Review: DUI Statistics Over the Thanksgiving Season

October is almost over, and November is just around the corner. While many of us are anxious about the upcoming elections in two weeks’ time, many of us are also looking forward to all the holidays lined up once the election period is over. In fact, after the election hustle, people will be anxious to unwind during the Thanksgiving weekend afterwards.

Thanksgiving is always a great time to let your hair down and enjoy life, rewarding yourself for all the hard work you’ve been over the past year. Unfortunately, some people tend to go overboard with their celebrations during this time, and end up being a part of the statistics for DUI in Las Vegas. To give you a bird’s eye view of things, let’s review some DUI statistics over the Thanksgiving season.

55 Million

People take advantage of the long Thanksgiving weekend to come home and unwind for an extended period before stepping back into the hustle and bustle of work or school life. Thanksgiving is one of the periods apart from Christmas, Spring Break, or the Fourth of July where a large majority of Americans will be heading home to take five.

It can be daunting to see how many people will be travelling by land or air to spend Thanksgiving with family. Last year, an estimated 55 million people travelled for the Thanksgiving holiday, with a sizable chunk taking to the road. The large influx of homeward revellers exponentially increases the number of potential road accidents, whether through the lack of traffic discipline or through drunk drivers.

23% Increase

People are often used to the narrative that Thanksgiving is where most of the alcohol is consumed during the holiday. However, there has been an increasing trend towards binge-drinking on the eve before the event itself in recent years. The trend, known generally as Blackout Wednesday or Drinksgiving, appears to have started gaining traction at the start of the 2010s and has only continued to grow across the country.

The numbers aren’t low, either. One restaurant software systems provider reported a 23% growth in guest counts for their clients nationwide between 2017 and 2018, from nearly 500,000 in the previous year to over 640,000 individual paying consumers in the latter year. An additional note is that as far as regional numbers go, the West Coast (which includes Nevada) reported a 23% in sales for Blackout Wednesday in the same period. Local law enforcement is now paying particular attention to this period because it has extended the period when impaired drivers clog the roads in Las Vegas.

800 Fatalities

Holiday-related impaired driving is a common refrain we hear when any festivities come around. Often, it involves self-accidents where the drunk driver in question crashes into a road barrier, goes off-road and hits a tree or a rock, or in some rare cases gets thrown off a bridge. A larger number of these accidents involve crashing into other vehicles, or worse, mowing down pedestrians in a busy street.

Over a five-year period between 2013 and 2018, Over 800 crash-induced fatalities were related to impaired drivers. On average, at least one in three drivers were impaired in said incidents, a rather grim picture for DUI statistics. This is also not taking Blackout Wednesday cases into account, which may inflate the numbers in the coming years.

51% Holiday Binge Drinkers

Holidays are always a time when people would unwind and not worry about a care in the world. Some people completely transform into a different person when at home, taking their workmates completely by surprise. Unfortunately this also means they can become a risk to themselves and to other people when they are in holiday mode.

It may surprise you that many people caught for DUI during the Thanksgiving season get charged for the first time in their lives. On average, 51% of people caught and charged with DUI over Thanksgiving testify that they binge-drink more when it’s a holiday or vacation trip, and would be hard-pressed to overdrink when it’s a work week. As stated earlier, some people just tend to go the opposite way when not on the clock, but there are a select few that need special attention to keep people safe.

These numbers are not the end-all, be-all statistics for Thanksgiving DUI in Las Vegas and all across the country, but they should give you a clear picture of how easy it is for you to get charged during the period. Enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday, but remember to do so responsibly and safely. If you are suddenly facing a Las Vegas DUI charge during the Thanksgiving weekend, remember that there are expert DUI attorneys that are ready to give you a hand.

Why Hire A Specialized DUI Attorney in Las Vegas?

