Article provided by Schuetze & McGaha, P.C. Visit us at http://www.smlvlaw.net
Anyone who has ever been to Las Vegas understands that they have a choice of many different entertainment options at any time, day or night. With several high-profile events coming to the city, such as music festivals and sporting events, there may be even more to offer for those in town.
Those that attend some of these events may decide to have a drink or two while they are there. If they had any drinks prior to heading out or maybe a few at dinner, they may find themselves facing DUI charges if they are stopped by police. Many people simply are unaware of how few drinks it can take for them to register as impaired under Nevada law.
Those stopped for DUI may have never been in a similar situation before. They may have received traffic tickets in the past, but otherwise have had no interactions with law enforcement. Once they are asked to perform field sobriety tests, they may be thinking that they will be able to complete these tasks successfully and then go off on their way.
What they do not realize is that they may decline these tests, which can be beneficial later if the matter ends up going to trial as the prosecution may then have less evidence to use to pursue a conviction. However, if the officer requests that the individual subject to a blood or breath test to check the driver's blood alcohol content (BAC), any refusal will result in an immediate loss of driving privileges.
Those convicted of DUI in Nevada face a range of penalties. This includes fines of up to $1,000 as well as court costs, in addition to the potential of six months in jail. They must also deal with the suspension of their driver's license, which can make it much more difficult to drive to work or other places that they need to go. The penalties increase dramatically for additional DUI offenses.
If you have been charged with drunk driving, you need to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney can protect your rights, and provide crucial guidance to you as you go through the process. This includes examining the actions of law enforcement, and also analyzing the evidence that the prosecution will be using against you.
If you decide to go to trial, it is important that you work with someone who understands all of the complexities that can arise with DUI cases. Your case may have very unique circumstances present, and often these factors will have an impact on your specific situation. If you plead guilty, you may be subjecting yourself to much stronger penalties in the future for other criminal offenses.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|