If you get a DUI while driving in a different state (Out-of-State DUI), the consequences depend on both the state where the offense occurred and your home state’s laws. Most states participate in the Interstate Driver’s License Compact, which involves sharing information about DUI offenses with each other. As a result, a DUI in another state could follow you to your home state and affect your driving record.
What Happens If an Out-of-State Driver Gets a Las Vegas DUI?
If you face DUI charges in Las Vegas as an out-of-state driver, you’re subject to Nevada’s stringent DUI laws, just like a Nevada resident would be.
After a person is arrested for DUI in Nevada, they must address the charges in a Nevada court. That may present logistical challenges for individuals who live outside Nevada, who might need to travel for court appearances. However, you can hire a Las Vegas Out-of-State DUI attorney to eliminate the need to travel, as your lawyer can represent you in most court proceedings.
If you are convicted, penalties can include expensive fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI education programs, and possibly jail time, depending on the severity of the charges. Nevada will report the DUI conviction to your home state, which could also affect your driving privileges there.
Our Las Vegas DUI defense lawyers can work to minimize the charges and penalties you face by advocating for a reduction or dismissal.
Driver’s License Compact – Out-of-State DUIs
The Interstate Driver’s License Compact (DLC) is an agreement among member states that allows for the exchange of information regarding traffic violations and license suspensions in other states. If you receive a DUI conviction in Las Vegas but reside in another DLC-participating state, Nevada will report the offense to your home state. That can lead to additional penalties under your state’s laws, like further license suspension or mandatory DUI education programs. It could also result in points on your license and increased insurance rates.
How to Deal with a Nevada DUI When You’re from Another State
Facing a DUI arrest and charge in Nevada while you’re from another state can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our local DUI defense attorneys can protect your rights and represent you in court. That is important because attending all court dates in person might be difficult for someone from a different state. Our local lawyers can handle most or all aspects of your case, reducing or eliminating your need to travel back and forth.
Our criminal defense attorneys can also advise you on how Nevada’s DUI penalties might affect you in your home state. Laws differ across states, and DUI convictions in Nevada could have different consequences where you live. For instance, your driving privileges might be affected in Nevada and at home. Our experienced lawyers can guide you through the entire process, helping you understand your rights and the potential outcomes of your case.
How Our Las Vegas DUI Defense Lawyers Can Help
Hiring a Las Vegas Out-of-State DUI defense lawyer is a wise decision if you’re facing DUI charges. At Adras & Altig, Attorneys at Law, our lawyers understand local Nevada DUI laws and court procedures. We are ready to assess your case and develop a defense strategy tailored to your situation.
Contact us now for a free case review with an experienced attorney to learn how we can defend your rights after being charged with a Las Vegas DUI offense.
This article was previously published in December 2020 and updated for relevance in February 2024.
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At Adras & Altig, we believe that every client we work with deserves a fresh start. Our dedicated Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys take the time to get to know you so we can understand the circumstances surrounding your arrest.