Facing a DUI case in Las Vegas?
Were you or a loved one arrested for a DUI case in Las Vegas? if you are convicted of a DUI, it can change your life forever. You could lose your license for a period of time. You face an almost certain fine, and you may spend time in jail. Arrests alone can ruin a professional career.
The state of Nevada takes DUI enforcement seriously. So make sure you take your case seriously. Not everyone arrested for drunk driving is guilty, and not everyone charged with the offense deserves to lose their driving privileges. Our work is to protect your rights. The state is determined to secure a conviction in your case, and you owe it to yourself not to walk into that fight alone.
Typical issues in a DUI case in Las Vegas?
When reviewing your case and explaining your potential defenses, some key areas are examined:
1. Did the officer have a legal reason to stop your vehicle?
Referred to as “probable cause,” there has to be a legitimate reason to pull you over. Usually this is for a minor traffic infraction like changing lanes without signaling. Perhaps not having your headlights on after dusk, having a burnt out tail light. Or possibly going at least a mile an hour over the speed limit. Possibly even making a U-turn in a “no u-turn” zone, etc. However, driving slowly, movement within your lane, sleeping in your vehicle and other behaviors may not be sufficient probable cause. Yes those behaviors can become parts of your defense.
2. Did the officer have a reason to have you exit the vehicle, and to perform Field Sobriety Tests?
Once you are stopped, there has to be a reason that the officer suspects you are under the influence of alcohol to have you perform Field Sobriety Tests. These are the tests where he moves a finger in front of your face, you walk heel-to-toe, or stand on one leg. Usually, these tests are given because the driver admits to drinking. And pretty much everyone stopped says, “two beers,” or, “a couple of beers.”
(Never say that you have been drinking, because it gives the police the reason to test and arrest you – you will not get lenience for honesty at this point of a traffic stop!).
The officer will indicate on his report that you had red cheeks, glassy or red eyes, slurred speech, clumsy movement, etc. and you may have medical conditions, contact lenses or other issues that cause such appearance or behavior.
3. Were the Field Sobriety Tests performed properly?
The physical tests that lead to the decision to arrest for DUI are varied. However, they must be administered according to specific guidelines from traffic police manuals. Where they are performed – lighting, surface conditions and angles, weather – and how they are administered needs to be reviewed. Furthermore, whether they used a portable breathalyzer and its reading will be examined. Even though the results of the hand-held breathalyzer cannot be admitted in court as they are not accurate enough.
4. Were the breath or blood tests taken at the police station or jail performed properly?
After a person is arrested for a DUI, they are taken to a police station or jail for ‘booking’ and to have further testing of their blood alcohol level (“BAC”). Operating a vehicle on a public accessible road with a BAC of 0.08 or more is illegal, although charges can arise with lower BAC if you are still considered “impaired.” The two tests are either breath tested on a larger breathalyzer machine, or blood drawn by a nurse who sends it to a lab for testing.
We review the evidence provided to see if the proper procedure is followed, the machines used were calibrated, the tester was qualified, and that the person performing the tests is to be a witness. Again, medical conditions, dentures, certain medications and other situations can distort your results and needs to be brought up in your defense.
Will I lose my license?
My job as your attorney is to help you keep your license if it is possible. The DMV proceeding is not a criminal procedure and their standards are much broader (making it more likely that your license will be suspended). Additionally I will tell you based on your facts the likelihood of victory and advise you accordingly. Also I do not charge you for DMV defense proceedings unless it is needed. How the process works is different depending on which test you take at the police station: breath or blood.
What happens with the DMV when I’m charged with a DUI?
Breathalyzer – if the breathalyzer returns a reading of 0.08 or higher, the Nevada DMV will automatically suspend your license for 90 days, and your license will be considered suspended immediately. The police will give you a sheet of paper advising you of this with instructions (it’s usually pink in color). From this date, you have 10 days to request a hearing at the DMV, which I will handle if you meet with me early enough. The DMV will set the hearing one month after they get a request. During that time you are waiting for the hearing, your license will be valid.
You can get a restricted license to travel to work, shopping and church after 45 days of suspension.
