How a Las Vegas DUI Lawyer Can Help You Avoid Penalties
Although we all know about the danger of drinking and driving, it can be easy to get carried away in a city like Las Vegas where the casinos never close and the drinks never stop flowing. If you were recently arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Las Vegas, you may not know what steps to take to protect yourself and your future. The most important step you should take is to consult with a Las Vegas DUI lawyer to avoid the severe penalties that can follow a DUI conviction.
What Is DUI in Nevada?
Driving under the influence is governed by which makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle:
- While impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- With a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
- While under the influence of a controlled substance.
If this is your first or second DUI offense, you will be charged with a misdemeanor unless there are aggravating circumstances to consider. DUI can be charged as a felony if:
- It is your third or subsequent DUI. (Class B Felony)
- You have a previous felony DUI conviction. (Class B Felony)
- You caused substantial bodily harm or death to another person while driving under the influence. (Class B Felony)
- If you have at least three prior DUI convictions, and you caused a death, you can be charged with DUI as a felony. (Class A Felony)
What Penalties Might I Face If Convicted of DUI in Las Vegas?
If you are convicted of a misdemeanor DUI in Las Vegas you face up to one year in jail, a license suspension of 180 days, mandatory attendance at a victim impact panel, and attendance at DUI school along with fines and costs. The potential term of imprisonment for a Class B Felony DUI conviction increases to 20 years, while conviction of a Class A Felony DUI subjects you to a possible prison term of 25 years to life along with a three-year license revocation and a mandatory ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle if/when you are allowed to operate a vehicle legally.
The non-judicial consequences of a DUI conviction can be equally severe, including the loss of current and future employment opportunities, increased insurance premiums, and costs associated with the loss of your driving privileges.
How Can a Las Vegas DUI Lawyer Help Me Avoid Severe Penalties?
Working with an experienced Las Vegas DUI lawyer is the best way to avoid the severe penalties you may face in your DUI case. Your lawyer will thoroughly analyze the facts of your case, including the evidence the State of Nevada plans to use against you, and develop the best possible defense strategy which may involve:
- Focusing on an illegal initial traffic stop.
- Lack of probable cause to arrest you for DUI.
- Problematic chemical breath test procedures.
- Challenging the breath test results.
- Asserting the “Rising Blood Alcohol” defense.
- Negotiating a favorable guilty plea agreement when a conviction cannot be avoided.
- Getting you accepted into the Felony Las Vegas Justice DUI Court (which will result in reducing your felony DUI to a misdemeanor if you successfully complete the program).
The key to protecting your rights, freedom, and future is to consult with an experienced Las Vegas DUI lawyer as soon as possible after your arrest to ensure that all successful defense strategies remain open to you.
What Should I Do If I Was Charged with DUI in Las Vegas?
If you are facing DUI charges in Las Vegas, consult with an experienced Las Vegas DUI lawyer at The Vegas Lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your next steps. Call us at 702-707-3000 or contact us online.