Nevada may be one of the biggest gambling states in the country with Las Vegas, but you don’t want to gamble on driving under the influence of drinking or taking drugs. If you are pulled over and suspected of DUI and have a BAC or blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, you will find yourself being arrested and charged. This will mean big punishment and penalties for you. If you are a commercial driver or a driver under the age of 21, this BAC level will be lowered even more. Getting pulled over when you are suspected of driving under the influence will severely restrict your freedoms and cause you to pay fines that will cripple your bank account.
First DUI Offense
Your license will be suspended for a period of at least 90 days, although you can get a hardship or restricted license after you have served half of this suspension, if you are willing to install an interlock ignition device. Jail time will range from a minimum of two days of up to six months, but it is possible that you can possibly serve this out in the form of community service for 48 hours. Fines will range from $400 to $1000, but this amount will not include costs and fees that are associated with carrying out your sentence, including the ignition interlock device, and for reinstating your driver’s license.
Second DUI Offense
If you have been convicted of a second DUI offense within seven years, you will lose your license for a period of 90 days and you will be facing mandatory jail time that can severely restrict your freedoms. This incarceration can range from ten days to six months in prison and no less than ten days to six months in a residential alcohol or drug treatment program. An additional outpatient treatment program can be mandated as well by the courts and you will be responsible for the cost. Fines will range from $750 to $1000 or you can serve community service that will meet that financial requirement if you so choose. This will not include fees and costs associated with the court costs or your sentencing, including ignition interlock device, reinstatement fees, and your own personal lawyer fees.
Third DUI Offense
A third DUI conviction will result in a loss of your license for a period of three years, but you can possibly get a hardship license if you meet the requirements laid out by the courts. Your motor vehicle registration will be revoked and you will be forced to get SR22 insurance coverage before reinstatement. An ignition interlock device can be mandated for a period of 12 to 36 months and you will have to attend a victim impact panel as well to meet sentencing requirements. As far as criminal penalties, you will have to spend 1 to 6 years in prison and you will be facing fines of $2000 to $5000, but this will not include court and sentencing fees that you may be found responsible for. The third offense is a felony and this means that this charge will be following you around for a long time to come, including when you are looking for a job, etc.
Getting a lawyer is essential if you are facing any type of legal issue, as they know their way around the court and the law. While you will probably not get out of your charge entirely, it can make a difference in how much time you spend in jail or under restriction, so be sure you get legal advice to take care of you and your rights.