Las Vegas Penalties for First, Second, Third DUI

Any conviction for driving under the influence in Nevada will disrupt your life in some way. Under state law, penalties get more serious with each subsequent offense within a seven-year period. Regardless of your prior record, Miley Law Firm, P.C. in Las Vegas offers strong advice and advocacy if you’ve been charged with DUI. If you have any prior drunk-driving convictions, I will explain the potential punishments and develop a defensive strategy tailored to your situation. Whether your best option is to challenge the evidence brought against you, seek a reduced charge or pursue substance abuse treatment as an alternative to incarceration, my firm is committed to secure a favorable resolution.

WHAT ARE PENALTIES FOR A FIRST-TIME DUI IN NEVADA?

Many things can go wrong during the law enforcement process that begins when a driver is stopped on suspicion of drunk driving. My firm examines the facts in detail to see if viable defenses can be raised. Penalties associated with a first-time DUI offense include:

• License suspension — Even if you aren’t convicted of DUI, a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) test result of .08 percent or higher carries a potential driver’s license suspension of 90 days. Should you refuse a breath or blood test, you can lose your driving privileges for one year. These bans can be lifted if you install an ignition interlock device, which prevents you from starting your vehicle unless you are sober.
• Fine — If you have no prior record of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, the fine you must pay runs between $400 and $1,000.
• Incarceration —Potential jail time associated with an initial DUI conviction is between two days and six months. Penalties can be harsher if the intoxicated motorist caused a harmful accident, had someone younger than 15 in the car or tested with a BAC of .18 percent or higher.
• Community service — Instead of jail, many first-time DUI offenders are sentenced to between 48 and 96 hours of community service, such as cleaning up roadside trash while wearing clothing that indicates you have been convicted of drunk driving.

You might think that a BAC test result exceeding the legal limit means that you don’t have legal options, but a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can effectively fight the charges brought against you.

WHAT ARE PENALTIES FOR SECOND-TIME DUI IN NEVADA?

A second DUI conviction within a seven-year period carries a minimum sentence of 10 days, either in jail or as home confinement. The fine will be at least $750 and your license will be revoked for one year. Once you can drive again, you will need to use an ignition interlock device for half a year.

WHAT ARE PENALTIES FOR THIRD-TIME DUI IN NEVADA?

Once someone is found guilty of DUI for the third time within the seven-year timeframe, they are subject to prison term of at least one and up to six years. A third conviction can also result in loss of driving privileges for three years and a fine between $2,000 and $5,000. The ignition interlock device period runs from one to three years.

Contact a knowledgeable Las Vegas DUI defense lawyer to discuss your case

Miley Law Firm, P.C. advocates for Nevada motorists who have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Whether this is your first offense or you face the enhanced penalties given to multiple offenders, please call 702-850-3600 or contact me online. My office is in Las Vegas.