Nobody wants to get a DUI. Unfortunately, it still happens frequently, even though people know better. In the unfortunate event you are charged with a DUI, it is important to know your rights, and what to look for in a Las Vegas DUI Attorney.
What are Police looking for when deciding whether you need a sobriety test?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has conducted extensive studies in their effort to help law enforcement detect drunk drivers. They have identified 20 driving patterns believed to be consistent with driving under the influence:
- Tires on center or lane marker
- Braking erratically
- Driving into opposing or crossing traffic
- Signaling inconsistent with driving actions
- Slow response to traffic signals
- Stopping inappropriately (other than in lane)
- Turning abruptly or illegally
- Accelerating or decelerating rapidly
- Driving with Headlights off
- Turning with a wide radius
- Straddling center of lane marker
- Appearing to be drunk (based on posture, gestures, etc.)
- Almost striking object or vehicle
- Weaving
- Driving on other than designated highway
- Swerving
- Speed more than 10 mph below limit
- Stopping without cause in traffic lane
- Following too closely
- Drifting
After you have been pulled over, they look for slowed reaction time, blood shot eyes, and the odor of alcohol.
What happens if convicted of DUI?
First Nevada DUI Offense
1st Drunk Driving Conviction
- Jail – From 2 Days to 6 Months
- Fine – From $400 to $1,000
- License Suspension – 90 Days
- Restricted License Possible After Half of Suspension is Served
- Ignition Interlock Device (May be Required for Restricted License)
- Community Service – 96 Hours (If Allowed – Instead of Jail Time
- DUI School Tuition – $150 (Average Cost)
- DUI Program or Treatment (Possible)
Click for more Information: First Offense DUI in Nevada
Second Nevada DUI Offense
2nd Drunk Driving Conviction (Within 7 Years of Previous)
- Jail – From 10 Days to 6 Months
- Fine – From $750 to $1,000
- License Suspension – 1 Year (No Restricted License Possible)
- Community Service – From 100 to 200 Hours
- May be Subject to Vehicle Registration Suspension
- 1 Year Supervised DUI Program or Treatment (Possible)
Click for more Information: Second Offense DUI in Nevada
Getting the right DUI Defense Attorney on your side is very important, so there are a few things to look for while deciding who to use:
- Cost
- Are there mitigating fees
- Was there a quote for costs of the entire case
- Will there be further costs for going to trial
- The reputation of the firm with the courts
- Have there been any disciplinary actions taken against the firm by the Nevada State Bar
- The experience of the attorney with Las Vegas DUI cases
- Whether the firm has an extensive background with DUI cases
- Whether the firm specializes in DUI cases
Getting a Nevada DUI Attorney on your side can prove to be invaluable, especially if you think you have been wrongfully arrested. In some cases having the best DUI lawyer can result in the charges being dismissed, the DUI cleared and expunged from your record, or in getting the charges, sentence and/or fines reduced.
Nobody wants to end up in a DUI trial, but know that if it does happen, there are Attorneys who will fight for you and make sure none of your rights are violated.
