Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon was arrested with husband Jim Toth in Atlanta in April after a police officer spotted their car weaving across lanes. Toth, who was behind the wheel, pleaded guilty to a DUI charge, while Witherspoon pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct for her behavior as police were arresting Toth.
Under Nevada law, the offense of driving while under the influence (DUI) applies to both alcohol and drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medication. If you are facing a DUI charge in Nevada, it is important to understand the repercussions to being found guilty of the charges against you. You face administrative and criminal penalties if you are convicted of driving over the limit for alcohol or drugs. The severity of the penalties you face depends on whether this is your:
- First offense — For a first offense within seven years, your DUI charge is considered a misdemeanor and your license will be suspended for 90 days. Additionally, you may face up to six months in jail or community service with a suspended sentence, a fine of up to $1,000, a civil penalty of $35, mandatory attendance at a Nevada DUI school, and the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device in your car.
- Second offense — For a second offense within seven years, you face up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, attendance at a treatment program for drug or alcohol abuse for one year, community service, a civil penalty of $35 and the suspension of your license for one year.
- Third offense — A third offense within seven years is classified as a felony. It carries imprisonment of up to six years, a fine of up to $5,000 and mandatory enrollment in a supervised DUI program for three years. Your license is suspended for three years and your vehicle registration may be suspended as well.
If you caused a death or seriously injured someone else, you face a prison term of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $5,000. Your license is revoked for three years.
In addition, a DUI record usually raises your insurance premiums, and can create problems when looking for a job or applying for a mortgage. An aggressive Nevada DUI lawyer can help you fight the charges and get them dismissed or reduced.
