Ryan Helmick

Founder & Lead Attorney | The Defense Firm

About Ryan

Ryan Helmick is the Founder and Lead Attorney of The Defense Firm in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Licensed in Nevada since 2012, Ryan has practiced exclusively in criminal defense for more than a decade, handling some of the most serious and high-profile cases in Las Vegas. His experience includes murder, sex crimes, DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, robbery, gun crimes, kidnapping, and other major felony matters.
He has been recognized for both his trial work and reputation in the legal community, including being voted Best Criminal Defense Attorney of Las Vegas by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and receiving Lawyer of the Year honors for 2024 and 2025. He is also the author of The Defense Begins, available on Amazon.

Ryan’s Story

Ryan was born in Elkins, West Virginia, and spent his childhood between Las Vegas, Nevada and Cocoa Beach, Florida, as his parents lived on opposite coasts.

About Ryan

Ryan was born in Elkins, West Virginia, and spent his childhood between Las Vegas, Nevada and Cocoa Beach, Florida, as his parents lived on opposite coasts.

He is a proud father of his daughter, whose life has had a profound impact on the way he sees both people and his work. Ryan often describes her as his ultimate teacher and a daily reminder of the importance of patience, empathy, listening, and truly engaging with others. Those qualities are central to how he represents clients during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

His experience includes murder, sex crimes, DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, robbery, gun crimes, kidnapping, and other major felony matters.
He has been recognized for both his trial work and reputation in the legal community, including being voted Best Criminal Defense Attorney of Las Vegas by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and receiving Lawyer of the Year honors for 2024 and 2025. He is also the author of The Defense Begins, available on Amazon.

Ryan’s Story

Ryan was born in Elkins, West Virginia, and spent his childhood between Las Vegas, Nevada and Cocoa Beach, Florida, as his parents lived on opposite coasts.

Education and Training

Ryan earned his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, before moving to San Diego to attend Thomas Jefferson School of Law.

During law school, he earned Dean’s List honors for Academic Excellence, and his studies focused on criminal law and trial practice.

Throughout his career, Ryan has continued to sharpen his skills through legal study, seminars, and advanced training. He has trained with the Trial Lawyers College, founded by the late Gerry Spence, on more than one occasion. He was also mentored for much of his career by the late Bill Terry, a legendary Las Vegas criminal defense attorney.

Experience and Professional Roles

Ryan continues to practice exclusively in criminal defense.

Since 2012, he has served as a member of the Office of Appointed Counsel for cases involving potential life sentences. He also serves as an Ombudsman for the Police Fatality Fact-Finding Review Board.

In addition to his legal practice, Ryan has been featured on A&E’s Accused: Guilty or Innocent? for one of his cases and has been recognized by organizations including The National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, Lawyers of Distinction, and other client and peer-reviewed legal honors.

What Sets Him Apart

Ryan will be the first to say it is not the awards that define him.

What sets him apart is his passion for defending people, his commitment to his clients, and his relentless preparation in every case he handles.

“Walking out of the courtroom, knowing I did everything I could do for that person, knowing I gave it everything I had, that’s what it’s all about.”

Credentials

Ryan will be the first to say it is not the awards that define him.

What sets him apart is his passion for defending people, his commitment to his clients, and his relentless preparation in every case he handles.

“Walking out of the courtroom, knowing I did everything I could do for that person, knowing I gave it everything I had, that’s what it’s all about.”

Nevada Bar Number

12769

Licensed Since

2012

Status

Active (no public discipline found)

Federal Admissions

December 2013 at the United District Court for The District of Nevada

Education

J.D. — Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego
- Dean’s List (x2) for Academic Excellence
B.S., Criminal Justice — University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense (exclusive focus)
DUI / DWI
Murder / Homicide
Sex Crimes / Sexual Assault
Domestic Violence

Drug Offenses
Robbery / Burglary / Theft
Gun Crimes
Kidnapping
Federal Offenses
Expungement / Record Sealing

Recognitions

Recognition	Years	Source
Super Lawyers Rising Stars (Mountain States)	2021, 2022, 2025	Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters)
National Trial Lawyers Top 100	2023, 2024, 2025	The National Trial Lawyers
National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40	2015, 2016	The National Trial Lawyers
Best Criminal Defense Attorney of Las Vegas	2022	Las Vegas Review-Journal (readers' poll)
Client's Choice Award	2016, 2017, 2019	Avvo
10 Best Attorneys	2018, 2019, 2020, 2021	American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
Recognizing Excellence in Criminal Defense Law	2020	Lawyers of Distinction
10 Best Attorneys	2020	American Institute of Criminal Law Attorney
Las Vegas Top 100 Lawyers	2021	MyVegas
Litigator of the Year	2021, 2024, 2026	The American Institute of Trial Lawyers
Top-Ranking Attorney	2021	The American Association of Attorney Advocates
Top Ten Ranking	2023	National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney	2024	MyLegal Win
Lawyer of the Year	2024, 2025	American Institute of Legal Professionals

Notable Cases

Case	Outcome	Source
State v. Kristina Kerlus — Murder and child abuse charges (death of 2-month-old)	All charges dismissed (Dec. 2022)	PR Newswire, A&E, KTNV
State v. Kody Harlan — First-degree murder of Henderson teen Matthew Minkler (2018)	Convicted; sentenced to life with parole	Las Vegas Review-Journal
State v. Robert Telles — Murder of LVRJ reporter Jeff German	Briefly retained as defense counsel (later replaced)	Las Vegas Review-Journal, Court TV
State v. Tyler Johns — Teen accused of murder; $1M bail set	Pending / not reported	Las Vegas Review-Journal
Church parking lot stabbing	Prosecutors ruled self-defense	Las Vegas Review-Journal

