The Consequences of a DUI Conviction

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Preston_P_Rezaee]Preston P Rezaee
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a problem across the nation, it plagues every city and it affects all classes. In the state of Nevada, if you were arrested for DUI, then law enforcement had reason to believe that you were operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of.08% or greater if you are above the age of 21. For drivers below 21 years of age, that number is less at just.02%. For commercial drivers, the threshold is set at.04%. If you are caught driving with a BAC above the legal limit, then you face both administrative and criminal consequences.
In order for law enforcement to determine your BAC, they will ask you to submit to a breath, blood or urine test. These tests are called chemical tests and if you refuse to submit to a chemical test, the refusal will result in an automatic driver's license suspension. A chemical test refusal will have negative consequences, very similar to a simple DUI. Even if you weren't drinking and driving, it is not a good idea to behave in a belligerent manner, or refuse a chemical test.
For a simple DUI without any aggravating circumstances, most people are typically charged with a misdemeanor. However, a DUI causing bodily injury or death is a felony, and receiving a third DUI within seven years is also prosecuted as a felony offense. Once a driver has a felony DUI on their record, even if it is their first, any subsequent DUI will be charged as a felony as well.
What types of penalties does one face if they are convicted of DUI? A DUI conviction can mean jail time; your vehicle can be impounded, hefty fines, license revocation and a reinstatement fee, community service, DUI School or Substance Abuse Treatment and, an SR22 Certificate of Liability Insurance required for three years (which would cause steep insurance rates).
Penalties for a First DUI Offense
The following penalties may be implemented for a first DUI offense in Nevada (the specific penalties may vary depending on the driver's record and the jurisdiction, as well as the circumstances surrounding the case):
2 days to 6 months in county jail (24 to 96 hours of community service may be served in lieu of jail time)

DUI School, at your own expense
Fines of $400 to $1,000
Court fees
Nevada Victim Impact Panel (a lecture by Mothers Against Drunk Driving)
Driver's license suspension for 90 days

If your blood alcohol concentration was.18% or greater, you may face the following additional penalties:

Drug or alcohol abuse treatment program
The installation of a breath interlock device in your vehicle for 12 to 36 months

Just because you were arrested for DUI doesn't meant that you have to lose hope. There are a number of defenses to DUI that may apply to your case. If you want to do everything possible to reduce the penalties that you face, then you should retain the services of an experienced attorney. A lawyer that is well versed in DUI law will be your best defense when it comes to disputing or fighting the DUI charges against you. If you want to have the best chances of reaching a favorable outcome, you will have to contact a   rel=nofollow [http://www.lasvegas-criminaldefense.com]Las Vegas criminal defense attorney for immediate assistance.
The Las Vegas legal team at The Firm has extensive experience in handling DUI charges, drug crimes, traffic offenses, violent crimes and many more. Their team prides itself in its ability to reduce their client's charges, and they are proud to have helped clients get their charges dropped entirely. No case is too big or too small for their firm; they will treat your case with the respect and professional courtesy that it deserves regardless of the circumstances of your case. If you would like to be represented by experienced heavyweights, then don't hesitate to contact a seasoned Las Vegas criminal defense attorney from The Firm to schedule a confidential consultation at (702) 222-FIRM.
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