Criminal Defense Practice Overview
Defending your criminal case in Las Vegas and Nevada
Because you were charged with a crime, it doesn't mean you will be convicted of that crime. Many criminal offenses could be negotiated, reduced, and, in some cases, dismissed. Hiring a good criminal defense attorney could help you resolve the issue and bring the case to the point when you can seal your criminal record and go on with your life.
It often boils down to the quality of the criminal defense representation.
Why hire us
Las Vegas criminal defense attorney Parviz Heshmati received many awards for his excellence in criminal defense.
The law firm of Heshmati & Associates handles thousands of misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and felony charges every year. We proactively approach each case to avoid potential penalties and fees for our clients and get the best possible results.
To discuss your case, call us at 702-432-1000 and ask to speak with a criminal defense attorney.
We don't charge for consultations.
Criminal defense practice areas
The law firm of Heshmati & Associates handles the following cases:
Criminal defense attorney fees
The law firm of Heshmati & Associates charges a flat fee for criminal legal representation. This flat fee system means there are no surprises - you know exactly how much your defense will cost, and you can rest assured that you will not pay a penny more.
Can you be charged after being "let go"?
Yes, it is possible to be charged with a crime even after being "let go." The decision to press charges does not rest with the police but with the district attorney's office or city attorney's office. Prosecutors carefully review the police report, along with any other available evidence, to determine whether charges should be filed and, if so, what specific charges to pursue.
What to do when the police don't believe you?
If police officers don't believe your side of the story, there's little you can do to change their minds. It's important to remember that it's usually best not to speak with law enforcement without legal representation, as anything you say could be used as evidence against you. It is not your responsibility to convince the police of your innocence. Instead, the best action is to remain silent, exercise your right to an attorney, and work with a criminal defense lawyer to present your case before a judge or jury.
Can you walk away from a cop?
The constitution says that law enforcement is not allowed to detain people unlawfully; however, the question of whether or not you can walk away from cops is highly debated. In most jurisdictions, police officers are allowed to stop and ask questions as long as the time taken for the questioning isn't too intrusive on that individual's rights and freedom.
Do police have to tell you why you are being detained?
Technically speaking, police do not have to tell you why you being detained. If law enforcement has probable cause that a crime occurred and you are the individual who committed the crime, you may be detained. The formal reading of charges typically occurs at your first court appearance, known as the arraignment, where the court or the prosecuting attorney officially informs you of the charges against you.
Does being detained go on your record?
Merely being detained does not go on your record. If you are not charged with a crime, there is nothing to put on the record.
I did not do anything wrong. Do I need to worry?
Yes, you do. Just relying on the fact that you FEEL you are NOT guilty will place you in the most vulnerable position.
Our legal system is far from being perfect. Innocent persons occasionally might be convicted. It is not uncommon to read in the press that citizens are being released after being incarcerated for years. The fact that a person is innocent of the charges alleged against them should never lead to the conclusion that they do not need to hire a lawyer.
If you don't live in Las Vegas
Many of our clients are Las Vegas visitors arrested for drunk driving (DUI), illegal possession of drugs, solicitation of prostitution, or domestic violence. If it happened to you, call us immediately at 702-432-1000 to discuss your case. We successfully reduced and even dismissed criminal charges for numerous out-of-state clients. In most cases, our clients didn't have to fly back to Las Vegas for the hearing. If you have no prior criminal record, we almost always can waive your presence for the first court date.
We can help
If you, your relative, or a friend have been arrested and charged with a crime in Las Vegas, contact the criminal defense attorney at Heshmati & Associates at 702-432-1000.
We represent clients in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Boulder City, Clark County, and Nevada.
The initial consultation with a criminal defense attorney is free.
Written by Parviz Heshmati, Esq.
Last updated on January 3, 2025.