A felony DUI in Las Vegas can come down as a major blow to you. However, getting a good attorney greatly maximizes your chances of having the charges dismissed or at least reduced to a less serious penalty. That is why consulting an experienced attorney is one of the first things you must do if you are arrested for a DUI. If your DUI is charged as felony, you stand the risk of being sentenced to prison and heavy fines. In addition, you will have a criminal record that will remain in your testimonials for good and haunt you during any background checks for getting an insurance, visa or a new job. Consult a good attorney to contest your felony DUI in Las Vegas to avoid such troubles.
What Is a Felony DUI in Las Vegas?
Under the Nevada DUI laws, most DUI incidents are charged as misdemeanors. In this case, you will likely face fines of about $1000, a mandatory time in Nevada DUI School or a prison statement of up to six months. While it is important to consult an attorney in such a case too, being charged with a felony DUI in Las Vegas can make matters much worse for you. Your DUI is charged as felony in only two scenarios under the Nevada law. Either you drunk driving caused bodily harm or fatality of another person, or you have had two or more prior DUI charges in your record. Being charged with a felony DUI can result in extended prison time – up to 20 years and fine from $2000 to $5000. Not to mention the he criminal record that will likely blemish your career permanently.
Things to Do If You Are Charged With a Felony DUI in Las Vegas
It is important to maintain your composure and deal with the situation wisely. As obvious as it may sound, call your attorney immediately. A skilled attorney can greatly minimize your statement if not have it dismissed entirely. There are a number of defenses a seasoned attorney can work up to save you from being prosecuted under a felony DUI in Las Vegas. For instance, if you were driving lawfully and the other person’s fault caused the accident, you can still be charged. In such a case, the attorney can prove that though you may have been drunk at the time, you weren’t the person that caused the accident. This can result in a complete dismissal of the case.
Additionally, faulty equipment or discrepancies in procedure while determining your alcohol level too can help drop or lessen your charges. An attorney can also prove ‘no causation’ which means that the bodily harm or death of the complainant was caused due to another reason and not the collision. Therefore, make sure you consult a good attorney to avoid being charged with a felony DUI in Las Vegas and save yourself a great deal of hassle.
