A charge for driving under the influence of any mind-altering substance is commonly known as a “DUI.” A DUI can affect your life for a long time and it’s a mistake that can cost you in the end.
You will receive a DUI if you are found to be in breach of the below requirements while driving. Every DUI comes with a consequence. It is the job of your criminal DUI lawyer to advocate for lesser sentences or alternative outcomes, such as treatment or community service. Each state has their own methods for deterrence or punishment in the case of DUIs. The CDC provides a few for the state of Nevada specifically:
Drunk driving laws
- “Zero Tolerance laws” make it illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to have any amount of alcohol present in their system. Every state has these laws in place, as well as a minimum legal drinking age of 21.
Sobriety checkpoints
- At particularly risky times, such as weekends, holidays, or game days, here in Reno, police may set up sobriety check points. Law enforcement may choose to stop all or certain vehicles and check whether the driver or any passengers are impaired. If a police officer reasonably suspects a driver is intoxicated, they may request a breathalyzer test.
Ignition interlocks
- These have been found to be a very effective means of preventing drinking and driving. Before your car will start, you must use a breathalyzer that will detect whether you have been drinking. If it shows that you have, the car will not start.
Administrative license revocation or suspension laws
- If you refuse a breathalyzer test, your license can be taken away. A license suspension may also be the ruling the judge settles on to prevent you from driving recklessly.
Along with the strategies that the state puts in place to deter driving under the influence, there are steps you can take yourself to avoid a DUI:
Ride-Sharing Service
- Call a taxi! No one wants to spend money on a taxi, but if it means getting home safely, it’s worth it. Or, alternatively, make sure to have a ride-sharing app, such as Uber or Lyft, downloaded before you start your night out.
Have a designated driver
- A designated driver for the night can still join in the fun but will stick to non-alcoholic beverages. (Maybe offer to give your friend who’s driving money for gas.)
Call a friend
- If you do not have a designated driver with you, try calling a friend or trusted individual. They would be far happier helping you than risking you hurting yourself or others.
In the end, it is always best to go out with a plan. If you know you and some buddies will be grabbing a couple of drinks together, either vote on a designated driver, find a friend you can call, or split the cost of a Lyft or Uber (both apps offer a feature where you can split the cost right from the app!)
Getting a DUI in Reno is preventable, but if you make a mistake and drive impaired, it’s important to have a dedicated attorney fighting on your side to minimize the impact it can have on your life.