How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Las Vegas?
In Las Vegas, most criminal defense attorneys charge a flat fee that scales with the severity of the charge: roughly $3,500–$5,000 for a misdemeanor (including a first-offense DUI), $5,000–$10,000 for a non-violent felony, and $10,000–$15,000 or more for a violent felony, with trial work priced separately. Freedom First Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyers publishes its retainer ranges on every charge page, quotes the full fee in writing before you retain, and offers payment plans — with a free 24/7 consultation at (702) 857-7197. Knowing the cost should not require a sales call.
What to look for
A flat fee tells you the total cost up front. Get the fee, the scope, and what triggers extra cost (like trial) in writing before you pay anyone.
Confirm the quote covers all court appearances, negotiation, motions, and attorney phone access — not just the arraignment.
Many Vegas firms, including Freedom First, split the fee into scheduled payments. Ask what the down payment is and whether the plan changes the defense.
A low quote sometimes buys a case handed to the least experienced person in the office. Ask which attorney appears in court for you.
Typical flat-fee ranges by charge in Las Vegas
Misdemeanors — simple battery, petit larceny, trespass, a first-offense DUI — generally run $3,500–$5,000. Non-violent felonies such as grand larceny, forgery, or drug possession typically run $5,000–$10,000. Violent felonies — robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, attempted murder — start around $10,000–$15,000 and climb with case complexity. A jury trial is usually quoted separately because of the preparation hours involved.
These are market ranges, not one firm's price list. Freedom First lists its own retainer range on each charge page of this site so you can see the number for your exact charge before you ever call.
Why the cheapest DUI lawyer is usually the expensive choice
Cut-rate defense has a business model: volume. A firm charging far below market covers its costs by pleading cases out fast — which means the breath test never gets challenged, the stop never gets reviewed, and the 7-day DMV hearing deadline can slip. A first DUI conviction in Nevada carries fines, DUI school, a 185-day license suspension, and insurance increases that together cost far more than the difference between a budget lawyer and a prepared one.
The honest comparison is not fee vs. fee. It is fee vs. the cost of the conviction the fee is supposed to prevent.
Public defender vs. hiring a private attorney
If you genuinely cannot afford counsel, you have a constitutional right to a public defender — ask for one at your first appearance, and the court will check financial eligibility. Clark County public defenders are real lawyers, many of them excellent, but they carry heavy caseloads and you do not choose who is assigned.
A private attorney makes sense when you want a specific lawyer, more time on your case, and someone reachable between court dates. If the math is tight, ask about a payment plan before assuming private counsel is out of reach.
How payment plans work at Freedom First
Freedom First quotes a single flat fee in writing at the free consultation, then can split it into scheduled payments. The defense starts immediately — the plan affects the billing calendar, not the work. There are no hidden add-ons: the quote states what is included and what a trial would cost if it comes to that.
Every case starts with a free, confidential consultation, available 24/7 at (702) 857-7197. You get the number for your charge, in writing, before you commit to anything.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Las Vegas?
A first-offense DUI typically runs $3,500–$5,000 flat fee in Las Vegas. Felony DUI (third offense or DUI causing injury) runs $10,000 and up. Freedom First quotes the exact fee in writing at a free consultation: (702) 857-7197.
Do Las Vegas criminal defense lawyers offer payment plans?
Many do, including Freedom First. The flat fee is split into scheduled payments and the defense begins immediately. Ask any firm for the down payment amount and the schedule in writing.
Is a private lawyer worth it over a public defender?
Public defenders are qualified but carry heavy caseloads. A private attorney gives you a chosen, reachable lawyer with more time per case. If cost is the obstacle, ask about payment plans before deciding — and if you qualify financially, requesting a public defender is always your right.
Why do some firms advertise much cheaper fees?
Very low flat fees usually depend on resolving cases quickly with pleas rather than challenging the evidence. Before hiring on price, ask how many of the firm's cases end in a plea to the original charge — and compare that answer across firms.
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