Las Vegas Defense Attorney for Tourist and Visitor Arrests

Experienced Criminal Defense Law Firm in Clark County, Nevada

Las Vegas is a vibrant, exhilarating city full of endless opportunities for fun and entertainment. Whether you are visiting for business or personal reasons, it’s easy to get swept up in the 24-hour party atmosphere. While the environment seems to say “anything goes,” Nevada has strict laws against a wide range of prohibited conduct, and law enforcement in Las Vegas actively pursues violations of those laws.

If you are arrested in Las Vegas or elsewhere in Clark County, the most important step to take — at the earliest opportunity — is finding an experienced criminal defense attorney. Look no farther than The Gersten Law Firm. We aggressively defend against all criminal charges in Las Vegas and throughout Clark County, whether the charges are state or federal.

Las Vegas criminal justice attorney Joseph Gersten is not just any criminal defense lawyer. He holds a Master of Forensic Sciences degree, and his background includes working with the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations. His analytical approach to investigations is part of the tough strategy that he uses in defending against criminal charges. Your initial consultation and case evaluation are free-of-charge — just contact us to schedule an appointment.

Common Reasons for Visitor Arrests in Las Vegas

Las Vegas arrests can occur for any number of reasons, but there are some that are more common than others. The seriousness of offenses ranges as well, from relatively minor misdemeanor charges to serious felonies with significant penalties. No matter what the charge, ignoring a Las Vegas arrest is a big mistake. No matter where you live, the arrest can complicate your life for a long time to come if you do not address it swiftly by hiring an attorney to defend you against the charge.

Solicitation of Prostitution

Many people do not realize that prostitution is not legal in Las Vegas — and that a person who solicits a prostitute is guilty of a crime. While prostitution is legal in licensed brothels in Nevada, there are no licensed brothels in Las Vegas or in Clarke County. A person who solicits prostitution can be arrested, even if money is not exchanged or the sexual activity is not completed.

Drug Charges — Including Marijuana Offenses

There are a number of different drug offenses in Nevada, including illegal possession, possession with intent to sell or distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Even though marijuana is now legal in Nevada, there are limits on purchasing and using. In Nevada, all drug offenses are serious.

Domestic Violence Charges

Domestic violence charges are very serious offenses in Nevada. Often there are other offenses, like assault and battery, charged along with battery domestic violence.

Driving Under the Influence / DUI or DUID

Las Vegas does not prohibit drinking in public, and even allows people to carry open containers on the street and in cars, but Las Vegas law enforcement has a strong zero-tolerance policy against driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs. Police have been known to set up sobriety checkpoints just off the Las Vegas strip.

Casino Markers / Bad Checks

When a casino offers a marker to a player, the marker is considered to be a check that the player gives to the casino. Nevada has a law that makes it a crime if a marker is not paid back within 30 days. Failure to pay a casino marker can result in serious criminal consequences, and Las Vegas casinos aggressively pursue individuals who do not pay their markers. An unpaid casino marker worth more than $250 can result in felony charges.

Bad check charges, ranging from insufficient funds to forgery, also carry serious penalties in Nevada.

Open or Gross Lewdness

Nevada’s public indecency law provides penalties for Open and Gross Lewdness. A wide range of public acts fall into this category. Arrests often occur at nightclubs when someone touches a stranger offensively without the person’s consent. Being intoxicated is not a defense to a charge of open and gross lewdness.

Pool Party and Nightclub Arrests

Many Las Vegas hotels are famous for their adult pool parties. Unfortunately, Las Vegas hotel pool parties — like nightclubs — are often the place where visitors and tourists are arrested. In addition to arrests for lewd acts, arrests for drug and paraphernalia possession are fairly common in both places.

An Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Makes All the Difference

Conviction on a Las Vegas criminal charge can carry a substantial fine and prison term. A conviction on your record will affect your life significantly. Regardless of what charge you may be facing, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side fighting for you will make a big difference. Attorney Joseph Gersten knows the laws, defenses, and strategies to provide the most aggressive possible defense. Depending on the charge and circumstances, you may not even need to return to Las Vegas for a hearing or subsequent proceeding.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Las Vegas Defense Attorney

If you are facing any federal or state criminal charge in Las Vegas, Henderson, or elsewhere in Clark County, Las Vegas attorney Joseph Gersten will discuss and evaluate your case based on his extensive criminal defense experience. Your initial consultation is free-of-charge. Call 702.857.8777 or complete our online form to schedule an appointment.