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Michael Vicente Castillo
About Michael
Biography
Las Vegas Defense Group was voted "Best Criminal Defense Firm Gold Winner" for 2018 and 2017 in Las Vegas Review-Journal's annual Best of Las Vegas.
Las Vegas criminal defense attorney Michael Castillo began his legal career as an extern with the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, where he learned up close how the prosecution operates. Now he can anticipate their stategies in order to provide a more proactive defense for his clients.
Michael Castillo's practice extends to both the trial and appellate levels, and he has experience in all areas of criminal defense law including traffic tickets, DUI, drug offenses such as drug possession, and sex crimes such as sexual assault such as lewdness with a child and open and gross lewdness.
Michael Castillo usually achieves favorable case resolutions (such as charge reductions or dismissals in criminal defense cases or hefty settlements in personal injury cases) without having to go to trial. But if trial is necessary, he is an experienced courtroom attorney with "not guilty" verdicts to his credit.
Mr. Castillo is a member of the American Bar Association and the Clark County Bar Association. The American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys recognized him as a Top 10 attorney in Nevada, and the National Trial Lawyers recognized him as a Top 100 attorney in Nevada. He represents clients all throughout Nevada.
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Nevada for 16 years
State: Nevada
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Las Vegas Defense Group, L.L.C.
2970 W Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV, 89102
Las Vegas Defense Group (Henderson offices)
107 S. Green Valley Pkwy # 300, Henderson, NV, 89012
Las Vegas Defense Group (Reno offices)
200 S. Virginia, 8th floor, Reno, NV, 89501
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Michael Vicente Castillo's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 30 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Octavio Mendoza | September 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Phenomenal criminal work
I can’t say enough great things about Michael Castillo at J.K. Nelson Law. By far, he is one of the best attorneys I’ve ever encountered. Michael is extremely dedicated to his work, sharp, and full of energy — the kind of attorney you’d expect to see in a movie courtroom scene. He helped me on a c...
Posted by Scott | August 30, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Mike Castillo is a legend
My family & I hired 702DEFENSE to help me with my case. I was blessed to get Attorney Mike Castillo. I was fighting charges that carried 20 to life and originally had no bail. Mike came in and got me a bail first and foremost, so I could fight my matter from the outside. After bargaining plea agreeme...
Posted by Samuel | July 26, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Sam p
I just got my case dropped at the preliminary hearing with Michael Castillo and the help of his colleagues. This is by far one of the best days of my life. I’ve been in mental punishment for the past 8 months. I was facing up to 18 years at the high end. I can’t even put into words how thankful I am ...
Posted by Shya | March 31, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Out of Towners Needing Help
We live on the East Coast but there was a situation with the State of Nevada and we needed a resolution quickly. After doing some research we spoke with Mike Castillo and right away he made us feel at ease and gave us hope. He was clear and upfront, and he sounded confident with the steps that nee...
Posted by anonymous | January 23, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Mike is Fantastic
Mike was hired to represent my mom with legal issues she was facing. He was kind, patient, courteous, dignified, and supportive throughout the whole process. His knowledge and experience helped us navigate a difficult situation. We are very thankful for the legal expertise Mike provided.
Michael Vicente Castillo's Lawyer Endorsements
"Michael is one of the most intelligent attorneys in town. His knowledge of the law is put to excellent use in the defense of his clients. Always prepared and gets results."
"Such a fabulous attorney. He truly cares and delivers great results."
"Good appellate attorneys are a rarity. So glad he's in our Vegas office."
"Mike is one of those rare attorneys who is experienced at both the trial and appellate levels."
"I zealously endorse this lawyer. He's a true professional."
"I heartily endorse this lawyer and am so happy he is in our Nevada office fighting for the rights of people accused of crimes."
"Michael Castillo is an exceptional attorney. He goes above and beyond to provide the best possible customer service to clients. He is extremely knowledgeable in the areas of criminal defense and personal injury. I highly recommend this attorney."
"Michael and I worked on multiple cases involving complicated HOA law. He was always cooperative and informed about his cases. He is a good advocate for his clients."
