Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a DUI?

A Nevada DUI charge can be life-altering. You might wonder, “Do I need a lawyer for a DUI?” Yes, you do. From losing your driver’s license and paying hefty fines to the possibility of jail time, the consequences are harsh. You need experienced legal representation as soon as possible.

It’s illegal to drive impaired in Nevada, and the penalties for breaking this law can affect your future long after the case ends. Even a first offense can result in severe punishment. Repeat convictions complicate your situation and increase the stakes. Fortunately, a DUI charge doesn’t always result in a conviction, especially when you have a skilled attorney in your corner.

A skilled Las Vegas DUI attorney from Aldras & Altig can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process from arrest to final resolution. Every decision you make after an arrest matters, and having the right lawyer by your side makes a favorable resolution more likely.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact Adras & Altig today to talk with an experienced Las Vegas DUI lawyer about your options.

Understanding the Consequences of a DUI Charge in Nevada 

If you’re asking, “Should I get a lawyer for my first DUI?” the answer is a firm yes. Even if this is your first arrest, the consequences will affect your work, finances, and personal life. For a first DUI offense, you may face:

• Two days to six months in jail or community service
• Fines between $400 and $1,000
• 185-day license suspension and/or an ignition interlock device (IID)
• Mandatory DUI school
• Vehicle impoundment
• DMV tests
• SR-22 insurance

The penalties increase when aggravating factors are present. Repeat offenses within seven years carry mandatory jail time and higher fines. In addition, a DUI that causes injury or death can be charged as a felony, and felony DUI convictions carry the potential for years in state prison.

The impact doesn’t end with court proceedings. A DUI affects your ability to keep or find a job. It can raise your car insurance rates and cause problems with certain professional licenses. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, it can have serious immigration consequences, too. The long-term fallout often matters just as much as the immediate penalties.

Knowing what’s at stake is the first step. Understanding the full scope of potential outcomes makes it clear why having an experienced DUI attorney who focuses on DUI defense can be so important.

What Can a DUI Lawyer Do for You?

Although you can represent yourself in a DUI case, you shouldn’t. An experienced Nevada DUI defense attorney understands how prosecutors build their cases and how to effectively challenge them. Our process typically includes the following:

Reviewing Whether Your Constitutional Rights Were Upheld or Violated

Police officers must follow the law when conducting a traffic stop or making a DUI arrest. The Fourth Amendment protects you from unlawful searches and seizures. In other words, officers need reasonable suspicion to pull you over and probable cause to arrest you. If they stop you without legal grounds, any evidence gathered afterward may be challenged and excluded in court.

Officers must read your Miranda rights if you’re questioned in custody. When officers question you without advising you of those rights, the statements you make might not be admissible in court. A DUI lawyer will examine every stage of the stop and arrest to determine whether your rights were violated and whether any resulting evidence can be suppressed.

Investigating the Arrest

A DUI arrest often relies on field sobriety tests, breath tests, or blood draws. These procedures must follow strict legal standards. Adras & Altig will investigate whether the officer conducted the field sobriety tests properly and whether the breathalyzer was calibrated. We’ll also review whether your blood samples were collected and stored correctly. Even small errors in these processes can impact the reliability of the results. When mistakes occur, we may be able to challenge the accuracy of the evidence, which can lead to reduced charges or even case dismissal.

Exploring Legal Options

Not every DUI case goes to trial. A skilled DUI lawyer from Adras & Altig will explore alternatives that could lessen the impact. This might include negotiating with prosecutors for a reduced charge or working toward a diversion program, if you qualify. Lawyers who regularly practice in Las Vegas understand how local courts and prosecutors approach DUI cases, which significantly influences the options available. Our firm will explain the benefits and risks of different paths, ultimately helping you decide whether to negotiate a plea agreement or proceed with a trial.

