I am your court appointed lawwyer in Las Vegas Municipal Court Dept. 4
Welcome. I am your lawyer, and I am here to provide a dedicated defense for indigent residents and visitors of Las Vegas. I am your counselor, advisor, and advocate. I will review your case, answer your questions, and give you my honest advice. I will make every reasonable effort to ensure that your case is resolved fairly. If necessary, I will represent you at a trial, where you are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Communication
I represent you through a contract, while also maintaining a private practice. I am very busy with both private and public clients. Communication is important, so please follow these guidelines to make it efficient and meaningful:
If you need to communicate with me, I require that it be in writing. For quick questions, text me at 702.907.2946. This line is set to "do not disturb," so calls will go straight to an unmonitored voicemail; I will not get a voice message left on this line!
For longer requests, email LVMC4PD@GMAIL.COM.
Written communication creates a record and allows me to review past correspondence. It also gives me time to find answers to your questions.
Always include your full name in any text or email, and include your case number. When you respond to an email, please use the "reply" button.
What’s next?
-
Wait for the “Pre-Trial” hearing. I generally do not have substantive information about your case until that time. At the pre-trial, I will review the written discovery (police report/investigation); the prosecutor will typically extend an initial offer to resolve the matter. At that point, I will evaluate the offer and discuss options with you so you can make an informed decision. Meaningful conversations about your case usually cannot occur until I have had the opportunity to review these materials.
-
Discovery: It may take several weeks after the pre-trial hearing for me to get copies of all your discovery, including video evidence. You are entitled to review all the discovery (written and video); if you want copies, you must request it.
-
Your options at the pre-trial hearing are typically these:
-
You can accept the offer; I will make reasonable counter-offers and negotiate as long as it is productive.
-
You can set your case for trial. Trials are usually set within 45 days, and you will be required to be physically present in the court, even if you live out of state.
-
You can get a brief continuance for good cause. The typical reasons to continue are: to consult with or hire another attorney or professional, to verify information in the case, or to consider the offer and weigh the options.
-
-
If you live out of state or are unable to attend a scheduled court date, notify me immediately and be prepared to provide documentation supporting your situation. You may also contact the Judge’s executive assistant, but only for urgent scheduling conflicts.
If you don't know your case number, court date, or need information about your charges or plea, you can look up your case online. Click the button below to be directed to the appropriate site.
If you need to appear by ZOOM or will be late or miss your court date, contact the Judge's Executive Assistant.
If you have questions or need help with 1) classes, 2) fines, or 3)other case requirements, contact the Court Compliance Officer.
Judge’s Executive Assistant
Name: Theresa Aguilera
Phone: 702-382-6878
Email: Lvmcdept4@lasvegasnevada.gov
Court Compliance Officer
Name: Erika Rodriguez
Phone: 702.229.6872
Email: erodriguez@lasvegasnevada.gov
Find Your Case & Key Court Contacts
Trials
If you do not accept a settlement offer, your case will be set for trial. In some cases, the defense takes a “wait and see” approach, focusing on whether the prosecution can produce its witnesses and sufficient evidence. In those situations, preparation may be more limited and centered on holding the State to its burden of proof.
In other cases, a trial may proceed against my advice. While I will always provide a competent and ethical defense, I will not spend excessive time on arguments or theories that lack merit. I cannot present misinterpretations of the law or pursue frivolous claims.
Once your case is set for trial—or earlier upon request—you may obtain your written discovery (such as police reports) by email. If you wish to review video evidence, I will try to provide electronic access. If that is not possible, you may bring a new flash drive for copies.
If you plan to call witnesses, you must provide their names and contact information as soon as possible. Witnesses must be disclosed to the prosecutor, and I may ask for a written summary of their testimony. While the final decision is yours, I strongly recommend calling only witnesses who are relevant and credible.
You have an absolute right not to testify. If you choose to do so, you must testify truthfully and will be subject to cross-examination. Please consult with me beforehand so you understand the risks and benefits.
Effective trial preparation may include reviewing evidence, identifying legal issues, filing motions, and developing a strategy for presenting your defense. Your cooperation is essential. To achieve the best outcome, you must be honest with me and follow my legal advice.