Las Vegas Multiple DUI Lawyer

Top Defense Lawyers Helping You Combat Subsequent DUI Charges

While your first DUI in Nevada may be charged as a misdemeanor, punishment will increase in severity with each successive DUI charge within a seven-year period. If you’ve been arrested for a second or third DUI, you’ll need to retain diligent and aggressive representation to protect your rights adequately.

At Draskovich Horvath, our Las Vegas DUI lawyers have secured favorable outcomes for many clients facing DUI charges. When you come to our firm, you can trust that you are being represented by award-winning and nationally recognized attorneys.

Put us in your corner today. Call Draskovich Horvath at (702) 381-6590 or contact us online to discuss your legal options.

Understanding Nevada's Multiple DUI Laws

Nevada's DUI laws operate on a "lookback" period of seven years for misdemeanor offenses. This means that any prior DUI conviction within the last decade can be used to enhance the penalties for a new DUI offense. A savvy Las Vegas multiple DUI lawyer must be well-versed in these laws to build a strong defense.

Understanding the local landscape—such as the unique way Las Vegas Municipal Court and Clark County District Court handle DUI cases—can significantly influence the outcome of your case. As a leading multiple DUI attorney in Las Vegas, we know the tendencies of local judges and prosecutors, allowing us to build more effective defense strategies for our clients. 

Due to the vibrant tourism and entertainment industry in Las Vegas, law enforcement actively conducts DUI checkpoints and utilizes advanced detection methods, particularly around the Strip and during major events. This heightened enforcement increases the frequency of repeat DUI charges citywide.

Penalties for Multiple DUI Charges in Las Vegas

A second DUI is still charged as a misdemeanor in Nevada. A third DUI, however, is charged as a category B felony. When your rights and liberties are hanging in the balance, you cannot afford to leave your case in the hands of an inexperienced defense attorney. At our firm, we make it our duty to handle each case directly – you can rest assured that your questions and concerns will be addressed by an attorney instead of an associate or paralegal.

If convicted for a 2^nd DUI, penalties can include: 

• 10 days to 6 months in jail
• Fines ranging from $750 to $1,000
• Community service
• 1-year license suspension

If convicted for a 3^rd DUI, penalties can include: 

• 1 to 6 years in prison
• Fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000
• 3 years license suspension

Collateral Consequences:

• Permanent Criminal Record: A felony DUI conviction will remain on your record permanently, affecting your ability to find work, secure housing, and apply for professional licenses.
• Employment: Many employers are unwilling to hire individuals with multiple DUI convictions, especially if the job requires driving or a clean background check.
• Skyrocketing Insurance Rates: Your auto insurance premiums will increase dramatically, and you may find it difficult to get coverage at all.
• Reputation: The social stigma of multiple DUI convictions can impact your personal and professional relationships.
• Loss of Civil Rights: A felony conviction can result in the loss of your right to own or possess a firearm.

These consequences are why you need a tenacious multiple DUI attorney in Las Vegas who will fight for a reduction in charges or a complete dismissal.

The Nevada Criminal Defense Process for Multiple DUI Charges

The legal process for a multiple DUI in Las Vegas is complex and involves both a criminal court case and a separate administrative hearing with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). We will handle both for you to ensure your rights are protected.

