Reno & Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorneys

Nevada's Top Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you’re facing life-changing criminal charges, you need a defense attorney with courtroom experience, an understanding of what the prosecutor is thinking, and a reputation that can back it up.

Types of Cases:

  • DUI Defense
  • Traffic Cases
  • Drug Charges
  • Battery Charges
  • Category A Felonies
  • Drug Trafficking

Call today to schedule to speak to one of our top criminal defense attorneys. Carlson & Work is Northern Nevada’s #1 rated and reviewed law firm.

Speak with an Attorney Now!

Carlson-Work-Reno-Family-Law-Firm

Need a Nevada Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you have been charged with a crime or DUI, you should consider all options before selecting a criminal defense or DUI attorney in Reno, Nevada. We understand you are likely under an incredible amount of stress during these difficult times. Allow our firm to offer some peace of mind.

As a former criminal prosecutor, Attorney Mathew Work understands how to approach any kind of criminal case. Whether the case is a misdemeanor or a category A felony, Attorney Mathew Work has the experience needed to aggressively defend your case. He has seen firsthand the difference the right criminal defense attorney can make.

As a former criminal prosecutor, Attorney Mathew Work understands how to approach any kind of criminal case. Whether the case is a misdemeanor or a category A felony, Attorney Mathew Work has the experience needed to aggressively defend your case. Attorney Mathew Work has seen first-hand the difference the right criminal defense attorney can make.

When you retain Carlson & Work you will have a dedicated attorney by your side.

Defense Options in Nevada

First and foremost, we work hard and look for all legal defenses available. We work side-by-side with our clients to make sure we have a complete understanding of all the facts and circumstances that led up to an arrest. Next, we use every resource available to posture our client’s character and reputation.

  • Motion to Suppress Evidence
  • Motion to Suppress Testimony
  • Physical Evidence
  • Stored Digital Evidence
  • Physical and Mental Examinations
  • Private Investigators
  • Direct and Cross-Examination

If you have been charged with a crime, you should consider all options before selecting a criminal defense attorney. We understand you are likely under an incredible amount of stress during these difficult times. Allow our firm to offer some peace of mind.

