DUI

DUI Defense Attorneys in Las Vegas

Seasoned DUI Defense in Nevada

Have you been arrested for drunk driving in Nevada? You need the skill and experience of a DUI defense attorney to guide you through the complicated legal maze that awaits you. Many states have now lowered the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit from 0.10 to 0.08% for adults, and more than a dozen have passed Zero Tolerance laws that prohibit drivers under 21 years old from having any measurable amount of alcohol in their blood system. As the legal limits decrease, the chances of being charged with drunk driving increase if you choose to drink and drive.

At Christiansen Trial Lawyers, we have more than 65 years of combined legal experience providing criminal defense representation for clients charged with drunk driving. We can take immediate steps to help minimize the effects of a drunk driving charge. Contact our Las Vegas DUI defense attorneys to arrange for your free consultation and see how our team can assist you.

Effective Defense Strategies Against Nevada DUI Charges

When you’ve been arrested, you may think there is no way out of a charge for driving under the influence. However, Nevada DUI cases are almost always complex, and there are a variety of ways a DUI defense attorney can get charges reduced or dismissed entirely. There needs to be a sufficient amount of evidence to secure a conviction, and our attorneys are up to the task of investigating every detail to weaken the case against you.

We know the defenses that can help you move forward, including:

Challenging the field sobriety test results
Questioning the reason for the initial traffic stop
Determining whether the breath test or blood alcohol test was administered properly
Determining whether the police officer violated your rights in any way

Drunk driving (DUI) convictions can result in large fines, loss of your driver’s license, and even jail time, particularly when there have been multiple DUI charges or an accident that caused an injury. At Christiansen Trial Lawyers, we have considerable experience representing clients charged with DUI for both their criminal cases and at the DMV hearing to preserve their driving privileges.

If your license was revoked because of a DUI charge, you only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing, so do not wait to contact us. The sooner we go to work for you, the better our chances are for obtaining a favorable result in your case.

What Are The Penalties For First Time DUI Offenses in NV?

Some penalties that typically accompany a first offense of drunk driving (as a misdemeanor) include:

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

When you’ve been charged with a DUI, you need to enlist the help of a locally based law firm that has gone to bat for members of their community. Our team is based in Las Vegas and knows full well what the penalties are for DUIs. We’re able to use our knowledge to fight for your rights and your future.

It’s important to know that a DUI is much more than just a traffic ticket – it’s a crime that can have you entered into the system. It’s imperative that you hire legal representation, rather than attempt to handle your case on your own.

Increased DUI Penalties for Aggravating Factors

DUI penalties in Nevada can significantly increase if certain aggravating factors are present. These can include having a minor in the vehicle, causing an accident that results in injury or death, and a BAC significantly above the legal limit. Each of these factors can elevate a misdemeanor DUI to a felony charge, carrying much more severe consequences. Understanding these nuances is critical for anyone facing such charges, and it is where the depth of Christiansen Trial Lawyers's experience becomes invaluable. We strive to navigate these complexities in favor of our clients, making sure that every angle is explored in pursuit of a favorable outcome.

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

A person under 21 charged with a DUI in Nevada faces largely the same criminal penalties as anyone else, in addition to minor consumption charges. But if you or your son or daughter is facing these charges, you have a lot more at stake than meets the eye. A conviction could hamper the educational and employment prospects of the accused for years to come.

While adults can have up to 0.08% alcohol in their system and still drive legally, that standard does not apply to those under the age of 21. Minors caught driving with any detectable amount of alcohol in their blood are charged with drunk driving. Prosecutors take this zero-tolerance law very seriously and will likely pursue the maximum criminal penalties.

Although this may have been a one-time mistake, the consequences you face are very real. In addition to fines, jail time, and loss of your driver’s license, your child may be expelled from school. They may lose their job and have difficulty finding another one. Our DUI defense attorneys understand how important the outcome of this case is to your present and your future. We do everything in our power to help our clients avoid the consequences of a criminal conviction.

How Long Will A DUI Conviction Stay On My Record?

