First-Time DUI Defense Attorney in Las Vegas

Fighting Your DUI Conviction in Nevada

It is against the law to drive while under the influence of certain substances such as Heroin, LSD, or marijuana or with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of 0.08 or greater. No matter how clean your prior driving record may be, if you have been stopped, subjected to field sobriety tests, and then arrested for DUI, you urgently need the assistance of an experienced Las Vegas DUI attorney. 

You need immediate advice on how to begin building your defense. I, Attorney Chip Siegel, am committed to helping you to protect your rights and your driving privileges.

Reach out to a Las Vegas first DUI defense lawyer who knows how to win. I offer free consultations and over two decades of experience fighting for clients in Clark County. Call (702) 430-7531 or contact us online now to discuss your case.

Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

To secure a conviction for a first-time DUI, the Las Vegas City or Clark County District Attorney must prove specific elements. My firm focuses on challenging these pillars:

• Reasonable Suspicion for the Stop: The officer must have had a valid legal reason to pull you over. If the stop was based on a "hunch" rather than a traffic violation or observable impairment, I move to suppress all evidence found thereafter.
• Probable Cause for the Arrest: Before arresting you, the officer must have sufficient evidence that a crime was committed. We scrutinize the administration of Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) to ensure they were performed according to NHTSA standards.
• Accuracy of Chemical Tests: We investigate the maintenance logs of the evidentiary breath machine or the "chain of custody" of your blood sample. Technical errors in the lab can be the key to a dismissal.

Once you have been given a citation for DUI, you are facing two separate proceedings, the criminal DUI case and the DMV hearing regarding suspension of your driver's license. If you do not request a DMV administrative hearing within 7 days, your license will be automatically revoked for 90 days, and you will be required to pay a reinstatement fee along with other penalties and fees. After 45 days of suspension you may apply for a restricted driving license, which allows very limited use.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a First DUI Conviction in Las Vegas

The criminal penalties for a first DUI include:

• 3 to 6 months of probation
• 2 days to 6 months in jail, or community service
• Nevada DUI School
• Fines of $400 to $1000
• Nevada Victim Impact Panel

As you can see, even a first DUI conviction can have a major impact on your life. As an experienced Las Vegas DUI defense lawyer, it is my goal to provide my clients with the aggressive representation they need even in the face of a first DUI offense. DUI is one of those charges that honest, hard-working people find themselves facing. I treat my clients with the respect they deserve and give their cases the personalized attention necessary to build a tailor-made defense strategy that has the greatest likelihood of success in court and at DMV hearings.

An option that a DUI attorney can explore for a person who is facing a first drunk driving offense is alternative sentencing in lieu of jail time. Under this option, treatment may be sought if the defendant meets certain qualifications and pays for the program. I can review your particular matter and help determine whether you may qualify for alternative sentencing so you can avoid imprisonment.

Understanding the First DUI Process in Las Vegas

After a first DUI arrest in Las Vegas, most people are released from custody with a citation and a court date, but the case has already begun. The arresting agency will forward reports to the Clark County District Attorney or the Las Vegas City Attorney, and a prosecutor will decide what charges to file. 

At the same time, the officer will usually seize your license and issue a temporary permit that is only valid for a short period of time. I walk clients through this early stage so they understand what deadlines apply, what to expect at arraignment, and how to avoid making statements that can harm their case.

Before the first court appearance, I obtain and review the police reports, video, and test results so you are not going into court blind. In many first-offense cases, the initial hearing in Las Vegas Justice Court is brief and focused on entering a plea and setting new dates, but important rights are at stake. 

I explain the options for entering a plea of not guilty, requesting discovery, and preserving your ability to challenge the stop, the arrest, or the testing procedures. This early preparation allows us to start building a strategy rather than simply reacting to each court date.

Working with Our Las Vegas DUI Attorney

Even if this is your first time being arrested and your first DUI offense, it is imperative that you exercise your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Make no mistake that your freedom is on the line, and judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement are not likely to grant you any leniency just because this is your first offense. You still need aggressive representation through every step of the process in order to reach the best case outcome possible.

When you work with me after a first DUI arrest, you can expect:

• Prompt guidance after arrest so you understand what to do in the first few days, including how to handle court dates and DMV deadlines.
• Thorough review of evidence such as police reports, video, and test results to identify legal and factual issues we can challenge.
• Clear explanations of options regarding plea negotiations, motion practice, and the possibility of trial so you can make informed choices.
• Direct communication with me rather than being passed from person to person, which is especially important for a first offense DUI in Las Vegas when everything feels unfamiliar.

Contact a Las Vegas DUI lawyer online or call (702) 430-7531 to discuss your charges and how we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Go To Jail For a First DUI in Las Vegas?

A first DUI in Nevada carries the possibility of jail time, but many cases can be resolved with alternatives such as community service, fines, and mandatory programs. The specific outcome depends on factors like your blood alcohol level, whether there was an accident, and your cooperation with court-ordered requirements. Judges in Las Vegas have some discretion within the statutory range, and the way your case is presented can strongly influence how that discretion is used.

How Long Does a First DUI Case Take To Resolve?

The timeline for a first DUI case varies, but many cases in Las Vegas Justice Court resolve within several months. Early hearings may be used to gather evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, or file motions. Some cases resolve quickly through negotiations, while others take longer if we need to challenge the stop, the testing, or other legal issues. I discuss likely timelines with clients so they understand how the process may affect work and family obligations.

Will a First DUI Stay on My Record Forever?

A first DUI conviction does not disappear on its own and can show up on background checks for years. Nevada law does allow for record sealing in some situations after specific waiting periods, but the timing and eligibility depend on the final outcome of the case. Understanding these long-term consequences can be important when deciding whether to accept a plea agreement or pursue other options. I help clients weigh how today’s choices might affect employment, licensing, and other aspects of their lives down the road.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION