After you are formally charged with DUI in Clark County, Nevada, you will face two separate procedures: the
DMV hearing and the criminal court process. A
DUI defense attorney can help you in both of these areas by representing your interests and protecting your rights.
The DMV Hearing
You have only 7 days to request an administrative hearing following a DUI arrest in Nevada. A lawyer can file the formal request for a hearing and can represent you during this in order to help ensure that your driving privileges are reinstated. This hearing is conducted similarly to a typical court trial, but an administrative judge will act as both prosecutor and judge and there will be no jury present. Your DMV hearing is entirely separate from criminal court proceedings.
Criminal Court Proceedings
Nevada DUI proceedings in criminal court will involve the determination of exactly what charges the defendant will face (for example, misdemeanor or felony DUI charges) and therefore what penalties may be imposed if the defendant is convicted. Your defense attorney will have the chance to negotiate with the prosecuting attorney to reach a plea bargain if this is in your best interests. The case will then progress to trial if a plea agreement is not reached beforehand. The majority of DUI cases in Las Vegas are tried at the
Regional Justice Center in downtown Las Vegas. After a verdict is reached, sentencing will be determined by the judge.
Las Vegas DUI Defense Attorney
Your attorney will play a crucial role in every single step of criminal court proceedings and in regards to your DMV hearing. In order to avoid the criminal penalties that come with a Las Vegas or Henderson DUI conviction, you need an attorney on your side through the criminal process. In order to keep your driving privileges, you need an attorney on your side at your DMV hearing. By having your attorney involved in both, you have an even better chance for a positive case outcome.
If you have been charged with DUI in Las Vegas and need a skilled DUI lawyer at your side,
contact my firm today for a free case evaluation.