Duane Davis Switches to Private Defense Attorney Carl Arnold

In January 2024, Duane Davis parted ways with his public defenders and turned to private counsel. As the AP reported, he dismissed Robert Arroyo and Charles Cano of the Special Public Defender’s Office, who had represented him since November 2023 and had handled the bail hearing. Instead, he hired experienced Nevada criminal defense attorney Carl Arnold. Arroyo and Cano wished their former client well.

Acquittal Announced, but Davis Remains in Custody

Arnold stated that it was an “honor” to represent Davis in “one of the historic trials of the century,” and that they looked forward to Davis being found not guilty at the end of the proceedings. The switch did not help him out of his cell for the time being: Davis remained in custody at that point, as he had not posted the $750,000 bail set by the judge. The next date was a status hearing on February 20.

It was not the last change at the defense table: at the trial in August 2026, Michael Sanft represented him. At the time of the switch, Davis was presumed innocent. See The Investigation.