A DUI charge demands immediate attention.
A DUI arrest can create both criminal and driving-related consequences. The Corso Firm helps clients understand the evidence, deadlines and defense options.
Every detail deserves scrutiny.
A DUI case may involve the traffic stop, field observations, chemical testing and the procedures used by law enforcement.
A defense review can identify the issues that matter and help you understand the path ahead.
- The legal basis for the traffic stop
- Field sobriety and officer observations
- Breath or blood testing procedures
- Prior-offense allegations and enhanced charges
Potential DUI penalties under Nevada law
Driving under the influence in Nevada is governed primarily by NRS Chapter 484C, with escalating penalties for first, second and third offenses committed within seven years.
NRS 484C.110 makes it unlawful to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle on a highway or premises open to the public while impaired by alcohol or drugs, with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher, or when testing within two hours after driving shows a concentration of 0.08 or higher.
| Offense level | Confinement | Fines | License and additional consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| First offense within 7 years Misdemeanor | 2 days to 6 months in jail or residential confinement, or 48–96 hours of community service | $400–$1,000 | 185-day license revocation; DUI education; 185-day ignition-interlock requirement; treatment may be ordered in qualifying cases |
| Second offense within 7 years Misdemeanor | 20 days to 6 months in jail or residential confinement | $750–$1,000, or equivalent community service | 1-year license revocation; 1-year ignition-interlock requirement; substance-use treatment |
| Third offense within 7 years Category B felony | 1–6 years in Nevada State Prison | $2,000–$5,000 | 3-year license revocation; 3-year ignition-interlock requirement; treatment may be ordered in qualifying cases |
| DUI causing substantial bodily harm Category B felony | 2–20 years in Nevada State Prison; probation is prohibited | $2,000–$5,000 | 3-year license revocation and 3-year ignition-interlock requirement |
| DUI causing death with 0–2 prior offenses Category B felony | 2–25 years with no prior offense; 5–25 years with one or two prior offenses; probation is prohibited | $2,000–$5,000 | 3-year license revocation and 3-year ignition-interlock requirement |
This summary describes general statutory ranges. The precise consequences depend on the charge, evidence, prior record and available statutory programs or exceptions. When the vehicular-homicide provisions of NRS 484C.440 apply, greater category A felony penalties may result.
Critical statutory rules
- Prior felony DUI conviction: Under NRS 484C.410, a later DUI following specified prior felony DUI conduct or DUI homicide is a category B felony carrying 2–15 years in prison and a $2,000–$5,000 fine.
- Commercial drivers: NRS 484C.120 applies a 0.04 alcohol threshold when operating a commercial motor vehicle.
- Drivers under 21: NRS 483.461 provides for a 90-day license suspension when testing shows an alcohol concentration of at least 0.02 but below 0.08.
- DMV proceedings: A DUI-related license revocation is separate from the criminal case. Under NRS 484C.220, a temporary license requested from the officer is effective for seven days. NRS 484C.230 provides for a written request for an administrative hearing while the person is ineligible to drive.
Know your rights and potential penalties. Speak with Attorney Joseph S. Meloro.
Do not face the process alone.
Talk directly with Attorney Joseph S. Meloro about what happened and what comes next.
Call (702) 899-4582