Client Testimonials

Lauren R. ★★★★★ Kathleen is an exceptional attorney. Throughout my divorce, she provided unwavering support, sound advice, and showcased unmatched professionalism. Her expertise and compassion made a challenging time more manageable. Highly recommend her services to anyone in need of a diligent and understanding legal advocate.Elliöt M. ★★★★★ I was told I didn’t have a case by three other attorney, Rebecca told me she would take my case and was upfront about expectations, one year of court later and she made the impossible, possible. Thank you for sticking w me!Mar S. ★★★★★ What a friendly group of professionals. Let’s face it, no one wants to be dealing with an attorney, but if you’re in the position and you need one, this should be your first call! A+.Kimberly A. ★★★★★ Carlson and Work is absolutely top notch in everything they do, communication, preparation, honesty, everything about the way they operate their firm is top flight and refreshing. If you’re in a bind, give the a ring!Fer A. ★★★★★ If you need someone in your corner, during the most challenging parts of your life, Mathew Work is the kind of guy you hope to have in your foxhole with you. He will fight tooth and nail for you like family and speak to you with bluntness lost in these times. He is simply the best.Ana A. ★★★★★ I can’t thank Mathew, Rebecca and the team for everything they have accomplished in such a short amount of time, in a couple months, I went from hopeless to so hopeful about what my future and my family’s future holds!Jacqueline ★★★★★ I had the opportunity to work with Rebecca Carlson and Nichole in my custody case. They were compassionate, professional, and always told me how it was, even when the news was difficult. I really respect their humble approach to dealing with clients and their willingness to explain things multiple times to make sure I understood exactly what was happening throughout the entire process of my Litigation, if you’re in a bind, these are your people!Saira M. ★★★★★ The entire team at Carlson Work was communicative, kind, and very honest throughout my entire time with them. I was represented by a previous firm, and this firm was able to accomplish in four months with the other firm, couldn’t accomplish in nearly 2 years regarding my custody case five stars isn’t enough to express my gratitude to the team.STEPHANY JACQUELINE SÁNCHEZ M. ★★★★★ Carlson & Work is made up of kind people with hearts of gold who are willing to go to battle for their clients! I am so grateful they still build business on principles!SAMPEDRO HOYOS NOE R. ★★★★★ Kathleen fought for my family like she was part of it. I'll never forget the life changing impact attorney Mangan has made for the health and well being of my children.Marco Antonio Zepeda G. ★★★★★ If you're dealing with family law stuff, you've got to check out Rebecca and her team at Carlson & Work. They really know their stuff and they get how tough these situations can be. Rebecca is super understanding and makes you feel like you're not just another case. Her team is all about making things clear and less overwhelming for you. They're really supportive and make a hard process a bit easier to handle. Seriously, for anything family law-related, Rebecca and her crew are the people you want on your side. They're awesome.Paul A. ★★★★★ Matthew Work is a lawyer who's not just great at his job, but he's also super kind-hearted. He really listens and cares, making you feel supported and not just like another case. It's like talking to a friend who knows all about law. He makes the whole legal thing feel less scary and more human. It's awesome to have a lawyer who's not only smart but also genuinely cares about you.Response from the ownerThanks so much for the kind words. MENDOZA OSEGUERA SAYURI Y. ★★★★★ The entire support staff was on top of communication and made working with the attorneys streamline. I really appreciated that I was always kept up to speed and given option to collaborate with the progress of the case. I can’t recommend this team enough. Five stars.diana marlene salas S. ★★★★★ I was referring to Mathew Work for an injury case by my Barber, he was all the hype and more. Down to earth guy and spoke to me like a human throughout the process. Very happy with my settlement and the way my case was managed by Mathew.Argut S. ★★★★★ I went through a very long child custody battle with Rebecca. She never gave up on me, never lost hope, and in the end I was awarded primary physical custody. Thanks to her hard work.Kimberly C. ★★★★★ I am extremely pleased with the firm's handling of my case. Their expertise and support throughout the process were invaluable. Everything was conducted in a timely and professional manner. The outcome exceeded my expectations, and I highly recommend their services to anyone facing similar legal challenges.Response from the ownerThank you so much for the kind words! We greatly appreciate you taking the