Omaha Criminal Defense Attorney
Aggressive defense from attorneys who have spent decades inside Nebraska courtrooms. When your freedom is at stake, experience is not optional.
Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Omaha
A criminal charge in Nebraska can upend your life in ways most people never anticipate. Beyond jail time and fines, a conviction creates a permanent record that follows you into job interviews, housing applications, and professional licensing decisions. The Douglas County Attorney's office prosecutes aggressively, and the system moves fast. Without a defense lawyer who knows the local judges, the prosecutors, and the procedural landscape of Nebraska criminal courts, you are at a serious disadvantage. At Shapiro Riha Law, our attorneys have handled thousands of criminal cases across Omaha and the surrounding counties. We know what works in these courtrooms because we have been standing in them for over 30 years.
Criminal Charges We Defend in Nebraska
Our Omaha criminal defense attorneys handle the full spectrum of criminal matters in Nebraska state and federal courts. No charge is too serious, and no case is too complex for our team.
Felony Charges
Nebraska classifies felonies into four classes, with Class I felonies carrying penalties up to life imprisonment. We defend clients charged with assault, robbery, burglary, weapons offenses, drug trafficking, sexual assault, and homicide. Every felony case demands an attorney who can challenge the state's evidence at every stage, from the initial arrest through preliminary hearing, trial, and sentencing.
Misdemeanor Charges
Do not make the mistake of treating a misdemeanor as a minor issue. A Class I misdemeanor in Nebraska carries up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Shoplifting, simple assault, minor drug possession, trespassing, and disorderly conduct all fall into this category. A conviction stays on your record and can derail employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
Drug Crimes
Nebraska drug laws carry harsh penalties, especially for distribution and manufacturing charges. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 28-416, possession of a controlled substance can range from an infraction to a Class II felony depending on the substance and quantity. We challenge illegal searches, flawed lab results, and questionable informant testimony to protect your rights.
White-Collar and Federal Crimes
Federal criminal charges introduce an entirely different set of rules, sentencing guidelines, and prosecutorial resources. We represent clients facing fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, and conspiracy charges in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska. Federal cases require an attorney who understands the federal sentencing guidelines and knows how to negotiate effectively with Assistant U.S. Attorneys.
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The Criminal Process in Nebraska: What to Expect
Understanding what happens after an arrest helps you make better decisions. In Nebraska, the criminal process typically follows these stages: arrest and booking, initial appearance (within 24-48 hours), preliminary hearing (for felonies), arraignment, pretrial motions, plea negotiations, and potentially trial. At every stage, your attorney's decisions shape the outcome. We file aggressive pretrial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, challenge probable cause, and hold the state to its burden of proof. Many cases are won or lost before a jury ever hears opening statements.
Penalties for Criminal Convictions in Nebraska
Nebraska criminal penalties are structured by offense class. Class IV felonies carry up to 2 years in prison with 12 months post-release supervision. Class III felonies carry up to 4 years. Class IIA felonies carry up to 20 years. Class II felonies carry 1 to 50 years. And Class I felonies can result in life imprisonment. Beyond incarceration, you face fines, probation, community service, mandatory treatment programs, and a permanent criminal record. The collateral consequences include loss of professional licenses, immigration consequences for non-citizens, loss of firearm rights, and difficulty finding employment. Our job is to fight for the best possible outcome, whether that means dismissal, reduced charges, acquittal at trial, or a sentencing alternative that keeps you out of prison.
Need to talk to an attorney?
Free consultation. No obligation. We answer the phone.
How Shapiro Riha Law Defends Your Case
We do not believe in cookie-cutter defense strategies. Every case begins with a thorough review of the police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and surveillance footage. We interview witnesses, retain expert consultants when needed, and conduct our own investigation. Our attorneys have tried hundreds of cases to verdict in Douglas County District Court and know how to present a compelling defense to an Omaha jury. When negotiation serves your interests better than trial, we negotiate from a position of strength because prosecutors know we will go to trial if the offer is not fair. That reputation matters.
Need to talk to an attorney?
Free consultation. No obligation. We answer the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Discuss Your Case?
A criminal charge does not have to define your future. Call Shapiro Riha Law at 402-341-0700 for a free consultation with an experienced Omaha criminal defense attorney.