Professional Memberships

Office of Appointed Counsel (life sentence cases), member since 2012
Ombudsman, Las Vegas Police Fatality Fact-Finding Review Board

Office Location

Las Vegas: 8180 Rafael Rivera Way, Suite 205, Las Vegas, NV 89113
Phone: 702-HELMICK / (725) 286-0002
Website: thedefensefirm.com

In the Media

Featured on A&E’s Accused: Guilty or Innocent? — Season 4, Episode 6: “Killer Mom or Innocent Parent?” (February 16, 2023), covering the Kristina Kerlus case
Author of The Defense Begins: Nevada Criminal Justice: A Roadmap for the Accused and Their Families (Amazon ASIN: B0CD16FNM4)
Quoted and referenced as counsel of record in multiple Las Vegas Review-Journal articles covering murder trials (Harlan, Telles, Johns cases)
PR Newswire feature syndicated to ABC4, Benzinga, and other outlets (February 2023)
Video interview with Vegas Legal Magazine

Kat S

05:24 04 Mar 24

Attorney Ryan Helmick was heaven-sent and I can’t thank him enough for helping me lower my DUI and failure-to-stop cases to reckless driving and illegal parking, respectively. He is very professional and respectable, not to mention good-looking if I may add. To all of you reading this, trust me he is the best out there and you won’t regret having him handle your case! Five stars all the way!

Rome S

10:03 01 Mar 24

- Speak the truth.

Breathing taking entrance as you arrive and upon leaving with a relief because with Ryan’s dedication just amazing at what he does and makes sure you’re informed. I’ve added more trouble to what I already had and it was closed immediately. The Defense Firm will always speak the truth.

-Allah sees ALL seen and unseen

Andrea Bradford

23:22 28 Feb 24

If you dont hear from him you hear from his assistant. He's fast, the one court hearing I needed to show up for I was in there for 5 min. He got my dui charge down to a reckless driving charge. Just a few drug classes, a fat lesson . A $981 fine. It will not ever happen again but if it did . I'm calling him.

amira kadadha

19:44 28 Feb 24

I am immensely grateful for the exceptional legal representation provided by Ryan at The Defense Firm. From our initial consultation to the successful resolution of my case, Ryan demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to securing the best possible outcome for me.

Throughout the entire legal process, Ryan's attention to detail and strategic approach were evident. He navigated the complexities of my case with skill and precision, providing clear guidance and reassurance at every step.

Ryan's dedication to advocating for his clients is commendable. He tirelessly negotiated on my behalf, ensuring that my interests were always prioritized and fighting for the best possible resolution.

What truly sets Ryan and The Defense Firm apart is their unwavering support and empathy. Ryan took the time to listen to my concerns, address any questions I had, and provide invaluable support during a challenging time.

In conclusion, I cannot recommend Ryan at The Defense Firm highly enough. His exceptional expertise, dedication, and compassionate approach make him the top choice for anyone in need of legal representation. Thank you, Ryan, for your outstanding service and for achieving the best possible outcome for my case.

Shaqaun Smith

19:26 30 Jan 24

Ryan knows his stuff! He’s a very informed and passionate person, and those things translate into how he runs his business. We were facing double digit numbers and he got the heaviest charges dropped! Overall I’d say Ryan is a good person, even better lawyer, and he treats his clients well! Thank you! My brother and I appreciate what you were able to do for us!

Pearl A

01:52 25 Jan 24

Ryan Helmick is THE BEST defense attorney in ALL OF VEGAS. I am beyond grateful to have Ryan on my side. He gives clear tips and instructions of what I should be doing during a case. As long as YOU’RE DOING EVERYTHING Ryan tells you to do you should have a better than expected outcome. Ryan helped me with one of the most difficult challenges in my life. He was there for us the entire team and went above and beyond. He showed up and took control of the situation immediately. He guided us throughout the whole process every step of the way. And I faced an outcome that I couldn’t even believe was imaginable. Ryan is the ABSOLUTE BEST and definitely knows what he’s doing.

gloria garcia

01:20 13 Jan 24

First I would like to thank everyone at the firm. From the first time I called all my questions were answered and I was also seen that same day with Ryan. He was honest and gave us every outcome. But not once did he ever doubt our situation. He walked us through every court and he was always a phone call away. No matter what time of day he always returned my calls. Ryan was so easy to work with and very knowledgeable and personable. He went above and beyond. Honestly the best Attorney ever. Everyone in the firm was professional. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for us. I highly recommend Ryan.

Linda Lee

13:33 02 Dec 23

Attorney Ryan Helmick did a fantastic job representing our case. We only had a week to prepare the case and Ryan was willing to spend the time with us to get the job done. He even spent 3 additional hours with us until 11 pm the Saturday night before the hearing to finalize the strategy of the case with us. He gave us an honest and realistic perspective on what we could expect during the hearing and what to expect with the outcome. He also called us himself when he received the outcome of the hearing. I liked how Ryan always personally contacted us with important information and we did not have to work through administrative personnel or paralegals. Ryan was very easy to work with and extremely knowledgeable and personable. I highly recommend Ryan and the Defense Firm. He went the extra mile for us.

Founder & Lead Attorney | The Defense Firm

About Ryan

Ryan’s Story

About Ryan

Ryan’s Story

Education and Training

Experience and Professional Roles

What Sets Him Apart

Credentials

Education

Practice Areas

Recognitions

Notable Cases

Professional Memberships

Office Location

In the Media

Free Case Consultation

TESTIMONIALS