time out of your busy day. Emmanuel G. ★★★★★ Five. Stars! This law firm is one of the best businesses and group of professionals I've ever worked with. Look no further it doesn't get better in Reno.Response from the ownerMr. Garcia, thank you for taking the time to share this. It means a ton to us. jessica ramirez R. ★★★★★ Mathew and Lauren were the two attorneys I interfaced with during my case. They were both patient, dynamic and honest. They set expectations and kept me up to speed throughout the entire court process.Response from the ownerThank you Jessica! We agree, Lauren is an amazingly hardworking attorney. EDWARDO “CK” H. ★★★★★ I can’t think you all enough. You were patient, kind, dedicated for the last six months, and we finally achieved the results. We set out too. If you’re like me and looking for honest and aggressive, legal assistance, this is your team.Response from the ownerThanks Ed! We are thankful for you. Abbie ★★★★★ Mathew and his team were incredible to work with. Obviously, anytime you’re working with an attorney. It can be otherwise stressful but somehow this team makes it very stress-free and personal.Response from the ownerThans Abbie! We do our best to do what's right for our clients! Thank you for taking the time to share your kind words. Eren S. ★★★★★ I've got to give some real talk about my attorney, Mathew. At first, he might come off a bit rough around the edges, and I won't lie, it took me a minute to get used to it. But, as time went on, I started to truly appreciate that side of him. It's like his no-nonsense approach is actually one of his strengths. He cuts through the fluff, gets down to business, and genuinely has your back. Weirdly enough, I've come to love that about him. If you want someone straightforward and fiercely on your side, Mathew's the real deal.Response from the ownerThank you so much for the kind words and taking the time to share this! Louis D. ★★★★★ I've got to share about my experience with my custody attorney, Lauren. Going through a custody battle is never easy, but Lauren was a true anchor throughout. She didn't just feed me legal jargon or false promises. She was honest from the get-go, even when the truth was hard to swallow. And you know how sometimes it feels like you're in the dark with legal stuff? Not with Lauren. She made sure I was always in the loop and understood each step. It felt like I had a friend guiding me, someone genuinely on my side. If you're diving into the maze of custody battles and need a steady hand, Lauren is the one you'd want by your side. She's been a godsend.Response from the ownerWe agree, Lauren ROCKS! Alessandro S. ★★★★★ Had to write this about Mathew Work – he's such a breath of fresh air in the legal world. I've met lawyers before, but none as approachable and genuine as him. The whole time we worked together, he kept things real and was straight-up honest, no sugarcoating. It felt like having a knowledgeable friend on my side, guiding me through everything. If you're looking for someone down-to-earth and trustworthy, Mathew's your guy. So glad I found him.Response from the ownerMr. Work.. WORKS really hard to help all his clients. Thank you! Welen E. ★★★★★ Lauren Driscoll stands out as an exemplary attorney in the realm of family law. Her intelligence and keen understanding of the intricacies of the legal system are commendable. More than her vast knowledge, it’s the way she took the time to meticulously explain the family law process to me that left a lasting impression. With Lauren, I felt informed, empowered, and confident at every turn. I can’t express enough gratitude for her guidance and support throughout the entire process. Highly recommended!Response from the ownerIsn't she great! We are very grateful for your kind words. Toby H. ★★★★★ Rebecca Carlson is an exceptional attorney. Her aggressive approach ensured we were always a step ahead, and her meticulous preparation before trial was evident. Meeting with Rebecca to discuss questions was invaluable; it not only showcased her commitment but also significantly eased my nerves. Truly grateful for her unparalleled dedication and expertise. Don’t wait, call this girl today!Response from the ownerWe couldn't agree more, Rebecca is one of the hardest working women you will ever meet. Thank you for recognizing her hard work. Zhang A. ★★★★★ Rebecca was absolutely spectacular throughout my case. She exceeded at preparatory efforts and I felt reassured knowing what was coming next. What a pleasant surprise working with lawyers! Five stars!!!Response from the ownerThank you so much for your amazing review! SOLIS CAMACHO MARIO A. ★★★★★ I was referred to Rebecca by a close friend, who had similar positive results. She is an absolute force to be reckoned with. Five stars!Thanks Becca!Response from the ownerThank you for the awesome review! We appreciate you! Maria M. ★★★★★ Rebecca is an amazing lawyer who really gets it. She took the time to