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Penalties for DUI Convictions in Las Vegas, Nevada

Although the penalties for drunk driving in Nevada are fairly standardized, they become much harsher if the person (a) has prior convictions for DUI within the last 7 years, or (b) causes an accident that injures or kills a third party. The court can also order additional alcohol treatment for an offender whose blood alcohol level measured .18 or greater.

If you face DUI charges here, be sure to consult with an experienced Las Vegas DUI attorney before going to court and pleading guilty. Depending on the facts of your case, it may be possible to get the drunk driving charges reduced or dismissed. If so, the Nevada DUI penalties may be reduced substantially or even eliminated.

The "standard" penalties for first-time DUI in Nevada are:

1. Probation of 3 to 6 months



2. From 2 days to 6 months in jail or community service (the court usually imposes just the 2 days, unless the DUI was especially egregious)



3. Nevada DUI School (an alcohol awareness program)



4. Fines ranging from $400 to $1000 plus court costs (Las Vegas courts usually impose a net $600 fine for first-offense DUI)



5. Nevada’s Victim Impact Panel (a MADD lecture)

The "standard" penalties for second-time DUI in Nevada are:

1. One year of probation



2. From 10 days to 6 months in jail or community service (or an equivalent time in a residential treatment program)



3. Nevada DUI School



4. Fines ranging from $750 to $1000 (Las Vegas courts usually impose a net $1100 fine for a second-offense DUI)



5. Nevada’s Victim Impact Panel

Punishment for Third-Offense Nevada DUI:

A third offense Nevada DUI is a category B felony. The penalty for a third offense DUI in Las Vegas is a Nevada prison commitment of 1 to 6 years, and fines ranging from $2000 to $5000. Nevada DUI law provides that a person imprisoned for drunk driving shall be segregated from more violent offenders.

Punishment for a Nevada DUI Causing Injury or Death:

If an intoxicated Nevada driver causes an accident that brings injury or death to another person, the driver faces a more serious Category B felony. The punishment ranges from 2 to 20 years in Nevada prison, and fines ranging from $2000 to $5000. Moreover, Nevada DUI law limits the discretion of prosecutors to "plea bargain" these charges down, unless the evidence is weak. Again, a person imprisoned under this section is to be segregated from more violent offenders.

Seek Legal Counsel if You Face a Las Vegas DUI Charge

As you can see, Nevada DUI penalties can be harsh. But the worst part of a Las Vegas drunk driving conviction may be the indirect consequences: higher car insurance premiums, a faulty driving record, and a criminal history that likely will surface on a background check when you apply for a job.

It’s not always possible to avoid these consequences. But many times it is. Favorable evidence and defenses may exist. This could give you leverage to negotiate a charge reduction, or a good chance of winning at trial. Contact one of our Las Vegas NV DUI lawyers to analyze the facts of your case.