In Nevada, a DUI conviction is a significant legal issue that has long-lasting effects on an individual's criminal record. Once someone is convicted of DUI in Nevada, the conviction becomes a permanent part of their criminal history. Unlike some states where DUI convictions can be expunged or removed after a certain period, Nevada law does not currently allow for the expungement of DUI convictions.

This means that a DUI conviction will remain on a person’s record for life. The permanency of a DUI on one’s criminal record can have wide-ranging implications for future employment opportunities, professional licensing, insurance rates, and even eligibility for certain types of government benefits or programs.

For misdemeanor DUI (first or second offense), records may be sealed 7 years after the case ends. For juveniles, their record will be automatically sealed when they turn 21 if three years have passed since the sentence was completed.

For a felony DUI (third offense or causing serious injury or death), the conviction will never be sealed.

Differentiating Between Record Sealing & Expungements

Expungement and record sealing are commonly used interchangeably in Nevada; however, the law only provides record sealing. A sealed record is hidden from public view, but certain government bodies may still have access to it under certain conditions. While expungement is not accessible in Nevada, it is commonly defined as the total elimination or the destruction of a criminal record, as if the offense never occurred. Sealing a record in Nevada successfully meets the individual's privacy purpose by making their past legal difficulties invisible to most background checks, rather than completely destroying the record, as expungement suggests.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI in Las Vegas

How Can a Las Vegas DUI Lawyer Help Me?

Enlisting the assistance of a DUI lawyer in Las Vegas can provide invaluable support when facing DUI charges. Our attorneys guide you through the complexities of DUI laws, which can be particularly intricate given Nevada’s harsh penalties for such offenses. We focus on scrutinizing each detail—from the legality of your arrest to the methods used in administering tests—to provide a strong defense. With our local knowledge and a deep understanding of both the law and local court procedures, we aim to reduce possible impacts on your life. Engaging our services means having a team that’s committed to guarding your rights while negotiating for reduced charges or lesser penalties where applicable.

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

Though the immediate consequences of a DUI conviction might be daunting, the long-term effects can be just as impactful. Beyond fines and potential imprisonment, a DUI conviction can hinder employment opportunities and affect professional certifications, especially in fields where maintaining a clean record is compulsory. Higher insurance premiums are a certainty, while international travel plans may also be affected due to DUI-related restrictions in other countries. Understanding these long-term implications highlights the need for comprehensive legal strategies to contest charges actively, preserving your future prospects. Our attorneys are well-versed in managing these complexities as part of our comprehensive approach to DUI defenses.

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

Immediately following a DUI arrest in Las Vegas, certain steps should be taken to protect your rights. Firstly, avoid making any statements that might incriminate you—contact an attorney at the earliest opportunity. Your attorney can guide you in preparing for the DMV hearing. Document any recollections of the arrest, as these details can be pivotal in building a strong defense. Seeking legal counsel from Christiansen Trial Lawyers means you receive actionable advice promptly, maximizing the potential to mitigate severe outcomes.

Why Is Legal Representation Important for First Time DUI Offenders?

First-time DUI offenders might mistakenly assume their situation is not serious enough to warrant a lawyer. However, even a first-time conviction can carry significant penalties, including fines, mandatory education programs, and potential jail time. Furthermore, a conviction initiates a criminal record that can linger for years, affecting future prospects. Legal representation provides strategic advantages, such as negotiating lesser penalties or seeking alternative solutions like diversion programs. Engaging a competent legal team ensures you have an advocate who understands the nuances of local laws and is dedicated to achieving the most favorable outcome for your present circumstances and future aspirations.

Contact Our Las Vegas DUI Lawyer

If you are charged with a DUI in Nevada, you should not proceed without the advice and guidance of an experienced DUI defense lawyer. We can help by protecting your rights, securing your driving privileges, and shielding you from conviction. Alcohol isn’t the only substance that can lead to a DUI charge in Nevada—you can also be charged if you were driving while under the influence of prescription drugs, illegal drugs, and marijuana.

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

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