Case Evaluation and Defense Strategy

Each DUI case is different. We evaluate your case to develop a tailored strategy that suits your specific situation. This process typically includes reviewing the police report, analyzing body camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and checking lab records. While every case is unique, we may develop defenses that include challenging the chain of custody for a blood sample, arguing that your blood alcohol content increased after you stopped driving, or demonstrating that a pre-existing medical condition affected the test results. A tailored strategy increases the chance of getting a favorable outcome, whether that means a dismissal, reduction in charges, or minimized penalties.

Courtroom Representation

DUI cases involve multiple court hearings, even if you don’t go to trial. Without legal training, these procedures can be confusing and easily jeopardized. A DUI lawyer will speak for you in court. We file and argue motions, cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses, and present evidence in your defense.

Experienced representation matters because judges and juries respond to how a case is argued as well as the evidence itself. By having a lawyer handle the courtroom procedures, you benefit from a stronger case and a better chance at a favorable resolution.

Advising You on the Potential Outcomes of a Trial

A DUI lawyer provides clear advice about what you can expect. Nevada’s DUI laws carry a range of penalties, depending on your specific case. A lawyer from Adras & Altig can explain these sentencing ranges, as well as the collateral consequences, such as license suspension or higher insurance costs. Our goal is to develop a customized defense and provide you with a realistic picture of the likely outcomes. With this information, you can make informed decisions about whether to accept a plea offer or proceed to trial.

FAQs

If you’ve been arrested for DUI, you probably have a lot of questions. The following are some of the most common questions our clients have.

Do I have to go to court for a DUI if I have a lawyer?

In some cases, your lawyer can appear in court for you during routine hearings, especially if you live out of state or have work obligations. However, certain proceedings will require your personal appearance. A DUI lawyer will let you know when you must be present.

Do I need an attorney for a DUI in Nevada?

Nevada’s DUI laws can be complex. Trying to handle the case alone leaves you at risk of missing defenses or opportunities to reduce the charge. DUI defense attorneys know how to work with the law, court procedures, and local practices. This makes a significant difference in how your case is resolved.

Why should I consider hiring an attorney for a Nevada DUI charge?

A DUI lawyer works to protect your rights, challenge the state’s evidence, and negotiate for reduced penalties whenever possible. Without legal representation, you may not know which defenses apply or how to present them effectively, and you could make serious mistakes. Having an attorney means you have someone experienced in DUI law advocating for your best outcome.

How much does hiring a DUI lawyer cost?

The cost varies depending on your specific case, the number of court appearances required, and the lawyer’s experience. While hiring a lawyer may feel expensive, the long-term costs of a DUI — such as higher insurance rates, loss of income, or professional consequences — can be far greater. A lawyer helps you reduce those risks and can save money in the long run.

What should I look for in the right DUI attorney?

Focus on experience, particularly with DUI offenses in Nevada. Communication is also important. You want someone who answers questions clearly and is available when you need guidance.

Can a DUI lawyer help with a license suspension?

Yes. In Nevada, the Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend your license. This is separate from the criminal court process. A DUI lawyer can represent you at DMV hearings, challenge the suspension, and request a restricted license so you can still drive to work or school.

Public Defender vs. Private Defense Attorney

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Nevada, you may wonder whether you should rely on a public defender or hire a private defense attorney. Both types of lawyers are licensed professionals. The primary difference lies in their resources and the time they can devote to your case.

Public defenders often represent multiple clients simultaneously, often with heavy caseloads. While they are knowledgeable and dedicated, their limited time can make it difficult to focus on the details of every case. In DUI defense, small details, such as how a test was administered or whether paperwork was filed correctly, often make a major difference in the outcome.

If your goal is to have a lawyer who can dedicate significant time and resources to protecting your rights, hiring private counsel may be the better option.

Need Legal Help with a DUI Charge? Contact a DUI Defense Lawyer at Adras & Altig Right Away!

Adras & Altig has a solid track record of successfully defending countless clients facing DUI charges in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada. When you work with us, our team will build a strategy focused on achieving the best possible outcome. Contact our law firm today to discuss your case with an experienced Nevada DUI defense attorney.