When you are charged with DUI crimes in Las Vegas, one of the first things you are expected to do is look for an experienced defense lawyer with a reputation for effectively handling drunk driving cases. However, not everyone may opt for this step, either out of practicality or a lack of foreknowledge regarding lawyers. Some people may have a family lawyer that they can call, while others may go for a general practice attorney.

There are some people who do not see the need to go for a specialized DUI lawyer for their cases. This is understandable, as these people may have not gone into any sort of legal proceedings before, and have no idea what awaits them without the proper legal guidance. Now would be a good time to re-explore why you should hire a specialized DUI attorney when facing DUI charges in Las Vegas.

Trained For the Job

Law school isn’t the end of education for many lawyers. In fact, many attorneys choose to undergo further learning in particular disciplines like personal injury, criminal law, financial cases and the like. For DUI lawyers, this usually includes further study in aspects like field sobriety tests, breathalyzer usage, motoring law regarding inebriated driving, and blood alcohol content. A reliable DUI attorney would have both the necessary knowledge to back up your case, and the certification that ensures he knows what he is saying and doing. These certifications are usually provided by legal organizations specialized in DUI, like the National College for DUI Defense.

Knows the Hoops

Specialized criminal cases can be quite the minefield to navigate, especially for first-timers. You fear that anything you might say can ensure your conviction, and you have no idea how the court operates when handling your case. Specialized DUI attorneys come in handy with these situations because of their experience and training. Many of these lawyers have been involved with these authorities in the past, and they can easily tell if your case can be won handily or with a little more effort. They understand the processes involved with drunk driving cases at varying levels, and can more effectively guide a defendant through his case using this knowledge.

Can Provide More Options

Some people mistakenly think that the only choices when facing a DUI charge are to accept a plea deal or face trial. This is not always the case, and DUI lawyers know it very well. A veteran DUI attorney can look at your case and provide you with other courses of action that can give you a better result than facing jail time or paying the state. Years of handling drunk driving charges has given them insight on familiar aspects that can help get a case dismissed before it goes to trial.

Can Plead Your Case Effectively

DUI charges have a lot of terminologies and aspects that only people with years of experience in the discipline can know by heart. Your chances of a dismissal are dim if your lawyer does not have this innate knowledge. Going for a specialized DUI lawyer means that you are hiring someone who understands the peculiarities of your case, and can thus effectively explain and defend it in court. They know how to refute and counter-refute arguments that can come your way, and they prevent you from making minor mistakes that can destroy your case.

Knows Your Rights Intimately

Above all else, hiring an attorney specialized and experienced in DUI law means you are working with someone who fully understands your rights and how to protect them. Specialized DUI lawyers know how due process works, and will make sure that you receive a proper trial without any gaps. They will protect you against exploits that may be used against you to have you convicted.

Specialized cases need the assistance of well-trained specialists to deal with, and DUI charges are no exception. Always sign up the help of a seasoned DUI lawyer when facing DUI crimes in Las Vegas.

A Checklist for Hiring a DUI Attorney in Las Vegas

DUI charges in Las Vegas are some of the most common crimes committed in the city. Every day at least one or two cases are booked and dealt with, from minor incidents like intoxication-induced overspeeding to more serious situations like a drunk driving hit-and-run. With how common DUI arrests are made in the city, there is a high chance that you or someone close to you will end up facing DUI charges in Las Vegas.

Dealing with a DUI case in the city can be strenuous; thankfully, there are a large number of criminal defense lawyers who provide services in DUI defense that you can choose from. However, not all of these attorneys may meet your needs, and instead of helping you, can possibly put you at greater risk of a conviction. If you are not sure about who to work with, you need to have a checklist for hiring a DUI attorney in Las Vegas.

Legal Background and Experience

One of the first things any employer looks for in prospective hires is overall experience: what kind of jobs the applicant has been through, their overall background, the type of work they are trained to handle, and so on. The same goes for people looking to a DUI lawyer to represent them; you can never be too thorough in looking through a lawyer’s experience and background. Look into how long they’ve been providing DUI defense in the area; check if they provide other kinds of legal representation; assess their average number of clients for a certain period; and so on.

