Underage DUI in Nevada
Counsel From A Trusted Reno DUI Defense Lawyer
Has your child been charged with driving under the influence? The state
of Nevada hold strict, zero-tolerance standards when it comes to underage
drivers and alcohol and those convicted could be facing significant DUI
penalties. It is advised that you speak to proven, aggressive counsel
immediately to discuss your child's legal options.
At the
Law Offices of Kenneth A. Stover, every client that comes through our doors benefits from the insight and
knowledge of a former prosecutor. As a
Reno criminal defense attorney, Kenneth A. Stover has been working in our criminal justice system for
over two decades. He knows what challenges the accused face in these circumstances—even
juveniles—and how to best protect their rights and interests.
Your child does not have face the allegations against them without a dedicated
advocate by their side. Call our firm today.
Understanding "Underage DUI"
NRS 484C.350 describes the offense of underage DUI. Because underage drivers
should not be in possession of alcohol in any circumstance, the standards
for criminality in these cases are much higher. A driver 21 years old
and older cannot be behind the wheel with a blood alcohol concentration
(BAC) of .08% or higher. Those under the drinking age can be arrested
if they have a BAC that is more than just .02%.
If convicted, the accused in these cases can be sentenced:
- Fines
- A maximum of six months in jail
- Community service
- A license suspension of at least 90 days
- A drug & alcohol evaluation
- Mandatory attendance to Nevada DUI school
It's worth noting that jail time is rare in these cases—judges
will usually forgo this penalty in exchange for community service. Depending
on the age of the accused, the case will either be handled in criminal
court or juvenile court. Either way, it is highly advantageous to have
an assertive and insightful
Reno DUI defense attorney by your side. Proper representation can pursue any weaknesses in the case
against your child and ensure that they receive every consideration they deserve.
A favorable solution can still be possible. Use our online form to request a
free case evaluation today.
What Do I Do if My Child Gets a DUI?
One of a parent’s worst fears is getting a call late at night that
their child is in jail and needs to be bailed out. Most states have severe
laws designed to prevent people under the age of 21 from driving drunk
more than once. These zero-tolerance rules can apply some serious punishments
to anyone underage who is found with any trace of alcohol in their blood.
If you’re a parent, there are a few things you can do on behalf of
your child to ensure his or her future isn’t ruined by an underage
DUI conviction:
-
If your child calls you after being arrested,
don’t make him or her explain what happened. The less your child says out loud, the less can be used against him in
court later because he or she is likely calling from a booking desk, a
holding cell, or standing in front of a police officer. What your child
says to you can be used in determining the outcome of the case if he or
she is overheard.
-
You need to find out what the charge is and
if bond has been set; if it hasn’t been set, find out when it will be. Explain that he
or she can tell you everything later, and encourage your child not to
waive their right to remain silent or to legal counsel.
-
Once you know how much the bail is,
get your child out of there.
-
Then,
hire the best lawyer possible to represent your child, preferably one that focuses on criminal defense
in particular. The sooner you do this, the better.
-
If your child fails to
request an administrative license suspension hearing within 10 business days of their arrest, or loses the hearing, he or she
will lose the right to drive for many months. The attorney should be able
to represent your child in both the criminal case and the administrative hearing.
You might be caught off guard when your child is arrested, but it is best
to be well-armed with the knowledge of what to do on your child’s
behalf. Talk to our skilled Reno underage DUI attorney about your child’s
case. Attorney Ken Stover has more than 25 years of legal experience to
offer, and he is dedicated to defending the rights and freedom of his clients.
Contact us at (775) 502-1575 to schedule a free case consultation today.