listen to all my custody concerns, showing she truly cared. Not only did she understand what I was going through, but she also worked wonders in court. Thanks to her, we got great results. It felt like having a friend in my corner who also happens to be a legal whiz!Response from the ownerWe always work hard to try to understand our clients at a personal level. Thank you for seeing that quality in us and sharing your opinion! omar O. ★★★★★ What sets Mathew Work apart is not only his legal acumen but also his dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for his clients. He fought tirelessly on my behalf, and the results exceeded my expectations.If you're in search of an attorney who combines expertise, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to your case, I wholeheartedly recommend Mathew Work. He is a true advocate for justice, and I am grateful to have had him by my side.Thank you, Mathew , for your outstanding legal representation and for making a positive impact on my life.Mauro T. ★★★★★ The entire team was patient and on top of tasks as the case progressed. If you're looking for a law firm that gets results, these are your people! Five stars!Crystal W. ★★★★★ Rebecca’s dedication and expertise shine through in her tireless efforts. Her commitment to achieving favorable case outcomes is evident, making her a valuable asset to the firm.Melania A. ★★★★★ Kathleen and the entire staff at Carlson & Work offer more than just friendliness. They provide unwavering support, standing by their clients throughout the legal challenges they face.Mr. J. ★★★★★ Lauren’s standout attribute is her exceptional communication skills. She not only communicates promptly but also excels in simplifying complex legal jargon, ensuring clients fully comprehend their situations.Patrick M. ★★★★★ Rebecca Carlson deserves nothing less than five stars. In court, her performance was unparalleled, clearly outshining the opposing attorney. Rebecca’s preparation was evident, showcasing her dedication and meticulous attention to every detail. What stood out even more was her passion, driving her to advocate fervently for my cause. She was unquestionably more prepared and passionate than her counterpart. Highly recommend Rebecca for anyone seeking top-notch legal representation.Ago G. ★★★★★ Carlson & Work’s excellence in communication goes a long way. Their responsiveness and clarity in explaining legal matters instill confidence in their clients, ensuring you’re always in the loop and understand the process.Fabio A. ★★★★★ Five stars aren't enough for Mathew Work! Prior to engaging him, I had another attorney where I only ever managed to speak with the supporting staff. The contrast was night and day when I switched to Mathew. He took charge of my personal injury case with an unparalleled personal touch. Every call, every query, every concern – it was always Mathew directly addressing them, ensuring I felt valued and informed. His deep commitment and passion for his clients' well-being is evident in his direct involvement. I can't express enough how much his hands-on approach made a world of difference in my case. Truly exceptional service!Agata M. ★★★★★ Five stars for Kathleen and Lauren! Amidst a grueling family law trial, their tenacity, expertise, and unwavering support were invaluable. Their combined efforts and dedication ensured the best possible outcome. A dynamic duo that shines even in the toughest situations. Highly recommend!Carolina L. ★★★★★ Mathew Work is remarkable! Navigated my personal injury case swiftly and thoroughly. His expertise made the process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended for his efficiency and precision!Alegría M. ★★★★★ Rebecca Carlson is a phenomenal attorney. Not only was her pricing remarkably affordable, but her patience and thorough explanations throughout my case were incredibly reassuring. Rebecca made a point to keep me informed about the billing and consistently updated me on the progress of my case, ensuring transparency and understanding at every step. I felt in safe and competent hands. Highly recommend her exemplary services!Psic. Araceli B. ★★★★★ Working with Carlson & Work was truly a stress-free and positive experience. The entire team was super friendly and always ready to help. They made sure to keep me in the loop, ensuring I understood every step of the legal process. Communications were clear, and all my questions were answered promptly and simply. I felt supported and valued as a client. Their professional yet down-to-earth approach made them stand out. I highly recommend them!Ara M. ★★★★★ Lauren has been an incredible impact on my life and my family. She is kind compassionate and sharp. Look no further if you can't risk the outcome of your case!Sandra A. ★★★★★ Kathleen has been remarkably savvy and direct. She is firm, aggressive and smart beyond measure. If you are looking for one of the best, Kathleen is your girl!js_loader

