DUI? What You Need to Know

If you’ve been arrested and charged with driving under the influence, you could be headed for a boatload of trouble, particularly if it’s not the first time you’ve faced these kinds of charges. Having a tough criminal defense attorney by your side is more important than ever.

DUI Penalties in Nevada 

In the Silver State, driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) or 0.08 or higher (0.04 for commercial drivers) is against the law. Even at lower BAC levels, it’s possible to get a DUI conviction if alcohol or other substances have impaired your driving. A first offense has pretty significant penalties:

• You will be arrested.
• Your vehicle will be impounded.
• You may have to serve up to six months in jail or do community service.
• You could be fined up to $1,000.
• You will have to pay $60 for testing fees.
• You could be ordered to DUI school or DUI treatment.
• You could temporarily lose your drivers’ license and pay over $120 for reinstatement.
• You may have to pay over $60 for a new license and testing.
• You will face higher insurance costs for three years.
• You will have a civil penalty for victim compensation of $35.
• You may have to get an ignition interlock installed and pay associated fees.
• You could face a victim impact panel.
• Your arrest and conviction will stay on your record forever.

Worth noting—these consequences are in a best-case scenario. Repeat offenders, or DUI incidents that involve injury or death are substantially more serious, and penalties are commensurate.

Worth Knowing 

If you are arrested for a DUI, it’s important to understand some key facts:

• You should immediately ask for an attorney.
• You can be charged with a DUI if you haven’t been drinking, but have been smoking marijuana or using other mind-altering substances, including prescription drugs.
• If you are a member of the military, you must inform your command or face a possible court martial.
• In certain professions, you are required to notify your employer of your arrest.. Your attorney will know more about this.
• You have no Miranda rights when being questioned about your drug or alcohol use, and may have to undergo a field sobriety test and arrest you before actually Mirandizing you.
• You will be required to participate in a hearing at the Department of Motor Vehicles in order to try to hang on to your driver’s license, and a separate criminal hearing to fight criminal charges.

Defending Your Rights 

The experienced Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys at Lobo Law always fight to ensure the best possible outcomes for you. To discuss your situation, schedule a confidential consultation in our Las Vegas office today.

Source:

dmv.nv.gov/pdfforms/qtdui.pdf