hire a criminal defense lawyer, ask them to explain how they approach building doubt in a case.
Look for Lawyers Who Focus Primarily on Criminal Defense
Criminal law is not something you “dabble” in. Nevada’s statutes, sentencing structures, enhancements, and procedures are specialized. Prosecutors in Clark County handle criminal cases every day, and your lawyer should operate at that same level.
A lawyer who devotes their practice to criminal defense will:
- Know how local detectives investigate cases.
- Understand what evidence prosecutors actually rely on.
- Recognize which strategies work in Justice Court vs. District Court.
- Understand sentencing patterns, diversion programs, and negotiation posture.
This is also why many people turn to attorneys like Ross C. Goodman, who focus exclusively on criminal defense and have spent decades navigating Nevada’s courts. His nearly 30 years of experience defending high-exposure cases gives clients meaningful insight into how these cases are investigated, charged, and resolved.
Evaluate an Attorney’s Credentials — Not Just Their Claims
Criminal defense is a field where credentials actually mean something.
Board certifications, trial certifications, and specialized recognitions are not participation trophies. They are earned through extensive casework, peer review, and rigorous testing. Very few lawyers in Nevada hold them.
For example, Ross Goodman is one of only two lawyers in the entire state who is both a:
- Certified Specialist in Criminal Trial Advocacy (State Bar of Nevada)
- Board Certified in Criminal Trial Lawyer (National Board of Trial Advocacy)
Credentials like these demonstrate verified trial skill, not just marketing language. When decades of your life may be at stake, that verification matters.
Examine Their Real Track Record, Not Just Their Website Bio
Anyone can say they “fight for clients.” What matters is results and experience in cases like yours.
When interviewing criminal defense attorneys near you, ask:
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- Have you taken cases like mine to trial?
- What outcomes have you obtained in similar situations?
- Have you defended high-stakes or high-profile cases?
- Can you explain a strategy you’ve used that made a meaningful difference?
A strong attorney will answer without hesitation.
Ross Goodman, for example, has spent decades defending high-stakes criminal cases in Nevada, including matters involving intense public, media, and law-enforcement scrutiny. That experience has produced thousands of successful outcomes for his clients.
Make Sure They Understand the Local Court System
Criminal defense is local. Even the strongest lawyer will struggle if they don’t understand how your jurisdiction operates.
In Las Vegas and Clark County, this means understanding:
- How Metro conducts investigations
- How homicide, domestic violence, or gang units build cases
- How the DA’s office assigns prosecutors
- What judges expect in negotiations, filings, and trial readiness
- How to navigate Justice Court vs. District Court
Lawyers who regularly appear in these courts will know which approaches are realistic and which are not.
Choose Someone You Can Be Honest With
Your lawyer needs the unfiltered truth and not what you wish had happened. If you feel judged, rushed, or dismissed, that is not the right attorney for you.
A good defense lawyer:
- Listens more than they talk at the first meeting
- Asks targeted follow-up questions
- Explains consequences without sugarcoating
- Gives you a realistic picture of your exposure
- Creates a safe environment for full disclosure
Honesty is your best defense tool, but only if you trust the person you’re talking to.
Understand Cost and What You’re Actually Paying For
Criminal defense fees vary widely because cases vary widely. What matters is what the fee includes.
Ask:
- Is this a flat fee? Does it cover trial?
- What work is included?
- Will you be the primary attorney, or will someone else handle the case?
- How often will we communicate?
- What additional expenses should I expect (experts, investigators, etc.)?
Higher fees may reflect:
- Verified trial credentials
- A history of winning complex cases
- Ability to handle high-exposure felony charges
- A track record of achieving favorable outcomes under difficult circumstances
The cheapest option is rarely the best option when liberty is on the line.
The Right Lawyer Is the One Who Can Protect Your Future
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
The best lawyer for you is the person who:
- Has the credentials to challenge the government
- Has real, demonstrated experience in cases like yours
- Understands the courts where your case will be heard
- Can explain strategy clearly and confidently
- Makes you feel protected, not judged
Arrested? Goodman Law Group Can Help
When you’re facing criminal charges, your freedom and future are on the line.
With only two lawyers in Nevada holding both State Bar Criminal Trial Specialist certification and NBTA Criminal Trial Law Board Certification, Ross Goodman stands out for a reason: prosecutors know he prepares cases for trial, and clients benefit from the credibility that comes with that reputation.
If you’re facing criminal charges in Las Vegas, you need a lawyer who has been tested in serious, high-exposure cases and has earned results in court. Goodman Law Group offers disciplined preparation, strategic defense, and decades of trial work rooted in Nevada’s criminal courts.
Call (702) 825-7854 or contact us online to discuss your case in a free consultation.