Specialized Skills

Some DUI cases may require someone with unique skills and experience in order to gain a dismissal for the defendant. If you’re facing a DUI charge with particular circumstances that set it apart from a routine case, you’ll need to know if your prospective lawyer can handle them. Look into attorneys who have received specialist training in aspects like breathalyzer operation and field sobriety tests. You might also want to know if the lawyer has received a certification from nationally-recognized DUI law organizations and educational institutions, which offer advanced DUI instruction for lawyers.

Pricing and Legal Fees

Unless you are short on funds and opting to avail of your right to a public defender, one of the other important factors you need to weigh for your prospective DUI lawyer is payment. You can look into comparing costs and types of fees as a matter of course, but you can also check out other factors like payment options, additional fees for particular services, and payment schedules. You can also inquire if the lawyer will require payment for post-trial services and the like.

Style of Case Management

While all DUI lawyers may receive the same kind of training in DUI defense, there are distinct differences in how they handle clients in the long run. For example, you may be talking to one lawyer but somebody else will stand with you in court. Always inquire about how a prospective defense attorney handles their case: talk about representation, who handles what aspects of your case, who handles inquiries outside of hearings, and so on. You may be surprised at how distinct each lawyer handles a defense case. Things can get even more complicated if you’re comparing notes between an independent defender and a larger legal firm.

Their View On Your Case

Not all legal proceedings have an outcome that is set in stone; however, that does not mean you can’t get a forecast of how your case will conclude in the end. You can ask potential lawyers about their impressions regarding your DUI case based on whatever facts are currently available to you. You can query them about factors that can be helpful and detrimental to your case; the need for a possible plea bargaining deal; or the need to go to trial at all. Weighing their answers may help you narrow down an attorney to work with, but remember that their answers are only inferences based on the current state of your charges. Relying on a lawyer with an overly optimistic view of your case may backfire on you in the end, so tread lightly.

Getting a reliable DUI lawyer to represent you in Las Vegas can be tricky as well as complicated, but it is very rewarding when you get things right. With a large selection of Las Vegas defense attorneys to choose from, you are sure to find someone who fits your legal needs.

Reasons Why Domestic Violence Cases May Not Be Reported

Domestic violence in Nevada is one of the state’s more prevalent legal concerns. In 2016 alone, law enforcement received domestic violence-related emergency calls at least 65,026 times. As recently as last year, the state ranked fourth nationwide in terms of domestic violence-related homicides, with many of the victims being women. Despite the relative downward trend in cases, being part of the top five is still a cause for concern among domestic violence advocates in Nevada.

While the numbers can raise some eyebrows, another problem comes into view: domestic violence cases aren’t as well-reported as they should be. The high number of domestic violence-related homicides is reflective of this; rather than seek help, many of these abused partners choose to endure their predicament, putting them at even more risk until it is too late. 

Let’s look at a few reasons why domestic violence cases may not be reported.

Self-Doubt

Domestic abusers are often described as controlling, imposing their will on their partners and always believing that they are in the right and their partner is always in the wrong. It can be anything as simple as constantly nagging on who is calling them, to physically hurting their partner when they do something that the abuser believes is contrary to what they want. In the worst cases, the abuser outright blames their partner for the abuse they are receiving.

A person that has been in such an abusive relationship for so long may eventually lose confidence in their own judgement. They become more guarded, choosing what they say and do, trying to make sure they please their partner. The brewing self-doubt within the victim can discourage them from seeking help from the authorities.

Cultural Norms

American society has put a lot of importance on a stable and whole family. Despite the growing trend of divorcees, single-parent homes, or childless couples, many of the more traditional inidividuals insist on upholding the model American family, with each member playing their traditional roles. This traditionalist approach may discourage abused spouses from filing a domestic violence complaint against their partners if the abuse becomes abusive or near-lethal.

