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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Common Legal Questions from Law Vegas Criminal Defense Clients

Negotiating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first time facing criminal charges. The FAQ page was built to give you clear, straightforward answers to the most common questions we hear from clients in Las Vegas and across Clark County. 

  • HomePage

    • How much does it cost to hire a criminal lawyer in Las Vegas?
      Good criminal lawyers aren’t cheap, and cheap criminal lawyers aren’t good. A good criminal lawyer will be far more expensive than an average or below-average criminal lawyer. You’ll know the investment once we meet.
    • Will I speak directly to my attorney?
      Yes. You’ll work directly with Michael Pariente—not be passed off to a junior associate. You’ll always have Michael Pariente’s personal cell phone (not a texting app.)
    • Have you handled cases like mine?
      Absolutely. From DUIs to white collar offenses, we’ve successfully defended thousands of cases. Here’s just one example of a case we’ve won.

  • General

    • Do I really need a lawyer if it’s my first offense?
      Yes. Even first-time charges can carry serious consequences. Having a defense attorney helps protect your record, reduce charges, or even get your case dismissed.
    • How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Las Vegas?
      Good criminal lawyers aren’t cheap, and cheap criminal lawyers aren’t good. A good criminal lawyer will be far more expensive than an average or below-average criminal lawyer. You’ll know the investment once we meet.
    • Can you take my case if I live out of state, but was arrested in Las Vegas?
      Absolutely. We frequently represent tourists and out-of-town visitors charged while in Nevada. In some cases, we may even appear in court on your behalf.
    • What kinds of cases does your firm handle?
      We focus exclusively on criminal defense. This includes DUI, domestic violence, drug charges, white collar crimes, internet and cyber crimes, sex crimes, and more.
    • How successful is your firm at defending criminal cases?
      We’ve successfully defended thousands of cases. Here’s just one example of a case we’ve won.

  • Communication & Process

    • Will I work directly with Michael Pariente?
      Yes. At Pariente Law Firm, you won’t be handed off to junior staff. Michael personally oversees every case.
    • How often will I hear from you?
      We keep clients informed throughout the process and respond promptly to questions or concerns.
    • How quickly do you respond to calls or emails?
      We respond promptly—usually within the same day. For urgent matters, we offer 24/7 support.
    • What should I bring to my first consultation?
      Any paperwork related to your case, including citations, police reports (if available), or bail information. But if you don’t have those yet, don’t worry. We can still help.
    • How long does a criminal case usually take in Las Vegas?
      It depends on the charge. Some misdemeanors resolve in weeks; more complex felony cases may take several months. We’ll walk you through the timeline during your consultation.

  • Rights & Defense Strategy

    • What happens after I'm arrested in Las Vegas?
      You’ll be processed (booked), possibly held in jail, and given a court date. The sooner you call a lawyer, the better we can protect your rights from the start.
    • Can you get my charges dropped?
      It depends on the facts. We’ll look for weak evidence, procedural errors, and any grounds to challenge the arrest. While not every case gets dismissed, we fight for the best possible outcome.
    • Will my case go to trial?
      Many cases are resolved through negotiation, but we prepare every case like it’s going to trial. If trial is the best path, we’re ready and experienced.
    • Can a criminal charge be sealed or removed from my record?
      Possibly. Nevada allows record sealing in certain circumstances. We can advise you based on your specific charges and history.
    • What happens if I miss a court date?
      Missing court can result in a bench warrant. Contact us immediately. We may be able to help you resolve the issue before you're arrested again.

  • DUI-Specific Questions

    • What’s the penalty for a first-time DUI in Nevada?
      Penalties can include fines, license suspension, and mandatory classes—even for first-time offenses. Jail time is also possible, though often avoidable with the right defense.
    • Will a DUI show up on background checks in other states?
      Yes. Nevada DUI convictions can appear on multi-state background checks. This can affect jobs, security clearances, and more.
    • Can I refuse a breath or blood test in Nevada?
      Nevada has an implied consent law. Refusing a test can lead to automatic license suspension and impact your case. Always consult an attorney before deciding.
    • Do I need to appear in court for a DUI if I hire a lawyer?
      In some misdemeanor cases, your attorney may be able to appear on your behalf—especially if you live out of state.

  • Domestic Violence, Drug & Sex Crimes

    • What should I do if I’ve been falsely accused of domestic violence?
      Don’t try to explain to the police or confront the accuser. Contact a lawyer immediately. False accusations can still lead to charges, and your statements can be used against you.
    • Are all drug charges felonies in Nevada?
      No. Some minor possession cases are misdemeanors, especially for marijuana. But other drug crimes—like distribution or trafficking—carry felony charges.
    • Will I be placed on the sex offender registry if I’m charged with a sex crime?
      Not automatically. Registration depends on the conviction, not the charge. A strong defense can make a huge difference in avoiding registration.

  • Location-Based FAQs

    • Do you represent clients in Henderson, Paradise, or North Las Vegas?
      Yes. We handle cases across Clark County, including Henderson, Summerlin, Paradise, and beyond.
    • What should I do if I’m arrested while visiting Las Vegas?
      Call a local attorney immediately. We can help manage your case while you return home, and may be able to appear on your behalf in court.
    • Is your office near the courthouse?
      Yes. We're located just minutes from the Clark County Regional Justice Center, which handles most felony and serious misdemeanor cases in Las Vegas.
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