Michael Sanft

Michael Sanft — White Collar Crime Attorney, Las Vegas NV

Michael Sanft is a Nevada attorney licensed for 19 years practicing in Las Vegas, Nevada, admitted to the Nevada Bar in 2007. Michael is based at Sanft Law Group, serving clients throughout Clark County — including Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, and the surrounding metro.

Michael's primary focus is White Collar Crime. Michael also handles Criminal Defense, Federal Criminal Defense and DUI & DWI cases. Clients searching for a white collar crime attorney in Las Vegas benefit from working with someone who understands the specific procedural rules of Clark County courts, the judges and prosecutors in the local system, and the Nevada statutes that govern their case. Key statute: NRS 205.

Why Hire Michael Sanft for White Collar Crime in Las Vegas?

• Pre-indictment intervention: The most critical phase of a white collar case is often before charges are filed — when the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, or U.S. Attorney's Office is investigating. Michael at Sanft Law Group intervenes early to limit exposure, respond to grand jury subpoenas, and potentially prevent an indictment.
• Federal and Nevada state charges: White collar offenses like wire fraud, bank fraud, and securities fraud are often prosecuted federally in the U.S. District Court for Nevada. Michael Sanft's 19 years of Nevada criminal defense experience covers both state fraud charges (NRS 205) and parallel federal proceedings.
• Asset forfeiture defense: Federal white collar prosecutions routinely include civil and criminal forfeiture actions that can freeze business accounts and personal assets before trial. Michael challenges forfeiture actions to preserve your ability to fund your defense.
• Cooperation and plea strategy: Federal white collar cases often resolve through cooperation agreements. Michael evaluates whether cooperation is in your interest and negotiates terms — including what information to provide and what sentencing reduction to seek.

White Collar Crime Law in Las Vegas — What You Need to Know

Nevada's legal system has its own procedures, deadlines, and standards that differ from other states. For white collar crime cases in Clark County, the court of record is typically the Clark County District Court for felonies and civil matters over $15,000, or the Las Vegas Justice Court for misdemeanors and small claims. Choosing a Las Vegas white collar crime attorney who regularly appears in these specific courts — and who knows the local culture and preferences — can make a meaningful difference in your outcome.

Nevada law imposes strict deadlines on most legal matters. Personal injury claims must generally be filed within two years under NRS 11.190; DUI-related license suspensions trigger an immediate seven-day clock to request a DMV hearing; divorce filings require six weeks of Nevada residency under NRS 125.020. Missing these windows can permanently bar your legal remedies. Michael's 19 years of Nevada practice means clients get timely guidance on all applicable deadlines from the first consultation.

What to Expect Working with Michael Sanft

Most Nevada attorneys in white collar crime offer a free initial consultation. During that first meeting, you should expect Michael to review the specific facts of your case, explain the likely legal process, outline fee arrangements (whether contingency, hourly, or flat fee), and give you a realistic assessment of your options. See our guide on Questions to Ask a White Collar Defense Attorney for the exact questions you should ask any attorney before you hire them.

Fee structures in Nevada vary by practice area. For personal injury and wrongful death cases, contingency fees typically range from 33% to 40% of the recovery. Criminal defense and DUI representation is usually flat-fee or hourly. For detailed cost information specific to white collar crime cases, see our White Collar Defense Attorney Costs.

If You've Already Had an Incident

If you're searching for a white collar crime attorney because something has already happened, timing matters. See our step-by-step guide: What to Do After a White Collar Investigation in Nevada. The decisions you make in the first 24–72 hours — what you say to police or insurance adjusters, what evidence you preserve — can significantly affect your legal options later.

Clark County Courts Serving Michael Sanft's Clients

Depending on your case type, proceedings may take place in one or more of the following Clark County courts. Each court has its own filing procedures, hours, and self-help resources:

• Clark County District Court — Civil, criminal felonies, family law
• Las Vegas Justice Court — Misdemeanors, small claims, evictions
• Clark County Family Court — Divorce, custody, guardianship
• Henderson Justice Court — Henderson-area misdemeanors and civil cases under $15,000

Nevada Legal Resources Related to White Collar Crime

Before or after speaking with Michael, you may find these Nevada-specific resources helpful:

• NRS 205 — Nevada Statute Guide
• White Collar Defense Attorney Costs
• Questions to Ask a White Collar Defense Attorney
• What to Do After a White Collar Investigation in Nevada
• Nevada Legal Glossary — 100+ Terms Defined

Frequently Asked Questions — White Collar Crime in Nevada

Looking to compare? See our Top 3 White Collar Crime Attorneys in Las Vegas — vetted recommendations for 2026.