Cultural norms in many places across the world do not hold many domestic violence abusers culpable of crime, even if what they did may result in irreparable damage on the part of the victim. While this is slowly being rectified and dealt with, there are still countries that believe it is a natural part of their culture. There were at least 13 countries that did not decriminalize domestic violence as late as 2017, a sombre sight in the modern era.

For the Kids

Related to the previous point, many abused partners stay in abusive relationships to keep their family stable. In this case, the reason is not always due to cultural or societal norms that they grew up with. For instance, the abuser may have the more stable source of income; leaving the abuser may mean that the children’s future is no longer assured.

In a more dire case, the abuser may have something against the victim that they can use for blackmail. This not only affects the victim, but the children as well; knowing this, the victim chooses to stay. Most domestic violence victims do not realize that children witnessing the abuse have indirectly become domestic abuse victims as well. Furthermore, staying in an abusive relationship ‘for the kids’ puts the children at a greater risk of receiving direct abuse themselves.

Acts of Passion

It is not unheard of for a long-standing couple to suddenly be involved in domestic issues, only for things to normalize. Yet after a period of time, tempers flare up again, entering into a repetitive cycle where things are calm and smooth-sailing with rare interludes of familial disputes. To some, it may look like the typical ‘trouble-in-paradise’ situation driven by excessive emotions; however, things can head in a different direction if said interludes always involve excessive abuse, and the peaceful periods become noticeably shorter.

Some abused partners believe that the abuse they’re experiencing is only temporary, caused by excess tension between them and their partner. They think that their partner just snapped due to a particularly bad day at work or any other form of emotional distress that has been brewing for a long time, and that they only need a one-time release to let it all go, physical or emotional pain notwithstanding. This misguided belief in acts of passion affects both new couples (who may have only seen their partner’s good side during the dating phase) and long-time spouses (who only find out too late about how abusive their partner can be) and can lead to them staying far too long to be healthy.

Family Affairs

One of the strong beliefs of many traditionalists is that family problems stay with the family and are not an issue for outsiders to handle. As such, domestic violence victims tend to avoid discussing their abuse with other people, even their closest friends. In some extreme cases, even close relatives (like siblings or cousins) are deliberately kept out of the loop, either by the victim or the abuser.

This is one of the worst myths that affect reporting of domestic violence cases. By thinking that such issues need only to be talked about between spouses, a proper solution is not introduced into the conversation and the cycle of hurting continues.

Domestic violence is a serious issue that is best addresssed with prompt reporting and continued cooperation on the part of the victim. The only way for the victim to break free is to seek direct help.

How is Cyberstalking Prosecuted in Nevada?

Stalking in Nevada is one of the more common domestic violence-related cases that local law enforcement has to deal with regularly. This trend isn’t surprising; considering that 79% of femicide incidents over the past few years are linked to stalking, police are keen to prevent more severe incidents related to this particular crime. Not to mention that stalking has inflicted severe physical and emotional pain to many victims in the locale.

On top of the trouble of dealing with physical stalkers, the rapid development of technology over the past decades has led to the increasing notoriety of off-hand stalkers who prefer to harass their quarry via a variety of communication devices and tools. From the days of threatening and disturbing letters, stalkers have moved on to scary phone calls and more recently, stalking on social media and other digital accounts.

Cyberstalking is only one facet of stalking as a whole, but it has gained increased attention in recent years because of the growing sophistication in methods used by such stalkers. Nevada courts have set up severely stringent measures to handle cyber-stalkers and punish them for their crimes. Let’s take a look at how cyber-stalking is prosecuted in Nevada.

