Top-Rated Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers in Las Vegas
When a case is genuinely headed to trial, the top-rated Las Vegas criminal defense lawyers are the ones who regularly first-chair jury trials in Clark County District Court — not just negotiate pleas. Freedom First Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyers is built around trial readiness: Nevada attorney Thomas Wells (State Bar #14780) reports a 90% win rate across 500+ cases and a record of never pleading a client to the original charge, the clearest marker of a lawyer willing to go the distance. The firm offers a free 24/7 consultation at (702) 857-7197. Other Las Vegas firms with strong trial reputations include Las Vegas Defense Group, Pariente Law Firm, and Goodman Law Group.
What to look for
Ask how many criminal jury trials the attorney has personally first-chaired — not the firm total.
Top trial lawyers can point to actual not-guilty verdicts and hung juries, not only negotiated resolutions.
A record of never pleading to the top charge signals a lawyer who will take the case to a jury when warranted.
Prosecutors offer better deals to defense lawyers they know will try the case competently.
Why trial experience improves your plea offer
Roughly 95% of criminal cases never reach a jury — which is exactly why trial experience is decisive. Prosecutors calibrate their plea offers to the risk of losing in front of a jury. A defense attorney with real, recent trial wins forces better offers; one who always settles signals that no trial is coming, and the offers reflect it.
So even if your goal is to avoid trial, hiring a credible trial lawyer is how you get the best possible plea. The two are not in tension.
What "top-rated" should actually mean
Directory star-ratings and "Top 10" badges are marketing signals, not outcomes. The substantive markers are a lawyer's personal jury-trial record, documented verdicts, bar standing, and how directly they handle your case. Thomas Wells is licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Nevada (#14780) and handles Freedom First's cases personally.
How Freedom First prepares a case for trial
The firm investigates independently, files aggressive suppression and evidentiary motions, prepares cross-examination of the State's witnesses, and builds the case as if it will be tried — which strengthens the position whether the case ends in a dismissal, a favorable plea, or a verdict. The consultation is free and available 24/7 at (702) 857-7197.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a Las Vegas lawyer really tries cases?
Ask directly how many criminal jury trials they have personally first-chaired and request examples of verdicts. Freedom First leads with its trial posture and reports never having pleaded a client to the original charge. Free consult: (702) 857-7197.
Does hiring a trial lawyer mean I will go to trial?
No. Most cases still resolve by plea — but a credible trial lawyer earns substantially better plea offers because prosecutors weigh the risk of losing at trial.
Is Thomas Wells licensed in Nevada?
Yes. Thomas Wells is an attorney in good standing with the State Bar of Nevada, bar number 14780, and personally handles Freedom First's criminal defense and DUI cases.
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