In every state in America, it is a crime for a person to operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. This is a crime under DUI, or driving under the influence, law. Reno’s Carlson & Work represents drivers that have been convicted of a DUI. Our skilled attorneys will work hard to defend you in a DUI charge.
DUI Tests Performed by Law Enforcement
- Field Sobriety Test: A field sobriety test is a test performed by a law enforcement officer when the officer has stopped the vehicle and suspects that the driver may be intoxicated. The officer may ask the driver to perform several tasks to judge the driver’s impairment. These tests include walking in a straight line heel to toe or having the driver put their finger on their nose.
- Chemical Test: A law enforcement officer is allowed to perform a chemical test on the suspected intoxicated driver by using a breathalyzer to measure the driver’s blood alcohol concentration.
- Blood or Urine Test: A law enforcement officer may request for a medical professional to take the blood or urine of a driver and use the specimen to test for the presence and level of concentration of substances.
Implied Consent Law
The implied consent law requires drivers to submit some form of chemical test if law enforcement suspects the driver of driving under the influence.
Per Se Intoxicated
All states, including Nevada, have DUI laws that consider any driver “per se intoxicated” if they have a blood alcohol concentration above the set limit of .08. If your BAC is above the .08 limit, you are considered intoxicated and no additional proof of driving impairment is necessary.
Zero Tolerance Law
Nevada has a zero-tolerance law, meaning any person under the age of 21 is penalized for driving a vehicle if they have any trace of alcohol in their systems.
DUI Criminal Penalties
The criminal penalties associated with a DUI includes:
- Fines
- Jail time
- Probation
- Community Service
These penalties vary depending on the following factors:
- The driver’s DUI violation history.
- Whether the driver was driving a commercial vehicle when given a DUI.
- Whether a child was in the car during the DUI.
- Whether the DUI occurred simultaneously with another dangerous driving violation, such as reckless driving.
- Whether the DUI involved a car accident where another person was injured or killed.
- Whether the driver was under the legal drinking age of 21 at the time of the DUI.
DUI Driving Privilege Penalties
A DUI violation can also result in several driving privilege penalties, including:
- Suspension or revocation of the person’s driver’s license.
- Confiscation or impounding of the driver’s vehicle.
- Driving restricted to work or school purposes only.
- Not being allowed to transport children or other people when driving.
If you have been charged with a DUI, contact the experienced defense lawyers of Carlson & Work for assistance with your DUI case. Call Carlson & Work of Reno, Nevada today at 775-386-2226.
