If you're facing criminal charges in Las Vegas or anywhere in Clark County, you're going to need a lawyer. The big question is: do you hire a private criminal defense attorney, or do you work with a public defender?
Both do the same basic job—defend you in court—but how they do it, how much time they can spend on your case, and the resources they bring to the table are very different. And those differences can change the outcome of your case.
Here’s what you need to know.
Public defenders are court-appointed attorneys. If you can’t afford to hire a lawyer, the court assigns one to you for free. These attorneys are licensed, experienced, and work hard. But they also carry massive caseloads—far more than any one person should.
In Clark County, public defenders often handle dozens of cases at once. That means less time to meet with you, review your file, prepare your defense, or show up in court fully ready to fight for you.
If you're lucky, your public defender will be skilled and do their best. But the truth is, even the best attorney can’t do much without time or resources. And when your freedom is on the line, that’s a serious risk.
A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer you hire. They work for you directly—not the state. Their job is to represent your best interests at every stage of the case.
Unlike public defenders, private attorneys can be selective about their cases. That means they have more time to dig into the details of your situation. They can meet with you more often, investigate thoroughly, and prepare aggressively for court.
At Pandullo Law, our criminal defense attorneys work with one goal: protecting your freedom. Whether you're facing DUI charges, drug possession, assault, or more serious felonies, we build strong, personalized defense strategies that fit the facts of your case—not a generic approach pulled from a backlog of files.
Here are a few advantages of hiring your own criminal defense attorney, especially if you’re in the Las Vegas area:
Public defenders don’t have a choice in who they represent, and they’re often stretched too thin. A private attorney chooses to take your case—and commits to giving it the time and focus it deserves.
That means:
When you hire an attorney, they work for you. You're not just a case number—they treat your situation like it matters. Because it does.
Some public defenders are new to criminal law or fresh out of law school. Others are experienced but overwhelmed. With a private criminal defense attorney, you can choose someone who’s worked cases like yours before—and who knows how the system works in Las Vegas.
At Pandullo Law, we focus on criminal defense. That’s what we do. We know the local courts, the prosecutors, and the judges. We know how to negotiate smart plea deals, when to push for dismissal, and how to take a case to trial if needed.
Private attorneys have access to more tools:
These things matter. Evidence doesn’t gather itself. Witnesses don’t always show up. And timelines move fast. A well-resourced team means you're not walking into court unprepared.
If money is tight, a public defender may be your only option. And they will do what they can for you. But if your case is serious—or if you just want more control over your defense—hiring a criminal defense attorney is the smarter choice.
Think about what’s at stake: your freedom, your job, your record, your future. This isn’t the time to hope for the best. It’s the time to get help from someone who has the time and tools to fight for you.
In Las Vegas and across Clark County, the criminal justice system moves fast. Courtrooms are busy. Prosecutors play hardball. You need someone who knows how to navigate that.
Pandullo Law takes an aggressive, focused approach to criminal defense. We don’t just react—we plan, prepare, and fight. Whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, we’re here to help you make smart decisions and protect your rights at every turn.
If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with a crime, don’t wait. Early action can make a big difference in your case.
We’ll sit down with you, listen to what happened, and give you clear advice on your options. No pressure. Just honest help from attorneys who know what they’re doing.
