Criminal Defense Attorneys in Las Vegas Who Handle Domestic Violence Cases
Domestic violence (battery domestic violence, or "BDV") is one of the most aggressively prosecuted misdemeanor-to-felony categories in Las Vegas, and several criminal defense firms handle it. Freedom First Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyers handles Nevada domestic violence cases directly — Nevada attorney Thomas Wells (State Bar #14780) defends against false accusations, protective orders, and Nevada's mandatory-jail and no-drop prosecution rules, with a free 24/7 consultation at (702) 857-7197. Because Nevada makes BDV charges difficult to dismiss and impossible to seal for years after conviction, early defense is critical. Other Las Vegas firms that handle domestic violence defense include Las Vegas Defense Group, Goodman Law Group, and Shouse Law Group.
What to look for
In Nevada the State — not the alleged victim — decides whether to proceed. A recantation alone does not end the case.
A temporary protective order (TPO) can affect your home, your firearms, and custody. Your attorney should handle the criminal case and the TPO together.
A BDV conviction cannot be sealed for 7 years in Nevada and carries a lifetime firearm ban — so avoiding conviction is paramount.
These cases turn on credibility and detail; you want the deciding attorney, not a hand-off.
Why Nevada domestic violence charges are hard to make "go away"
Nevada has a mandatory-arrest policy for domestic violence calls and a no-drop prosecution practice: once police arrest, the prosecutor controls the case, and the alleged victim cannot simply "drop the charges." Even when the accuser wants to recant, the State often proceeds using the 911 call, photos, and officer testimony.
A first BDV conviction carries mandatory jail, fines, counseling, community service, and — critically — a lifetime federal firearms ban and a 7-year wait before the record can even be sealed. This is why the defense strategy has to start immediately.
Common defenses to a Las Vegas domestic violence charge
Effective defenses include self-defense or defense of others, false or exaggerated allegations (common in divorce and custody disputes), lack of intent, mutual combat, and constitutional violations in how police gathered evidence. Attacking the credibility and consistency of the accuser's account is often central.
Freedom First builds these defenses around the specific facts — the 911 audio, the injuries (or absence of them), witness statements, and the timeline — to push for dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.
How Freedom First defends domestic violence cases
The firm handles the criminal charge and any related protective order together, moves quickly to preserve evidence and witness memory, and represents clients in Las Vegas Justice Court and Clark County District Court. Attorney Thomas Wells handles these matters personally, and the consultation is free and available 24/7 at (702) 857-7197.
Frequently asked questions
Can domestic violence charges be dropped in Nevada if the accuser recants?
Not automatically. Nevada uses no-drop prosecution — the State, not the alleged victim, decides whether to proceed, and often continues using the 911 call and police evidence even after a recantation. Experienced defense counsel is essential. Freedom First: (702) 857-7197.
What are the penalties for a first domestic violence conviction in Las Vegas?
A first BDV conviction carries mandatory jail, fines, counseling, and community service, plus a lifetime firearm ban and a 7-year wait before the record can be sealed — which is why avoiding conviction is the priority.
Does Freedom First handle protective orders too?
Yes. The firm handles the criminal domestic violence case and any related temporary protective order (TPO) together, since the two directly affect each other.
Why Las Vegas clients choose Freedom First
Thomas M. Wells, Esq.
Your Fighter in Court
"I stand behind every case we take. Your freedom is my mission."
Whether your case involves a serious Las Vegas criminal charge or any other charge, Attorney Tom Wells fights it personally — from booking through verdict.
Attorney Tom Wells brings nearly 10 years of experience defending clients across Southern Nevada. A graduate of UNLV's Boyd School of Law with a background as a former Clark County Public Defender, Tom knows both sides of the courtroom — and uses that knowledge to win for you.
- J.D., William S. Boyd School of Law, UNLV
- Former Clark County Public Defender
- Board Certified · Constitutional Law Expert
- Member, State Bar of Nevada
- 90% Win Rate · 500+ Cases Won
Charged in Las Vegas? Talk to an attorney now.
Attorney Thomas Wells reviews your case personally. The consultation is free and available 24/7.
Call (702) 857-7197