Criminal Defense FAQs

Showing up in court without any legal counsel for a criminal defense case will not be good for your odds of getting your charges decreased or cleared. Having an experienced lawyer or attorney by your side will enable you to get fair and just treatment according to your rights.

The classification of criminal cases is based on the penalties they are associated with. A misdemeanor has a jail sentence to be served up to twelve months. A felony, on the other hand, has a minimum of at least a one-year prison sentence.

The state of Nevada does not process record expungements, but the state does process record seals. The process of sealing your Nevada criminal record varies from the different counties. First you must obtain a copy for your criminal history record in Nevada. Then contact the court where the arrest was processed. Then finally complete the forms necessary to file a petition for the criminal record seal. This has become a necessity to pursue this since employers often do criminal background checks and this can hinder you from moving forward with your life.

Misdemeanor offenses can be punishable for up to 12 months of jail time. Working with a seasoned Reno attorney, will give you the best possible chance of avoiding the maximum jail sentence or avoid being convicted of the crime.

In a drug charge, plea bargaining is a viable option. Choosing this option means having to negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges and have the punishment or sentence minimized. This can apply if the defendant is charged with three drug charges from possession, selling, and transport of drugs. The prosecutor may then accept the plea bargain by only accepting the charge for possession as long as the defendant pleads guilty for the crime.

Moving violations can either be charged with an infraction or misdemeanor charge. Your lawyer will be able to negotiate the moving violation, depending on the facts specific to your case, to a non-moving violation. This would benefit you by not getting any points counted against your driver’s license and possibly not have to go to traffic school.

When people fail to pass a test, most would already plead guilty to drunk driving. But these people do not realize that there is an opportunity to fight the DUI charge and challenge the current evidence gathered. Even if you think the prosecutor has a solid case against you, it is still a good idea to talk to an experienced DUI attorney before deciding to plead guilty.

OUR APPROACH

First and foremost, we work hard and look for all legal defenses available. We work side-by-side with our clients to make sure we have a complete understanding of all the facts and circumstances that led up to an arrest. Next, we use every resource available to posture our client’s character and reputation.

Common Defense Options

  • Motion to Suppress Evidence
  • Motion to Suppress Testimony
  • Physical Evidence
  • Stored Digital Evidence
  • Physical and Mental Examinations
  • Private Investigators
  • Direct and Cross-Examination
Personal Injury, Battery & Criminal defense attorneys in Reno
Reno Personal Injury, Criminal Defense & DUI Attorneys

DUI

Few understand DUI laws and defenses as well as Carlson & Work. When you retain Carlson & Work, your DUI case will be handled by one of Nevada’s highest-rated DUI Defense Attorneys, recently earning a perfect 10 Avvo Rating. Managing Partner and Founder, Mathew Work has a long record of successfully practicing criminal defense law, stemming from his years as a Criminal Prosecutor in Reno.

Nevada Laws have become increasingly hard on drinking and driving. Nevada DUI laws are complex. You need an experienced DUI attorney who knows exactly what to look for when defending your case. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Mathew Work understands exactly what the state must prove. This inside information can mean the difference in defending your case.

Recently, the DUI laws in Nevada have expanded dramatically. New laws have been adopted to include criminal punishment for driving while under the influence of marijuana and even prescription drugs. You need the experience and reputation of a top DUI defense attorney by your side.

Common DUI Defense

  • Suppress Evidence Obtained from an Unlawful Stop
  • Challenge Field Sobriety Testing
  • Request Evidence of Machine Calibration
  • Violation of Miranda Rights
  • Challenge Unauthorized Blood or Breath Tests
  • Motion To Suppress Evidence

BATTERY & DOMESTIC BATTERY

At Carlson & Work, we understand that no case is black and white. In Nevada, Battery and Domestic Battery charges must be taken seriously. Domestic Battery laws require any allegation of battery to be investigated by an officer. Often, the District Attorney will pursue charges even if an alleged victim reaches out to the state and requests that charges not be filed.

The outcome of a domestic battery charge can have long-term impacts. In Nevada, a conviction of domestic battery could mean you are prevented from being employed by many organizations, you may no longer own a firearm, not to mention the impacts on your personal reputations and networking opportunities.

As one of Nevada’s top-rated defense attorneys, Mathew Work will work tirelessly to defend you, your future and your reputation.

Common Domestic Battery Defense

  • Recanting Witness
  • Self Defense
  • Accident
  • Physical Evidence
  • Cross-Examination
  • Rebuttal and Eye Witnesses
  • Digital Evidence
  • Exposing Motives to Lie
Criminal defense attorneys in Reno, NV

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Please call our office at 775-386-2226 or submit the information below to schedule a consultation. We have consultations available today.

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