DUI

DUI Defense Attorneys in Las Vegas

Trial-Ready DUI Defense Since 1995. 120+ Years of Combined Experience.

A DUI arrest in Nevada sets two separate processes in motion at once: a criminal case and a Nevada DMV administrative hearing that can affect your driving privileges independently of what happens in court. Both have early deadlines. The decisions made in the first days after an arrest can shape how both tracks unfold, which is why contacting a DUI attorney quickly isn’t just good advice. It’s how options stay open.

At Christiansen Trial Lawyers, we’ve represented people facing DUI charges in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada since 1995. Our attorneys bring more than 120 years of combined legal experience to each case, and Peter S. Christiansen has participated in more than 100 jury trials across state and federal courts. That kind of trial depth can change how prosecutors approach a case. We handle both the criminal proceedings and the concurrent DMV hearing, represent Nevada residents and out-of-state visitors alike, and provide legal services in English and Spanish. Free consultations are available, and we’re reachable around the clock for urgent questions.

Protect your driving privileges and your freedom by acting now. Contact Christiansen Trial Lawyers today to schedule your free and confidential consultation.

Effective Defense Strategies Against Nevada DUI Charges

Nevada DUI cases are fact-intensive, and the strength of the state’s evidence varies significantly from one arrest to the next. Our attorneys investigate every detail of a DUI stop to identify weaknesses the prosecution may prefer you not see. From the moment you hire us, we’re reviewing police reports, chemical test records, and any available video to find where the state’s case has vulnerabilities.

Defense strategies we evaluate in every case include:

Challenging the legal basis for the initial traffic stop
Disputing how field sobriety tests were administered and scored
Questioning whether breath or blood testing equipment was properly calibrated and the test properly conducted
Identifying any violation of your constitutional rights during the arrest

When a court agrees that police gathered evidence unlawfully, a motion to suppress can result in that evidence being excluded. Excluded evidence can lead to reduced charges or dismissal entirely. Peter S. Christiansen has tried more than 100 jury trials across state and federal courts, which means our attorneys bring trial-tested judgment to the question of when to litigate and when to negotiate. That reputation matters: prosecutors know we’re prepared to take a case to trial when the facts support it.

We represent clients in both the criminal proceedings and at the Nevada DMV hearing to protect driving privileges. If your license was revoked following a drunk driving arrest, the window to request a DMV hearing is limited. Don’t wait to reach out.

What Are the Penalties for a First-Time DUI in Nevada?

A DUI is a criminal charge, not a traffic infraction. It creates a criminal record and requires serious legal attention. Many people are surprised by what a conviction affects beyond the courtroom: mandatory alcohol assessments, community service, and restrictions on when and where you can drive. A conviction can also appear on background checks when you apply for housing or certain professional licenses in Nevada.

A first-offense DUI in Nevada is typically charged as a misdemeanor and carries the following penalties:

$400 to $1,000 in fines
2 days to 6 months in jail
8-hour DUI school requirement
185-day driver’s license revocation

When you work with our firm, we help you understand not just the court-imposed penalties but also how a plea or conviction could affect your daily life. Our team is based in Las Vegas and handles DUI matters throughout Clark County. We use that local knowledge to fight for your rights and help you make informed decisions about how to move forward.

Increased DUI Penalties for Aggravating Factors

Certain facts can transform a misdemeanor DUI into a felony charge under Nevada law, with consequences that can include mandatory prison time. Aggravating factors include having a minor in the vehicle, causing an accident that results in injury or death, and a blood alcohol concentration significantly above the 0.08% legal limit. Even a single detail in the police report can change how a Clark County prosecutor approaches your case.

We carefully review the evidence, accident reports, and witness statements to determine whether the alleged aggravating circumstances are actually supported by the facts. When they aren’t, we work to challenge enhancements that would otherwise dramatically increase the penalties you face. Our attorneys appear regularly in Clark County courts and understand how prosecutors evaluate these cases at each stage.

Las Vegas DUI Court Process & DMV Hearings

After a DUI arrest in Las Vegas, most people are managing two separate tracks at once: a criminal case in court and an administrative action with the Nevada DMV. Your criminal case typically begins in Las Vegas Justice Court or Las Vegas Municipal Court; felony DUI charges are handled in Clark County District Court. From there, the process usually includes an arraignment, pretrial conferences where offers are exchanged, and motion hearings to challenge specific evidence such as the traffic stop or the breath test.

The DMV administrative license revocation hearing is separate from the criminal case. It focuses on whether the officer followed proper procedures and whether the chemical test results were obtained correctly. A favorable result at the DMV hearing can help preserve your driving privileges while the criminal case is still pending, so we gather police reports, chemical test records, and available video to present your side of the story at that hearing.

Throughout the process, we keep you informed about what can happen at each appearance, what to expect, and what your options are. By coordinating the criminal case and the DMV matter together, we work to protect your license and address the charges at the same time.

What If My Child Was Charged with a DUI as a Minor?

Under Nevada’s zero-tolerance law, a driver under 21 with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02% or higher can be charged with a DUI. This is a much lower threshold than the 0.08% standard that applies to adults. Prosecutors take zero-tolerance violations seriously, which means a minor facing a DUI charge in Las Vegas is dealing with consequences that are very real.

