Richard A. Schonfeld

Richard A. Schonfeld — Criminal Defense Attorney, Las Vegas NV

A Las Vegas-based criminal defense attorney serving Las Vegas and Clark County, Richard has practiced Nevada criminal defense law for 33 years, admitted to the Nevada Bar in 1993. Working from Chesnoff & Schonfeld, Richard represents clients from across the metro area.

Richard's primary focus is Criminal Defense. Richard also handles Federal Criminal Defense, White Collar Crime and Drug Crime cases. Clients searching for a criminal defense 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 179.245.

Why Hire Richard A. Schonfeld for Criminal Defense in Las Vegas?

• Bail reduction motions: Clark County bail is often set high at first appearance. Richard files bail reduction motions backed by evidence of community ties, employment, and lack of flight risk — getting clients home while their case is pending.
• Honest plea vs. trial analysis: The decision to plead or go to trial is the most consequential choice in any criminal case. Richard gives you an unfiltered assessment — what the state can prove, what defenses are viable, and what realistic outcomes look like in Clark County courts.
• Immigration consequences awareness: For non-citizens in Las Vegas, certain Nevada convictions trigger deportation, inadmissibility, or bars to naturalization. Richard A. Schonfeld's 33 years of Nevada criminal defense experience includes awareness of how each plea disposition affects immigration status.
• Clark County courtroom experience: Richard at Chesnoff & Schonfeld has handled criminal cases in Nevada courts for 33 years — including Clark County District Court, Las Vegas Justice Court, and Henderson Justice Court.

Criminal Defense 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 criminal defense 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 criminal defense 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. Richard's 33 years of Nevada practice means clients get timely guidance on all applicable deadlines from the first consultation.

What to Expect Working with Richard A. Schonfeld

Most Nevada attorneys in criminal defense offer a free initial consultation. During that first meeting, you should expect Richard 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 Criminal 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 criminal defense cases, see our Criminal Defense Attorney Costs.

If You've Already Had an Incident

If you're searching for a criminal defense attorney because something has already happened, timing matters. See our step-by-step guide: What to Do After a Criminal Arrest 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 Richard A. Schonfeld'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 Criminal Defense

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

• NRS 179.245 — Nevada Statute Guide
• Criminal Defense Attorney Costs
• Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Attorney
• What to Do After a Criminal Arrest in Nevada
• Nevada Legal Glossary — 100+ Terms Defined

Frequently Asked Questions — Criminal Defense in Nevada

Looking to compare? See our Top 3 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Las Vegas — vetted recommendations for 2026.