The first and second DUI offenses within a seven-year period are considered misdemeanors in Clark County. While they carry lighter sentences than the third offense (treated as a felony), a conviction for first-time or second-time DUI brings with it heavy penalties and significant complications to your future. Don’t settle for a plea bargain under a misdemeanor DUI charge; get the help of an attorney who is willing to put in the work it takes to get the charge dropped altogether or reduced.
First Offense
Although misdemeanors typically carry light penalties, in the case of first-offense DUI, a number of complications apply. If convicted, you could be fined up to $1,000 and ordered to attend Nevada DUI school and/or a treatment program at your own cost. You must wait seven years before petitioning to have the records sealed, making it very difficult to get hired for a new job during that time. Finally, a DUI conviction results in a hearing administered by the DMV to decide whether your driver’s license should be suspended for 90 days.
Second Offense
Conviction of a second DUI offense within seven years carries the same penalties as the first offense, with the addition of at least ten days in jail (but up to six months possible) and completing misdemeanor DUI court, an extensive treatment program.
As you can see, the penalties for a DUI conviction in Las Vegas are serious and constitute a huge interruption to your life—particularly if you are only visiting Las Vegas and live in another state. Fortunately, your lawyer can appear at both the court date and the DMV license suspension hearing on your behalf. If you choose this route, it is critical that you choose a local Las Vegas defense lawyer whom you can trust with your case.
Fighting Charges
There are two main goals in fighting Clark County misdemeanor DUI charges. One is reduction of the charges to reckless driving. The penalties are milder, the records can be sealed after only two years instead of seven, and a job application is affected far less by a reckless driving conviction than a DUI.
The primary goals, however, are to get the charges dropped altogether and to keep your record clear. There are a number of defense strategies that an experienced Las Vegas lawyer can use to tear down the prosecution’s case. If your rights were violated by incorrect procedure during your arrest, we will prevent an unfair conviction and get you back on the road in no time.