A person under 21 charged with a DUI faces largely the same criminal penalties as an adult, including fines, possible jail time, and driver’s license revocation, along with potential minor consumption charges. Beyond those penalties, a conviction can lead to school expulsion, job loss, loss of scholarships, and difficulty finding future employment. Minor DUI cases in Las Vegas involve both the criminal court and administrative actions through the Nevada DMV, and families may also need to address school disciplinary hearings and eligibility for a restricted license.

We work closely with families to explain each step in plain language and help them prepare for every hearing. Our attorneys can also present positive aspects of a minor’s background, including academic record, community involvement, and counseling efforts, to support a more favorable resolution. If your child has been charged with drunk driving in Las Vegas, we can help you understand what’s at stake and what can be done.

How Long Will a DUI Stay on a Nevada Record?

Nevada doesn’t allow expungement of DUI convictions. Expungement, as it’s commonly understood, means the total elimination of a criminal record as if the offense never occurred. Nevada law doesn’t provide that remedy for DUI. The applicable process is record sealing, which hides the record from public view but doesn’t destroy it. Certain government bodies may still access a sealed record under some conditions.

The waiting period and eligibility depend on how the case resolved. For a misdemeanor DUI first or second offense, records may be sealed seven years after the case ends. Juvenile DUI records are generally sealed automatically when the individual turns 21; a petition to seal earlier is possible but requires waiting at least three years after the case closes. A felony DUI conviction, whether for a third offense or a DUI causing serious injury or death, can’t be sealed under Nevada law.

Because these timelines are strict and eligibility depends on the nature of the conviction, the choices made while a case is still pending in a Las Vegas court have long-term consequences. A felony conviction forecloses sealing entirely. We walk clients through how different plea options, sentencing terms, and probation conditions may affect their long-term record and future sealing eligibility. After a case concludes, we can also advise on when it may be appropriate to pursue record sealing so that a past mistake has less impact on housing, licensing, and employment over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI in Las Vegas

How Can a Las Vegas DUI Lawyer Help Me?

A DUI attorney examines the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of breath and blood tests, and any procedural errors that occurred during your arrest. We guide you through both the criminal case and the Nevada DMV hearing, identify defenses that could reduce or dismiss charges, and negotiate for lesser penalties where possible. Our attorneys know Las Vegas courts and local DUI procedures, and we’re committed to guarding your rights at every stage.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of a DUI Conviction?

Beyond fines and potential jail time, a DUI conviction can limit employment opportunities, affect professional certifications in fields that require a clean record, and raise insurance premiums significantly. International travel may also be affected, as some countries restrict entry for individuals with DUI convictions. These long-term consequences are exactly why having a thorough legal strategy matters from the start of your case.

What Should I Do Right After a DUI Arrest in Las Vegas?

Avoid making statements that could incriminate you and contact a DUI attorney as early as possible. Document your recollections of the stop and arrest while they’re fresh, as those details can be important to your defense. Your attorney can guide you on preparing for the DMV hearing, which has its own deadline separate from the criminal case. Reaching out to Christiansen Trial Lawyers promptly means we can take steps right away to protect your options.

Why Is Legal Representation Important for First-Time DUI Offenders?

Even a first-time DUI conviction carries significant penalties, including fines, mandatory education programs, possible jail time, and a criminal record that can affect housing and employment for years. An attorney can identify defenses, negotiate reduced penalties, and explore alternatives such as diversion programs that may not be available to people who proceed without counsel. Experienced representation can give you a strong opportunity to protect both your current situation and your future.

Why Choose Christiansen Trial Lawyers for DUI Defense in Las Vegas

When you’re deciding who should represent you after a drunk driving arrest, you’re placing your record, your license, and in some cases your freedom in someone else’s hands. We’ve handled criminal defense matters in Las Vegas and Clark County since 1995, and our attorneys appear regularly in Las Vegas Justice Court, Las Vegas Municipal Court, and Clark County District Court. That day-to-day courtroom presence shapes how we evaluate each case and how we approach prosecutors.

Peter S. Christiansen has participated in more than 100 jury trials across state and federal courts. That trial depth isn’t incidental to our DUI practice: it’s what gives opposing counsel a reason to take our position seriously. We’re known for being willing and able to try cases rather than defaulting to settlement, and that reputation can affect negotiations from the start.

Every DUI case involves a different set of facts, priorities, and stakes. For some clients, protecting a professional license or immigration status is the primary concern. For others, preserving driving privileges or avoiding jail matters most. We don’t apply a one-size-fits-all strategy. Instead, we review the traffic stop, testing procedures, and your personal circumstances to develop an approach built around your specific situation. Clients receive direct access to experienced attorneys throughout the process, not junior staff, and we’re available around the clock for urgent questions. Free, no-obligation consultations are available in English and Spanish.

Contact Our Las Vegas DUI Lawyers

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Nevada, don’t navigate the process alone. Alcohol isn’t the only substance that can lead to a DUI charge: you can also be charged for driving under the influence of prescription drugs, illegal drugs, and marijuana.

Contact our Las Vegas office at (702) 357-9977 immediately to arrange your free consultation with the DUI defense attorneys at Christiansen Trial Lawyers.

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