Felony Attorney in Las Vegas
Defending Your Rights Against Felony Charges
A felony is the most serious form of crime. Convictions can lead to a minimum of 1-year imprisonment and significant fines. These offenses are far more severe than misdemeanors, so facing a felony charge requires the assistance of a highly qualified felony attorney in Las Vegas to navigate the complexities of the legal system and build a strong defense.
Discuss your situation with our felony defense law firm in Las Vegas by contacting Goodman Law Group online or calling (702) 825-7854. Your initial consultation is free.
The Procedures of Felony Charges in Las Vegas
The Initial Appearance
- Appearing before the Justice of the Peace or magistrate, the charged individual should appear within 72 hours or 3 business days to start the legal process effectively.
- The prosecutor must inform the court whether the charges have been filed during the appearance.
- A criminal complaint will be handed to the defendant, and the court will ask if the defendant understands the charges.
- The court will determine if the defendant can retain legal counsel, which is crucial for a fair defense.
- The preliminary hearing date will be set by the court. If the defendant is in custody, the hearing would be scheduled within 15 days.
The Preliminary Hearing
One of the serious stages in the criminal system is the preliminary hearing, and legal representation is critical at this juncture. The preliminary hearing is a formal proceeding where the Justice of the Peace must be convinced by the prosecution that the defendant committed the crime, supported by evidence. The main purpose of the preliminary hearing is to determine if there's sufficient evidence to proceed to trial, which could significantly impact the legal trajectory. This procedure is also similar to a probable cause hearing where initial evidence is scrutinized.
Proceedings That Might Happen at a Preliminary Hearing:
- Witnesses and evidence presented by the prosecution
- Cross-examination of the witness by the defense to challenge the prosecution's claims
- If the prosecution demonstrates a scintilla of evidence before the Justice of the Peace, the case will proceed to the District Court, moving the case to trial stage
Indictment vs. Information
Indictment – This is a charging document approved by the grand jury. A grand jury is a secret proceeding where a jury hears evidence only from the prosecution side and makes a decision on whether there is enough evidence to proceed to a trial. The defense is not allowed to the grand jury proceedings and cannot present evidence at the proceeding. If the grand jury finds enough evidence they will give an Indictment.
Information – This is a sworn statement that accuses the defendant of committing a criminal act. An authorized public official presents the Information to the court, indicating there is sufficient reason to prosecute the defendant.
Indictment and Information are two methods used to charge the defendant with a crime, each with different implications on how the prosecution proceeds.
Why Choose Us: Expertise, Dedication, Results
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Comprehensive Criminal DefenseWhether facing charges for DUI, violent crimes, or white-collar offenses, Goodman Law Group provides aggressive representation with a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for clients in both state and federal courts.
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Local Expertise, National ImpactAs a lifelong Las Vegas resident, Ross C. Goodman’s deep knowledge of local laws, courts, and legal professionals gives his clients a distinct advantage, while his nationally recognized legal skills elevate his reputation beyond the state.
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Proven Track RecordWith nearly 30 years of experience and a history of high-profile victories, Ross C. Goodman is a top-tier criminal defense attorney, known for securing dismissals, "Not Guilty" verdicts, and favorable resolutions.
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Personalized, Successful DefenseEvery case at Goodman Law Group is handled with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring personalized strategies that have resulted in reduced sentences, acquittals, and alternative legal resolutions for thousands of clients.
Client Success Stories
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"You don't find lawyers like him every day."If someone wants competence, experience, straightforwardness, and results along with a great personality then they need Ross Goodman. He's the only attorney I would recommend. The quality I received with Ross cannot be overstated. He's the best!
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"He got me an excellent result, better than I could have expected."I can't say enough good things about Ross and his team. He kept me fully informed, answered my questions promptly and personally, and was just there for me. I'd definitely recommend him without any hesitation.- Howard R.
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"This is the kind of attorney you don’t just recommend — you insist people hire. Worth every penny."Ross Goodman is, without question, in a league of his own. From our very first meeting, it was clear this wasn’t just another defense attorney — Ross is the real deal. He knows the system, commands respect in the courtroom, and he knows how to get results when it matters the most.
To be completely honest, we didn’t hire Ross right away — and that was our first mistake. We initially went with another well-known law firm, thinking we were getting a specific high-profile attorney. But when it came time for court, instead of the person we were promised, they sent in a junior lawyer we’d never met. I couldn’t even get straight answers to basic questions, and it quickly became clear that we were just another file on someone’s desk.
That experience made me double down and insist that we bring Ross Goodman onto the case. I had already met with him in person and had done my homework. After spending an entire afternoon watching interviews, YouTube clips, and reading about his background (and his incredible family — yes, I’m now also a fan of his dad, Oscar Goodman), I knew this was the attorney we had to have. Thankfully, we made the switch — and everything changed.
He took a very serious situation and turned it into a manageable, strategic resolution. He negotiated a plea that avoided a felony conviction — something we honestly didn’t think was possible. That outcome didn’t happen by chance — it happened because he knows how to talk to prosecutors, how to protect his clients when the stakes are high, and how to be the very best at what he does.
He’s not the cheapest attorney in town — and that’s exactly the point. If you’re gambling with your freedom, your record, or your future, you want someone with real experience and a proven reputation. You don’t hire Ross to hope for a good outcome , you hire him because you want the best possible one.
This is the kind of attorney you don’t just recommend — you insist people hire.
Worth every penny. -
"He really saved my future and reputation!"So thankful for Mr. Ross Goodman taking on my case. Sometimes bad things happen even to good people and you're left to make decisions that could affect your livelihood. I knew going into my case I wanted the best lawyer defending me and the best is Ross.- Taniel C.
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"Attorneys of Ross Goodman’s caliber are few and far between and certainly hard to find."He fights for his clients and I truly thank him for that. I feel fortunate to have made his acquaintance and had his representation. The outcome he was able to secure was a blessing in my life.
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"He’s hands down the best attorney in Vegas!"Ross Goodman is truly in a league of his own. Once again, he got another one of my cases dismissed - this time a domestic violence charge that never should have been filed in the first place. From the very beginning, Ross treated the case with the seriousness and precision it deserved. He quickly identified the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, communicated clearly every step of the way, and fought relentlessly to protect my rights and reputation.
What sets him apart is his professionalism, integrity, and genuine commitment to getting justice for his clients. He doesn’t just settle, he wins with strategy, not luck! If you’re ever facing false or exaggerated charges, do yourself a favor and call Ross Goodman. He’s hands down the best attorney in Vegas!
