DUI 1st Offense

In Nevada, a DUI 1st offense is a misdemeanor that comes with the following penalties:

• Two days to six months in jail
• $400 to $1,000 in fines
• 8-hour DUI school
• 185-day license revocation
• Victim Impact Panel attendance

The penalties may be increased if:

• The defendant’s violation causes injuries or death
• The defendant’s BAC is 0.18 or higher
• The defendant is under 21 years of age

Consequences of a DUI 1st Offense

It is possible, but unlikely, for the defendant to go to jail. Typically, defendants convicted of a DUI 1st Offense will pay $400 to $1,000 plus court costs. They will also have to attend an eight-hour DUI School class covering alcohol awareness and traffic safety. The course will cost around $150 and may be completed online. The defendant must also attend a Victim Impact Panel, such as a MADD lecture, which may cost around $40.

Prior DUI Charges

If the defendant’s previous misdemeanor DUI conviction was more than seven years ago, then the conviction doesn’t count against the current case. However, if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction in another state within the past seven years, then the current case is considered a second offense.

Fighting DUI 1st Offense Charges

Defendants facing their first DUI case may hire a defense attorney to present the following defenses:

• The field sobriety test was poorly administered.
• The defendant had a medical condition that influenced BAC results, such as GERD, acid reflux, heartburn, diabetes, hypoglycemia, low-carb diet, auto-brewery syndrome, mouth alcohol, dentures, or other orthodontic devices.
• The defendant had rising blood alcohol.
• The testing equipment was faulty or misused.
• The arresting officer didn’t have probable cause to pull the defendant over.

If you’re facing DUI 1st offense charges, contact Moskal Law to schedule a consultation. Thomas Moskal has the experience you need to fight your case.