What Will Happen If You Are Caught Driving Under the Influence In Las Vegas?

(A Guide for First Time Offenders)

Las Vegas is one of the greatest tourist attractions in the United States, and this reputation was not earned due to its sedate entertainment. With its many casinos, bars and other entertainment emporiums it is a magnetic attraction for those who like to have a good time. Unfortunately, this "good time" often involves excessive consumption of alcohol. While everyone is aware of the hazards of driving after consuming alcohol not everyone chooses to heed these warnings. Every year there are numerous individuals who are caught driving under the influence in Sin City.

There are many methods by which an officer may determine that an individual is driving after having consumed excessive quantities of alcohol. These include roadblocks, suspect behavior (erratic driving, inability to stay in a lane, reckless driving, etc.) or viewing an individual obviously under the influence getting into a vehicle and driving away. It is important that the officer determine that you were actually driving under the influence; they cannot cite you for it if you are simply seated in an immobile vehicle. If you are suspected of driving under the influence you will be asked to participate in either a blood or breathalyzer test in order to determine your blood alcohol content. A blood alcohol content of greater than .08% is considered to be "under the influence".

Once the officer has determined that you were, in fact, driving under the influence your license will be confiscated and you will be issued a seven day, temporary license. This allows you to contest the officer's accusation that you have committed a crime. It is important that the moment you are accused of driving under the influence you contact a good defense attorney, preferably one with experience in alcohol-related driving offenses. There is nothing to lose from requesting that a hearing take place to determine the suspension of your license; at worst the license will be suspended for the full ninety days (if you are a first time offender), and in the best case scenario the judge will rule that you are not subject to license suspension. Once a license has been suspended the driver may request that a restricted license be issued after the first forty five days that will allow the suspect to drive to and from work. Following the ninety day term the driver will have to appear before the DMV and request a new license, paying all associated fees.

Keep in mind that the consequences of a first time DUI are vastly different if the consequences included injury or death to another individual. At this point it becomes a felony offense, punishable by an extended stay in a state prison facility.

Recommended Reading:

1. What Does it Mean to be Driving Under the Influence in Las Vegas? - The news is filled with individuals who have been caught driving under the influence and are now paying the piper...
2. How Will an Officer Determine if You are Driving Under the Influence in Las Vegas? - Driving under the influence is both dangerous and foolhardy, due to alcohol's negative effects on the body. The legal system...
3. How to Avoid Jail Time if You are Caught Driving Under the Influence in Las Vegas - Driving under the influence is a very serious offense, and one that is not taken lightly anywhere in the United...
4. What Are the Consequences of Driving Under the Influence in Las Vegas? - Even in Sin City the consequences of driving while under the influence are severe; the mass quantity of people that...
5. The Laws Pertaining to Driving under the Influence When in Las Vegas - Every state has its own rules when it comes to the consequences to be suffered for driving under the influence....