Las Vegas is known for many things, including having the most DUI arrests of any city in the nation. As of 2021, Sin City recorded approximately 4,311 DUI arrests annually and 1,986 arrests per 100,000 residents. This means that over 10 people are arrested every day in Las Vegas for driving under the influence.
Though DUIs may be commonplace, you should not treat your DUI arrest or charge flippantly. Resist any immediate urge you may feel to plead guilty or accept a diversion on your charges. Your DUI case deserves the careful attention and review only an experienced Las Vegas DUI defense lawyer can provide.
Five Reasons to Seek Help From a Knowledgeable Nevada DUI Lawyer
There are at least five reasons why having a skilled DUI defense lawyer review your case before deciding how to resolve it makes sense. These reasons are as follows:
1. A DUI Conviction Can Result in Fines and Jail Time
First, the court is required to sentence a first-time DUI offender to at least 48 hours in jail and a minimum fine of $400. In certain circumstances, the court may feel it necessary to impose a harsher jail sentence and can sentence you up to six months for your first DUI conviction.
The sentence you receive from the court depends heavily on how the court views the facts of your case. Therefore, it can pay dividends to have an attorney frame the facts of your case as favorably as possible for the court.
2. The Collateral Consequences of a DUI Can Be Significant
The consequences of a DUI conviction do not stop with jail time and fines. You could lose your driving privileges for 185 days or more, depending on how many prior convictions for DUI you have. If you have a commercial driver’s license, a DUI conviction can potentially mean the end of your driving career.
If you hold other professional licenses, these, too, can be jeopardized by a DUI conviction or diversion. If you hold a medical license, law license, or pilot license, you are required to report your DUI disposition and can face professional sanctions. Depending on the circumstances, you could face suspension or revocation of your credentials.
3. A Plea Negotiation May Be Available
There are numerous reasons why prosecutors seek to reach plea offers with defendants, including those charged with DUI. However, prosecutors rarely offer defendants plea deals that are in the defendants’ best interests.
Unfortunately, many defendants are intimidated by the prospect of negotiating a more favorable deal with the prosecutor and will simply accept whatever offer the prosecutor puts forward.
A skilled Las Vegas DUI defense lawyer will have experience negotiating plea deals that are in their clients’ best interests. Your attorney will know the considerations that prosecutors make when formulating a plea deal, which enables your lawyer to put forward a more reasonable resolution for the prosecution to consider.
4. The Prosecution Must Prove You Guilty of DUI
Even if you are certain you drove under the influence, the prosecutor must prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. A careful review of your case may reveal that the prosecution’s case against you is not as strong as it might first appear. These evidentiary infirmities can lead to a reduction or dismissal of your charges.
For example, if the officer lacked probable cause or reasonable suspicion to stop you to arrest you for DUI. Or the arresting officer may not have followed proper protocol when collecting your blood or conducting the breath test. Your lawyer will be able to advise you whether there is enough evidence to support your guilt.
5. You May Have Defenses to Your DUI Charge
Although there are few legal defenses to driving under the influence in Nevada, your circumstances may be one where a defense is available. For instance, you may have a defense to your DUI charges if you had to drive while intoxicated to avoid being the victim of a crime or to get medical attention for another person.
Your DUI defense lawyer can review your situation and advise you whether your situation could lead to the dismissal of your charges.
Contact DUI Doctor for Help With Your DUI Charges
Before you take any action in your DUI case, call DUI Doctor to discuss your charges. We will use our extensive experience to help you reach a resolution that could include reducing or dismissing charges, preserving your driving privileges, and minimizing other consequences.