Defining Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking is defined as harassing an individual, group, or organization by means of electronic communication. Methods commonly associated with cyber-stalking include libelous or slanderous messages, defamatory statements sent directly to a victim’s main channels, or disturbing behavior like regularly sending unsolicited pictures of where the victim had been or an overly-detailed description of what they had been doing throughout the day. In most cases, simple but overly-familiar personal messages via email can already count as cyberstalking.

Apart from the aforementioned methods, cyberstalkers also employ more severe ways to abuse their victims online. Backdoor monitoring of their online accounts, outright identity theft, direct denial of service attacks, and vandalism of said accounts are typical of more serious cyberstalkers. Solicitation for sex and blackmailing are typically used by the more depraved individuals, especially towards women. Whatever the method, the general aim of cyberstalkers is the same: to control the way their victims think, act, and feel.

Cyberstalking and The Law

Cyberstalking was a tricky case to prosecute in Nevada for the longest time because it was difficult to determine the measure by which an online act can be considered as cyberstalking. Not to mention, many perpetrators are either anonymous or are hidden behind difficult-to-trace personas that make it difficult for prosecutors to pin a suspect in real life. In many cases, law enforcement had to solicit the assistance of the internet service provider, app developer, or social media network in order to identify the stalker.

As per the current Nevada laws, cyberstalking is classified as a Category C felony, equal in precedence to aggravated stalking. Additionally, it shares the general set of penalties one can face with an aggravated stalking charge, including: a maximum of $10,000 in fines, between one and five years in prison, and other penalties that the court sees fit. Probation is a valid alternative to prison time, provided the court makes that option available for the defendant.

Cyberstalking Crimes and You

The prevalence of the internet in our daily lives means that we have better accessibility to each other than ever before. It also means whatever you say online can be misconstrued as a disparaging remark, or worse, a slanderous message.

You can be accused of cyberstalking for sending a harmless message that the plaintiff mistakenly labeled as disturbing or intrusive. If you happen to be in a legal battle with your spouse, they can claim that you are trying to harass them via digital channels even though you were only trying to communicate civilly. In worse cases, someone can play victim and accuse you of harassing them online, using stolen personal information to frame you, or accusing you because you share online information with their harasser by sheer coincidence.

A defendant facing a cyberstalking case can often counterclaim that they were misidentified. This is the most common defense for cyberstalking cases because of how tricky it is to get precise personas and how several online profiles may share information by chance. If you have enough online knowledge, you can also claim that your account information was stolen and used by another person to harass the plaintiff.

 

Cyberstalking is just one of many innovative crimes in this age of rapidly-evolving information technology. Know the consequences of a Nevada cyberstalking charge so that you know what you are facing when you get charged with it. On top of all this, never forget to discuss your case carefully with a reliable domestic violence attorney who has a handle of how cyberstalking charges work.

 

Comparing the Two Types of Restraining Orders in Las Vegas

Domestic violence cases in Las Vegas can involve a lot of drama, emotional or otherwise. In some cases, both parties may complain that the other is harassing them day in and day out, leading to some nasty confrontations on and off the courtroom. These can be as minor as verbally abusing each other, or as serious as threatening to physically attack the other. In some instances, one party just wants the other to stay as far away from them as possible.

To deal with these kinds of issues between parties, the law provides legal options to keep them as far apart under the threat of additional legal penalties. These restraining orders are commonly used to deal with stalkers and spouses or ex-spouses that are persistently harassing their partners

If you are involved in a domestic violence charge in Las Vegas and being threatened with a restraining order, it is best to understand what it entails. For starters, you should understand the two common types of restraining orders in Las Vegas.

What are Restraining Orders?

You may hear restraining orders often on the news, but may not know what it entails. Generally speaking, a restraining order is a court-mandated order that protects an individual, establishment, or organization from harassment connected to a case of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. These orders are handed down by a court at the request of a plaintiff, provided that the plaintiff has enough evidence that proves they are at risk of harassment or worse.

