Blogs from February, 2020

A first DUI offense in Nevada carries a maximum jail sentence of six months (although the court may suspend the sentence or order up to 96 hours of community service), a fine of up to $1,000, and driver’s license revocation for at least 185 days. However, if there are any aggravating factors, a first-time DUI can lead to harsher penalties and even a felony charge.

The following are common aggravating factors in a first-time DUI in Nevada:

• High blood alcohol content (BAC) – If your BAC was at least .18 percent at the time of your DUI arrest, a conviction will result in the additional penalties: ignition interlock device (IID) installation and maintenance in each vehicle for up to three years, an alcohol/drug dependency evaluation ($100) and – based on the evaluation results – an alcohol or drug abuse treatment program.

• Child passenger – For a first-time DUI in Nevada, a conviction does not always result in jail time. However, if you had a child under 15 years old in your vehicle at the time of your arrest, you will more likely be sentenced to some jail time.

• Injury or death – If someone gets injured or killed in a drunk driving accident, DUI causing injury or death is a Category B felony, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, a fine not exceeding $5,000, and driver’s license revocation or suspension for up to three years.

If you have been arrested for a DUI in Reno, you don’t have to face the criminal justice system alone. The Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover has more than 20 years of experience providing clients throughout Nevada with effective and personalized legal services.

Attorney Ken Stover can review your case, determine your legal options, and build a strong defense strategy that highlights the mitigating factors in your case. Common examples include having a BAC that is low or at the limit, or cooperation with police officers and honestly answering questions. Let us help you get the best possible outcome.

Contact us today at (775) 502-1575 and schedule a free consultation.

Along with a new year and a new decade in Nevada, many new laws took effect on January 1, 2020. Some of these new laws made additions and changes to the state’s criminal justice system.

The following are several new Nevada criminal laws in 2020:

• Guns – Under AB 291, family members may ask the court to keep guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves or others. The new legislation also enforces safe storage to prevent leaving guns in the presence of children.

• Marijuana – Under AB 132, employers cannot deny a person from a job after testing positive for cannabis during the hiring process. However, the new law doesn’t include firefighters, EMT’s, federal government jobs, and people who drive a vehicle for a living.

• Reckless driving – Under AB 403, a person can be charged with reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter if the offense occurred in a parking lot, garage, or road in an apartment complex or gate community.

• Trick driving – Under AB 201, people who participate in trick driving can face a maximum fine of $1,000, up to 100 hours of community service, driver’s license suspension for up to two years, and vehicle impoundment for up to 30 days.

• Arrests involving immigrants – Under AB 376, police officers must disclose the reason for their questions before asking someone under arrest about their immigration status.

If you have been arrested in Reno or Washoe County, let the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover help you avoid harsh criminal penalties. Attorney Ken Stover has over 20 years of experience, including time spent as a prosecutor, and has represented clients in more than 70 courts throughout Nevada.

Contact us today at (775) 502-1575 and schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help.