DUI Laws in Nevada: What Happens After a First Offense

A first-time DUI in Nevada can be a frightening experience, especially if you’ve never been in legal trouble before. You may be worried about losing your license, going to jail, or how this charge could affect your job and reputation. Whether your arrest happened in Douglas County, Washoe County, or anywhere in Northern Nevada, it’s important to understand the law — and what to expect in the weeks and months ahead.



Nevada’s DUI Laws


In Nevada, you can be charged with driving under the influence if:


  • Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher (0.04% for commercial drivers, 0.02% for drivers under 21), or
  • You are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination, regardless of BAC


This applies whether you were driving in downtown Reno, on a rural Douglas County highway, or anywhere else in the state.




Penalties for a First DUI Offense


A first-time DUI in Nevada is typically a misdemeanor, but the penalties can still be serious. If convicted, you may face:


  • Jail time: 2 days to 6 months (often converted to community service for first-time offenders)
  • Fines: $400 to $1,000 plus court costs
  • License suspension: 185 days (with possible eligibility for a restricted license after 90 days)
  • DUI education: Mandatory alcohol/drug education program
  • Victim Impact Panel: Attendance at a panel hosted by groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)


If your BAC was 0.18% or higher, you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for 185 days.




Criminal Case vs. DMV Hearing


One important thing to understand is that a DUI triggers two separate processes:


  1. The criminal case in court
  2. The DMV administrative hearing about your license


These are completely separate. Even if your criminal case is dismissed, the DMV can still suspend your license unless you successfully contest the administrative action. You only have 7 days from your arrest to request a DMV hearing — miss that deadline and your suspension will begin automatically.



Possible Defenses for a First DUI


Every case is different, but common defenses in first-offense DUI cases may include:


  • Challenging the accuracy of the breath or blood test
  • Questioning whether the traffic stop was lawful
  • Showing that field sobriety tests were improperly administered
  • Demonstrating that medical conditions or other factors caused “false positives” for impairment


The sooner you involve an attorney, the more opportunities you have to protect your record and your license.



Why You Should Take a First DUI Seriously


Many people make the mistake of thinking a first DUI is “no big deal” — but a conviction stays on your record for 7 years. Any future DUI arrest during that time will be treated as a second offense, with much harsher penalties. A first offense can also raise your insurance rates and limit employment opportunities.



Local Representation for DUI Charges


At Max Stovall Law, we represent clients facing DUI charges in Douglas County, Washoe County, and throughout Northern Nevada. We know the local court systems, the prosecutors, and the strategies that work in these cases. Our goal is to protect your license, your record, and your future.


If you’ve been arrested for a first DUI, don’t wait. The clock on your DMV hearing is already ticking. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s start building your defense.

Driving with a Suspended License in Nevada: What Can Happen

By Max Stovall • October 22, 2025
If your driver’s license has been suspended in Nevada, getting behind the wheel might seem tempting — especially if you need to get to work, school, or take care of family. But driving on a suspended license is more than just a traffic violation. It’s a criminal offense with penalties that can make your situation much worse. Whether your case is in Douglas County, Washoe County, or anywhere else in Northern Nevada, here’s what you need to know about the risks, penalties, and possible defenses. Why Licenses Get Suspended in Nevada A suspension can happen for many reasons, including: DUI convictions or administrative suspensions Too many demerit points on your driving record Failing to pay traffic tickets or court fines Driving without insurance Certain criminal convictions, like reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter In many cases, you’ll receive notice from the Nevada DMV about your suspension, including the length of time and any steps you must take to reinstate your license. The Penalties for Driving While Suspended Driving with a suspended license in Nevada is usually a misdemeanor, but the penalties can be serious. For most cases, you could face: Fines: Up to $1,000 Jail time: Up to 6 months (though many first-time offenders receive probation instead) Extended suspension: The DMV will typically add more time to your suspension period If your suspension is related to a DUI, the penalties can be even harsher — including possible mandatory jail time and a longer extension on your suspension. How You Can Be Caught Police can learn about your suspension in several ways: Running your license during a traffic stop Automated license plate readers (ALPR) in patrol cars After an accident investigation Even if you’re driving safely, being pulled over for a minor infraction can lead to a suspended license charge if your driving privileges aren’t valid. Possible Defenses Depending on the circumstances, an attorney may be able to challenge the charge by showing: You were not aware your license was suspended (though this defense has limits) The DMV or court made an administrative error in suspending your license You were driving in a true emergency situation In some cases, your lawyer may be able to negotiate for a reduced charge — such as driving without a valid license — which carries lighter penalties. How to Reinstate Your License The best way to avoid a suspended license charge is to get your license reinstated before driving again. This usually involves: Paying any outstanding fines or fees Providing proof of insurance (SR-22 in some cases) Completing any required classes or court-ordered programs Waiting until the full suspension period has ended Local Defense for Suspended License Charges At Max Stovall Law, we represent clients facing suspended license charges in Douglas County, Washoe County, and across Northern Nevada. We know the local courts, the DMV process, and how to fight for reduced penalties — or get charges dismissed when possible. If you’ve been cited for driving with a suspended license, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s start working toward getting you back on the road legally.

Reckless Driving in Nevada: More Serious Than You Think

By Max Stovall • October 8, 2025
Many drivers think of reckless driving as just another traffic ticket. In reality, Nevada treats reckless driving as a criminal offense — and the penalties can be just as serious as some DUI charges. Whether your case is in Douglas County, Washoe County, or anywhere else in Northern Nevada, a reckless driving conviction can affect your license, your insurance, and even your criminal record. What Is Reckless Driving in Nevada? Under Nevada law (NRS 484B.653), reckless driving means driving “in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property.” This is more than just speeding — it’s driving in a way that deliberately ignores safety. Examples can include: Excessive speeding far above the posted limit Aggressive weaving through traffic Street racing Running multiple red lights or stop signs Passing illegally in dangerous conditions Even a single act of extremely dangerous driving can qualify. Penalties for Reckless Driving The penalties for reckless driving in Nevada depend on whether it’s your first offense and whether anyone was injured. First offense (no injury): Misdemeanor criminal charge $250–$1,000 fine 8 demerit points on your driving record Possible jail time of up to 6 months (rare for first offenses, but possible) If someone is injured or killed: Felony charges , with the possibility of 1–6 years in prison Significantly higher fines Permanent criminal record Reckless Driving vs. DUI In some cases, DUI charges can be reduced to reckless driving as part of a plea deal. While reckless driving is still a criminal offense, it usually carries fewer long-term consequences than a DUI. However, this doesn’t mean a reckless driving conviction is “no big deal” — it still goes on your record and can lead to license suspension. How Reckless Driving Impacts Your Record Reckless driving is not just a traffic citation — it’s a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense, depending on the circumstances. A conviction will appear on background checks, can cause your insurance rates to spike, and may affect certain job opportunities that require driving. Demerit points also stay on your driving record for 12 months, and too many points can lead to a license suspension. Defending Against a Reckless Driving Charge An experienced Nevada defense attorney can challenge a reckless driving charge by: Questioning the accuracy of speed readings or other evidence Showing that your driving did not meet the legal definition of “reckless” Negotiating for a reduced charge, such as careless driving, which carries fewer penalties Every case is different, but having legal representation can make a big difference in how your case is resolved. Protect Your Record and Your License At Max Stovall Law, we represent clients facing reckless driving charges throughout Douglas County and Washoe County. We know how quickly a moment on the road can turn into a serious legal problem — and how to fight for the best possible outcome. If you’ve been charged with reckless driving, don’t take it lightly. Contact us today for a free consultation and start protecting your driving record and your future.