1. Arrest and DMV Hearing: The process begins with your arrest. If you fail or refuse a breath test, your license will be confiscated and replaced with a temporary permit. You have only seven days to request a DMV hearing to fight the administrative license suspension. Our firm will make this request for you immediately and represent you at this critical hearing. This is a crucial step that a seasoned Las Vegas multiple DUI lawyer will not overlook.
2. Arraignment: This is your first court appearance. We will appear on your behalf, enter a not-guilty plea, and receive the formal charges and the prosecution's initial evidence.
3. Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: We will conduct a thorough investigation, including reviewing the police reports, body camera footage, and all scientific evidence. We will file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or to dismiss the case if there were constitutional violations.
4. DUI Specialty Court Program: For third-time felony DUI offenders, the Clark County District Court offers a voluntary DUI Specialty Court Program, which is a rigorous, multi-year rehabilitation program. If completed successfully, the felony charge may be reduced, and you could avoid prison time. Our firm is experienced in helping clients gain admission to this program.
5. Plea Negotiations: We will enter into strategic negotiations with the Clark County District Attorney's Office. Our goal is to secure a favorable plea deal, such as a reduction in the charges or an alternative sentence that does not involve prison time.
6. Trial: If a plea deal is not in your best interest, we will proceed to trial. We are experienced trial lawyers who will present a compelling defense to a jury or judge.
7. Sentencing: If you are convicted, we will present mitigating factors to the court to argue for the most lenient sentence possible.

Our firm is committed to guiding you through this process and ensuring you are informed and involved every step of the way.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Multiple DUI Defense

With over 35 years of combined experience, our approach to defending clients against multiple DUI charges is aggressive, thorough, and tailored to the unique facts of your case. Our attorneys have been named among the top 3% of all criminal defense attorneys in the United States, a testament to our commitment and skill. 

We understand that every detail matters, and we will leave no stone unturned in our quest for a favorable outcome. As a proficient multiple DUI attorney in Las Vegas, we are prepared to challenge the prosecution on every front.

Our defense strategies include:

• Challenging the Traffic Stop: We will investigate whether the police had a legal reason to pull you over in the first place. If they didn't, the entire case could be dismissed.
• Scrutinizing the Field Sobriety Tests: We will argue that these tests are unreliable and can be affected by factors like medical conditions, weather, or fatigue.
• Attacking the Chemical Test Results: We will question the accuracy of the breathalyzer or blood test, including the calibration of the machine, the chain of custody of the blood sample, or the qualifications of the person who administered the test.
• Verifying Prior Convictions: We will conduct a comprehensive review of your criminal record to ensure that the prosecution's prior convictions are valid and can be used to enhance your current charge. If there are any errors, we will fight to have the charge reduced to a first-time offense.
• Negotiating Alternative Sentences: We will work to get you an alternative sentence, such as house arrest or a residential treatment program, that can keep you out of a county jail or state prison.

Our firm is committed to a vigorous and determined defense. We are not afraid to stand up to prosecutors and fight for your rights.

Put Your Trust in Our Fierce Advocacy

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, it is crucial to remember your rights. You are not required to speak to law enforcement without your lawyer present. Our multiple DUI lawyers in Las Vegas are committed to standing by your side and vigorously protecting your rights both in and out of court. 

We combine skill, insight, and nearly three decades of combined legal experience to provide the highest quality defense possible for every client, no matter how serious the charges may be.

We’re ready to hear your side of the story. Contact us online today or call (702) 381-6590 to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I refuse a breath or blood test after a second or third DUI in Las Vegas?

Refusing a chemical test triggers a one-year license suspension under Nevada’s implied consent law and may still lead to a court-ordered blood draw. The refusal can also be used against you at trial, making penalties harsher.

How do prior DUI convictions from another state affect my case in Nevada?

Out-of-state DUI convictions within seven years can count toward your record in Nevada, potentially elevating your Las Vegas charge to a second or third offense with more severe penalties.

Can I keep driving after being arrested for a second or third DUI in Clark County?

You may receive a temporary license valid for seven days, during which you must request a DMV hearing. Without action, your license could be suspended for a year or more, though some drivers may qualify for a restricted license with an ignition interlock device.

Will I have to serve jail time for a repeat DUI offense?

In many cases, yes. A second DUI can involve mandatory jail time, while a third DUI almost always results in prison. However, alternative sentencing options may sometimes be available depending on the circumstances.

How soon should I contact a Las Vegas DUI attorney after an arrest?

You should reach out immediately. Acting quickly protects your rights at both the DMV hearing and in criminal court, and gives your attorney more time to build a defense strategy.

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