"Highly experienced and industrious. A great mentor."
"Mike is an exceptional advocate for his clients. A first-rate attorney."
"Mike Castillo is diligent, resourceful and compassionate. I endorse this lawyer."
"I'm proud to work alongside Mike Castillo at Las Vegas Defense Group. He's devoted to his clients and works harder than any other lawyer I know."
"Mike is undoubtedly one of the finest litigation attorneys in Las Vegas. I would recommend him to anyone with a criminal, family or personal injury case."
"I have worked with Mike on numerous matters both on the same side and as opposing counsel when I was a prosecutor. Mike is always prepared, professional and a fierce advocate on behalf of his client. Anyone who hires Mike gets an outstanding attorney."
"I have no hesitation in recommending Michael to others in need of an excellent attorney. He is efficient, knowledgeable and extremely capable at what he does."
"As a member of The American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys for 2014 and 2015, I endorse Michael Castillo as a DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney"
"One of the outstanding criminal defense lawyers in Vegas."
"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Michael Castillo continues to impress me with his professionalism, diligence, and intelligence. He truly gives his all to each case in order to achieve the best resolution possible for his clients."
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Experience
Honors
2018
10 Best Law Firm Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Legal Counsel
2018
Best DUI Lawyers in Las Vegas, Expertise
2018
Top 100 Lawyers, MYVEGAS Magazine
2018
Perfect 10 Rating, Avvo
2018
Best Criminal Defense Lawyer Gold Winner, Las Vegas Review-Journal "Best of Las Vegas"
2017
Top Lawyers, Three Best Rated
2017
10 Best Law Firm Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Legal Counsel
2017
Best Criminal Defense Firm Gold Winner, Las Vegas Review-Journal "Best of Las Vegas"
2016
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2015
10 Best Attorney (Nevada), American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2015
Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer (Nevada), The National Trial Lawyers
2008
magna cum laude, William S. Boyd School of Law
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Lead Associate Attorney, Las Vegas Defense Group
2016 - 2017
Attorney, Mortenson & Rafie, LLP
2010 - 2015
Lead Associate Attorney, Las Vegas Defense Group
2007 - 2007
Clerk, Rands, South & Gardner
2006 - 2006
extern, Clark County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2010 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NADCL)Member
2009 - Present
Clark County Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
NV v. M.C.
TWO FELONIES TO BE REDUCED TO GROSS MISDEMEANOR
NV v. A.H.
TWO FELONIES REDUCED TO GROSS MISDEMEANOR
NV V. L.B.
7 LEWDNESS WITH A CHILD FELONIES AND 6 GROSS MISDEMEANORS REDUCED TO ONE NON-SEXUAL CHILD ABUSE CONVICTION
NV v. J.S.
NOT GUILTY OF BATTERY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
City v. JB
FELONY DRUG POSSESSION DISMISSED
State v. F.Z.
FELONY ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON DISMISSED
NV v. Nathan D.
PROBATION REINSTATED
NV v. Linda C.
ATTEMPTED MURDER REVERSED AND REMANDED FOR NEW TRIAL.
NV v. Barral
RAPE CONVICTIONS REVERSED; NEW TRIAL ORDERED
NV v. Aaron H
NOT GUILTY VERDICT FOR RAPE
NV v. Jennifer M
DISMISSED SOLICITATION OF PROSTITUTION
NV v. Christian P.
NOT GUILTY FELONY BATTERY WITH SERIOUS INJURY
NV v. Leopolod G.
NOT GUILTY LUDE AND LASCIVIOUS- HUNG JURY ON SEXUAL ASSAULT
NV v. Jenyfer P.
DISMISSED PETIT LARCENY
NV v. Daryal T.
NOT GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS
NV v. Barth S.
DISMISSED PETIT LARCENY
NV v. John R.
NOT GUILTY KIDNAPPING
Education
2008
University of Nevada Las Vegas, William S. Boyd School of Law
Juris Doctorate
2000
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2013
Seminar Defending the Unthinkable: Zealous Advocacy in Sexual Assault and Child Victims Cases
Sexual Assault Defense
Languages
English