Whether for work or play, about 40 million people visit Las Vegas every year, and many of these visitors partake in drinking at some point during their stay. However, Nevada has strict penalties for driving under the influence (DUI), even if you happen to be from out of state. Out of state DUI charges can be extremely difficult to deal with without the right Las Vegas DUI attorney on your side.
If you were arrested for DUI while visiting Las Vegas, you likely have questions about the charge, what will happen, and what you must do from your home state. Our Las Vegas DUI lawyers share these details in our comprehensive Las Vegas DUI guide for non-residents.
What DUI Laws Apply to Las Vegas Tourists or Visitors?
The same Nevada DUI laws apply to Las Vegas visitors and residents of the state. These laws make it illegal to get behind the wheel of a car if you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. If there is probable cause to pull you over while you are driving in Las Vegas, you could be arrested and charged with DUI.
Additionally, Nevada has an implied consent law that states that all drivers have already consented to testing if they are driving in the state. Under this law, refusing to take a preliminary breath or blood test can result in law enforcement:
- Using reasonable force to obtain a blood sample
- Revoking your driver’s license for at least one year
- Using your refusal as evidence against you
What Are Las Vegas DUI Penalties for Non-Residents?
Out-of-state drivers who are convicted of DUI in Las Vegas can face the same penalties as a Nevada resident would. Even if you live somewhere else, and the penalties in your home state are not as harsh as those in Nevada, you are still subject to Nevada DUI penalties, such as:
- Jail time
- Fines
- Fees
- Community service
- Driver’s license revocation
- Court-ordered DUI school
Additionally, there are more severe penalties if you have two prior convictions or your DUI caused substantial bodily harm or death, which are felony offenses. Contact an experienced DUI attorney in Las Vegas to learn more about your rights and legal options.
RELATED: Nevada First-Time DUI Facts
Will a Las Vegas DUI Charge Affect My State’s Driving Record
Do not assume your state will not find out about a Las Vegas traffic violation. Nevada, like most other states, is part of the Interstate Driver’s License Compact (DLC). This allows DLC states to share and exchange information regarding driver’s license suspension and traffic violations with a person’s home state.
In other words, a DUI arrest while visiting Las Vegas can affect your driving record. Your driver’s license will likely be suspended in your home state for the same period as it would be in Nevada. Your state may also impose other penalties after receiving notification of your DUI arrest from Nevada. Ultimately, these consequences will lead to a potentially stressful driver’s license reinstatement process.
Do I Have to Return to Nevada for My Court Date?
You do not have to come back to Nevada if you hire a local DUI lawyer in Las Vegas to handle your case. Your attorney can represent you on your initial court date and speak on your behalf at court hearings.
Working with a DUI lawyer is helpful for several reasons:
- Less disruption to your life. You do not have the pressure of taking time off work or disrupting your family’s schedule if an attorney can represent you in court. You can communicate remotely with your DUI lawyer.
- Knowledge of local DUI laws. It is unlikely that you will have in-depth knowledge of Nevada’s DUI law if you live in another state. A Las Vegas DUI lawyer understands these laws and how they impact your case.
- Improved chances of a better plea bargain, reduction of your charge, or dismissal. An experienced Las Vegas DUI attorney will know what steps to take to build a strong defense on your behalf, ensuring you are treated fairly.
What Happens If I Ignore My Nevada DUI Case After Returning to My Home State?
If you ignore your case and do not show up for your court date, there are serious consequences for this behavior. A judge will issue a bench warrant, which authorizes law enforcement to arrest you and take you to jail without bail. A bench warrant is treated much like an arrest warrant.
The best way to protect yourself after being arrested for DUI in Las Vegas is to work with a trusted attorney. Ignoring the problem or pretending like it did not happen will not make it go away. A DUI lawyer can gather evidence to support your defense and fight to protect your rights.
How Can I Get Las Vegas DUI Charges Dropped If I Do Not Live in Nevada?
While it might be challenging to get your Nevada DUI charge dropped completely, it is not impossible. Find a local Las Vegas DUI attorney who knows what defense strategies to use in your case, including:
- Lack of reasonable grounds to pull you over for DUI
- Accuracy of field sobriety tests
- Accuracy of BAC testing methods or materials
Using these DUI defenses could be enough to create a reasonable doubt by pointing out weaknesses or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
Even if your charges are not dropped, a strong defense can help reduce charges or secure a favorable plea bargain. However, you must work with a Las Vegas DUI attorney who can represent you in Nevada to get the best outcome for your case.
RELATED: Lack of Probable Cause Examples for a DUI Stop or Arrest
Speak With an Experienced DUI Attorney in Las Vegas
If you were arrested for DUI as a visitor in Las Vegas, our team is ready to protect you and your family from unfair treatment. At DUI Lawyers of Las Vegas, we have decades of experience advocating for non-resident clients who want to get their lives back on track after a Las Vegas DUI arrest.
Contact our Las Vegas DUI attorneys to schedule a free consultation with our team. We will discuss the details of your arrest, what services we offer, and how we can help with your case.