First DUI Offense Penalties in Nevada

1. First DUI Offense Penalties in Las Vegas, Nevada

2. The State of Nevada has a strict regulation when it comes to driving under the influence. First-time offenders, however, can expect to face misdemeanor penalties, which may not be much as far as punishments are concerned, but can still cause many problems later on. Seeking expert defense assistance from experienced DUI lawyer is essential even for a first-time DUI charge to minimize the long-term effects it can have on a person’s life and career.

3. DUI defined • In Las Vegas, Nevada, a person can be deemed driving under the influence if: • He or she is under the effect of alcohol or drugs; • His or her blood alcohol content (BAC) is from 0.08 and up; or • He or she is driving even after ingesting prescription narcotic drugs beyond the safe limit • These charges still count even if the defendant was driving within prescribed speed and safety limits. The deciding factor is that the defendant was driving with a blood alcohol level beyond prescribed limits.

4. Penalties for a First DUI charge • Nevada considers a first-time DUI as a misdemeanor as long as no deaths or serious injuries were incurred. Most of the penalties handed out include: • Suspended jail sentence up to a maximum of 6 months, which means the convicted does not have to face jail time unless he violates anything related to his sentence; or around 96 hours of community service • $1,000 in fines, excluding court costs (Nevada courts charge around $585) • Attendance at the Nevada DUI school for a whole program • Attendance at a Nevada Victim Impact Panel lecture • Alcohol/drug dependency evaluation that costs $100, possible entry into a rehabilitation program, and installation of a breath interlock device for three years • Suspension of driver’s license for 90 days by Nevada’s Department of Motor Vehicles

5. Defending Against First DUI • Defense attorneys dealing with a DUI case will studiously go over the particulars of the case, looking for inconsistencies or oversights that can turn the case proceedings in their favor. Often, the following defense tactics are employed: • Misuse or malfunction with the blood testing equipment • Lack of experience or certification on the part of the equipment handlers • Lack of probable cause • Improper procedure with the sobriety test • Physical condition on the part of the defendant that can inadvertently alter the results of the blood test

6. Plea bargaining and Sealing of records for First DUI • Defense attorneys dealing with a DUI case will studiously go over the particulars of the case, looking for inconsistencies or oversights that can turn the case proceedings in their favor. Often, the following defense tactics are employed: • Misuse or malfunction with the blood testing equipment • Lack of experience or certification on the part of the equipment handlers • Lack of probable cause • Improper procedure with the sobriety test • Physical condition on the part of the defendant that can inadvertently alter the results of the blood test

7. Dealing with a DUI charge for the first time can be daunting, especially for people who have not faced any other kind of conviction before. It is important that the services of a DUI Lawyer are sought immediately to get a better handle of the situation.