DUI: Can You Afford It?
We all know not to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but we don’t live in a perfect world. If you get behind the wheel of a car and turn the key, you’re in control of so much more than your vehicle. Drivers get behind the wheel and knowingly put others lives and safety at risk, so we raise the question: can you really afford a DUI?
Las Vegas Penalty for DUIs
Outlined below are Las Vegas-specific laws governing the penalties for driving under the influence:
- Two days, up to six months in jail, or twenty-four to ninety-six hours of community service.
- Alcohol awareness programs, mandated by the court, and paid out of pocket.
- Depending on your blood-alcohol level, you may require abuse program attendance.
- Installation of a breath interlock device in your vehicle for one to three years, requiring a blood-alcohol level be taken every single time you want to operate your vehicle.
- Ninety-day suspension of your Nevada-issued driver’s license.
If you are caught for second-time DUI offenses in any municipality of Nevada, you may be held liable for, and subject to the following:
- Evaluation revolving around your need for drugs and/or alcohol, paid out of pocket.
- Anywhere from ten days to six months in jail, or possibly, a residential confinement program (ankle brace is most common).
- Required attendance to DUI court for elongated abuse programs.
- Depending on your blood-alcohol content, you could have a breath interlock device installed on your car anywhere from three months to three years.
Third-time offenders are given the worst possible penalties allowed by law, which may be subject to your specific case, time between each incident, and other factors. The following are standard, but not exclusive:
- Detention in a Nevada state prison for one to six years.
- Fines up to $5,000.
- Three-year suspension or revocation on your Nevada state-issued driver’s license.
- Three-year installment of a breath interlock device.
- In-depth analysis and evaluation of your drug and alcohol problem.
Punitive Damages for DUIs
Punitive damages may be fulfilled on behalf of the defendant, as governed by the state of Nevada, when:
“In an action for the breach of an obligation, where the defendant caused an injury by the operation of a motor vehicle in violation of NRS 484C.110, 484C.130 or 484C.430 after willfully consuming or using alcohol or another substance, knowing that the defendant would thereafter operate the motor vehicle, the plaintiff, in addition to the compensatory damages, may recover damages for the sake of example and by way of punishing the defendant.”
Have You Been the Victim of a DUI-Inclusive Accident?
You don’t have to suffer alone. While we can’t undo physical damages done to you by the negligent acts of another, we can’t get you the proper compensation you need to resume life as normal, to the best of your abilities. If you’ve been the victim of a car accident, or a loved one has been the victim of wrongful death, contact us today to find out what we can do to help.