Blood test – blood test results will take several months to be returned to the police and sent to the DMV. You should check in with the DMV occasionally to make sure that they have not sent a notice already, and you need to be absolutely certain that they have your current address on file, or you may not get the notice at all. If the blood lab returns a reading of 0.08 or higher, the Nevada DMV will suspend your license for 90 days, and your license will be considered suspended from the date that they send you a notice.
You can get a restricted license to travel to work, shopping and church after 45 days of suspension.
From the date that you receive the notice by mail, you have 10 days to request a hearing at the DMV, which I will handle if you meet with me early enough. The DMV will set the hearing one month after they get a request. During that time you are waiting for the hearing, your license will be valid.
Things to bring to your DUI consultation:
- The original ticket or citation issued to you by the police;
- Any papers you received if you were detained, arrested or held in jail;
- Any papers sent to you or given to you by a court;
- Anything with important dates on it; and
- Your Driver’s License.
Nevada DUI Penalties
The statutory penalties for DUI are tough. Which is why you need an attorney to defend you and mitigate your penalties as much as possible. The following are the punishments for DUI in Nevada:
FIRST OFFENSE
- At least 2 days in jail and up to 6 months; or 48 to 96 hours of community service in the florescent clothes;
- A fine of at least $585 ($810 for municipal court) and up to over $1,000 after fees;
- Pay for and take a substance abuse educational program, and successfully complete it within a deadline;
- Attend a “victim impact panel”; and
- Revocation of your driver’s license for at least 90 days.
SECOND OFFENSE
- At least 10 days in jail and up to 6 months;
- A fine of at least $750 and up to over $1,000 after fees, or the equivalent number of hours of community service;
- Pay for and take a substance abuse therapy program, and successfully complete it within a deadline;
- Revocation of your driver’s license for at least ONE YEAR.
THIRD OFFENSE
- Category B Felony;
- At least 1 year in jail and up to 6 years;
- A fine of at least $2,000 and up to over $5,000;
- Attend a “victim impact panel”; and
- Revocation of your driver’s license for at least THREE YEARS.
EVEN MORE PENALTIES, ON TOP OF THE ONES ABOVE
- $60 fee for chemical analysis if you have had a breath or blood test and are convicted/plead guilty to DUI.
- If you are under 21, or have blood alcohol of 0.18% (more than double the limit), or are being charged with a second offense, you owe another $100 and have to undergo an Alcohol Addiction Evaluation AND you have to attend a substance abuse treatment program. The danger of an Evaluation is that it places on your record evidence of an alcohol problem, something that will haunt you if you are ever charged for similar crimes.
- If you are found guilty, the court can choose to make you install a “breath interlock device” on your car which makes your car inoperable if you have alcohol on your breath, all at your expense. It will stay on your car for up to three years.
YES EVEN MORE PENALTIES, ON TOP OF THE ONES ABOVE
- On top of all of the criminal penalties, if found guilty you owe a $35 civil penalty to the DMV.
- You will be required to buy an SR-22 Proof of Financial Responsibility from your insurance company. Click for details.
How can Attorney Ryan Alexander help you? avoid all of these punishments?
For starters, I may find facts or notice missing evidence that allows the charges to be dismissed or a trial to lead to a not guilty verdict. Or, with a strong defense the prosecutor might be inclined to offer a lesser charge, such as a First Offense when you’re in on a Second DUI charge, or a Reckless Driving in the place of a First. Since you may notice the punishments increase dramatically with each subsequent arrest, it is in your interest to get a plea or offer for a lower level of DUI or non-DUI traffic charge.
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FREE CASE EVALUATION
Ryan Alexander: Las Vegas DUI Attorney
We understand that now more than ever you need some help moving forward.
Las Vegas DUI Attorney Ryan Alexander has quickly and expertly handled hundreds of DUI cases in the courts of Clark County, Nevada. You will personally meet with Ryan himself to discuss your case. He will sit down with you and fully advise you of all your rights, the criminal and civil penalties that you’re facing, and the likely outcomes.
Ryan understands your situation.
Las Vegas DUI Attorney Ryan Alexander believes that good people make mistakes, and he’s here to make sure that you get the best representation. Attorney Ryan Alexander will defend your constitutional rights.
Lastly, I am here to make sure you understand your rights, the facts in evidence, and the punishment you face before you make any final decisions. Since the penalties are high and can seriously impact your every day life (such as losing your license for three months, a year, or even three years), this is an important time to have the experienced guidance of an attorney.