In our years representing clients facing DUI charges, we’ve seen firsthand the destruction caused by drunk driving. Beyond endangering lives, a DUI conviction can derail careers, strain relationships, and lead to serious legal consequences.
This article aims to inform Nevadans about current DUI laws and trends. By understanding the legal landscape and risks, we hope to empower readers to make responsible choices and help prevent drunk driving accidents.
We’ll cover critical topics like:
Let’s get started.
Under Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 484C ( NRS 484C ), it’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher, .04% for commercial drivers, and .02% for drivers under 21 years of age.
Harsher penalties apply at higher BAC levels. Those caught driving impaired face fines, license suspension, alcohol education, community service, and even jail time.
Penalties increase significantly for second and third DUI offenses committed within seven years under NRS 484C.400 . Additional factors like excessive speeding, accidents, injuries, or deaths can also increase sentences.
The state will typically charge a first drunk driving offense as a misdemeanor. Penalties include:
Fines and jail time escalate if the driver’s BAC exceeds 0.18%.
A second DUI offense within seven years is also a misdemeanor, carrying:
The court calculates the seven years prior to the current arrest date.
A third DUI offense within seven years is a category B felony. Possible penalties now include:
DUI laws aim to deter drunk driving and punish those who recklessly endanger lives. But even first offenses bear harsh penalties that can drastically impact one’s future.
Nevada’s strict DUI legislation, coupled with public awareness campaigns, has helped reduce drunk driving rates over the past decade. According to responsibility.org, Nevada law enforcement made over 11,170 DUI arrests in 2019 – an average of over 30 per day.
The demographics of fatality rates have also shifted. Historically, drunk drivers cause many deaths in the state, but recent DUI data shows those numbers are declining.
These statistics tell us our work is making headway, but issues persist. Continued legal counsel and education remain vital for reducing accidents and saving lives.
While alcohol remains the most common DUI substance, drugged driving cases have risen sharply statewide . Many arrests now involve drivers impaired by substances like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, or prescription medications.
Drug DUIs prove more complex than alcohol cases. No clear legal limits exist for the wide range of intoxicating compounds. Drivers often mix various substances, making it difficult to parse out impairment causality.
And unlike alcohol, no roadside devices currently exist to screen for drugs efficiently. Instead, officers use special training to spot signs of intoxication. They must collect blood samples and pursue lengthier lab testing to confirm illegal substances.
Despite added complexity, Nevada laws still forbid driving under the influence of a controlled substance . Those exhibiting impaired coordination, reflexes, focus, or judgment face DUI charges and revocation of their license.
Penalties closely match those for alcohol DUIs based on factors like repeat offenses or causing injuries or death. Those found severely impaired also receive court orders to attend substance abuse treatment.
Nevada criminal defense attorneys are taking on more drugged driving cases after seeing caseloads rise. The complexities of proving impairment and sentencing match those of alcohol DUI cases. Defense lawyers aim to ensure fair treatment for clients facing allegations, fines, license suspension, and custody.
Regrettably, drunk driving still claims too many lives, so ongoing prevention is critical. Programs statewide aim to curb dangerous behavior through:
Designated driver campaigns encourage groups to select one sober driver when going out. Local partnerships between hospitality and transportation sectors help facilitate rides to prevent impaired driving.
Services like Lyft and Uber provide readily available, affordable rides home as an alternative to driving drunk. Nevada law also protects ride-share drivers from drunk passengers who cause harm.
Organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) run public awareness campaigns on the fatal consequences of DUIs. They also provide support resources for victims of drunk driving accidents and their families.
Many local police departments have set up dedicated DUI enforcement units and sobriety checkpoints to catch and deter drunk drivers. Some even display parked squad cars on weekends to give the impression of omnipresence.
Through multiple reinforcement channels, Nevada continues applying pressure to curb DUIs and drunk driving fatalities.
For some, alcohol abuse cascades into unhealthy addiction and patterns of dangerous decision-making. Recognizing risks early and seeking help can prevent tragic outcomes.
Long-term excessive alcohol use boosts risks for liver disease, cancers, mental illness, and cognitive decline. Those noticing increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, failed attempts to cut back, or that drinking harms relationships or work should consider treatment.
Nevada offers outpatient programs and residential recovery centers to help people regain control of their lives. The State Department of Health and Human Services provides referrals to accredited facilities.
Popular options include:
Peer communities like Alcoholics Anonymous provide judgment-free support. Members share struggles and tactics to maintain their recovery. Groups meet locally across Nevada for those needing camaraderie through the healing process.
Many options exist statewide to get confidential care for anyone concerned about their drinking. Lives stand to improve drastically through proactively addressing addiction’s hold.
If you or a loved one face DUI charges, experienced legal representation can prove invaluable. Nevada criminal defense attorneys understand the complexities of old and newly emerging intoxicant laws. We keep abreast of enforcement approaches and evolving court precedents that impact outcomes.
We analyze arrest details, chemical testing, and officer conduct in building strong cases. Masterful negotiation skills also aim to minimize penalties by securing plea bargains for lesser charges.
Throughout the proceedings, Benjamin Durham Law Firm provides compassionate counsel to clients’ families. By leveraging broad experience, our criminal defense lawyers maximize prospects for lenient verdicts.
So don’t hesitate—contact us for discreet consultation on pending or prior driving impairment charges.
Benjamin Durham is the principal attorney and founder of Benjamin Durham Law Firm, a criminal defense law firm based in Las Vegas, NV. With over 20 years of experience in the legal field, he represents clients in both injury and criminal cases. Over his career, he has secured favorable verdicts for clients in both state and federal courts and successfully defended numerous high-profile prosecutions.
Ben’s exceptional legal skills and dedication to his clients have earned him recognition as a life member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He also has been honored as one of the Top 100 trial lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association, further solidifying his reputation as a top-notch legal practitioner.