A general guideline on restraining orders is described in Federal statutes. However, each state has its own set of legal guidelines regarding such orders, created and amended through their own experience with such cases. The same situation applies to Las Vegas.

Differentiating the Types

Nevada recognizes two different types of restraining orders. They differ in their coverage period, method of acquisition, and other factors. Note that the descriptions are in the context of domestic violence charges, and other factors may apply for other cases, like stalking or child abuse.

A temporary order for protection is a limited restraining order that protects the plaintiff from the defendant for a brief period of time, usually 45 days. Depending on circumstances it can also cover a longer period, depending on how long it takes for an extended restraining order hearing to be held. Note that the hearing for extending the temporary order can be extended by a total of 180 days if law enforcement fails to hand in the order to the defendant, or if it can be proven that the defendant is hiding to avoid being handed this order.

Temporary restraining orders can only be approved once the plaintiff files a request to the court, including evidence that proves the possibility of physical violence or psychological abuse. It must be acted upon within one judicial day. In situations where the defendant was arrested for domestic violence and is in custody, the plaintiff can simply request for a temporary order via phone; the court in question can then serve the order to the defendant in his or her cell, and have a copy sent to the plaintiff to be filed within one judicial work day.

The second type is known as an extended order of protection. This kind of restraining order can only be handed down once the court has held a hearing on the matter, and both plaintiff and defendant have presented their case. A plaintiff cannot request for an extended order of protection right off the bat; they will have to make do with the temporary restraining order until the hearing is decided. In general, extended orders of protection can last for a maximum of two years. Clark County, however, only provides for a 60-day restraining period if there is already a pending divorce or custody case between the two parties in the case.

Facing a Restraining Order?

If you are accused of domestic violence in Nevada, chances are the plaintiff will request the court for a temporary order as soon as possible, and will endeavor to gain an extended order right after. For the former instance, the best thing you can do is file a motion to terminate the order; since a temporary restraining order can be handed down without a hearing, you cannot totally provide your side of the story unless you take part in a hearing. Note that filing for a request to terminate does not automatically mean you are qualified; this only means that the hearing for the extended order can be held faster.

During the period for the temporary restraining order, you cannot harm or threaten to harm the plaintiff; harm or threaten to harm their pets, children, and possessions; approach them on the street; enter their abode, place of employment, or education; keep custody of any children; and other special orders that the situation calls for or the court sees fit. During the period of an extended restraining order, you not only have to abide by the aforementioned rules, you will also have to pay off child support, mortgage, and other related fees; negotiate visitation rights; discuss ownership rights regarding minor children, pets, and shared property; pay off or replace expenses made and income lost during the period of the restraining order; and hand over or sell any firearms owned, as well as being prohibited from obtaining or purchasing new firearms for the duration of the restraining period, unless his mode of employment explicitly requires firearms and the firearms are provided by his or her employer.

 

Restraining orders are enacted to protect an individual from undue harassment and possible retaliation for filing a criminal complaint against another. It encompasses a whole host of penalties for a person, on top of the charge that he has to deal with. Consult with your Las Vegas domestic violence attorney to learn how to effectively terminate restraining orders heaped against you.

Review: DUI Compensation in Las Vegas

DUI in Las Vegas often qualifies as a victimless case; that is, the driver in question is the only party involved and the only people are inconvenienced are said driver, the local law enforcement, and probably fellow drivers if they happen to be at a checkpoint. The worst thing a suspected DUI driver will have to deal with would be a possible revocation of their driver’s license, some jail time, and a trudge through DUI school to minimize the chances of a repeat offense in the future. Majority of cases handled by Las Vegas DUI attorneys on a regular basis fall under this type.

However, there are instances when a suspected drunk driver would blunder onto another vehicle or a busy sidestreet, leading to serious injuries and possible deaths. DUI cases that involve physical injuries or those that may be classified as manslaughter, homicide, or murder can be punished with harsher penalties and may involve life imprisonment, permanent revocation of driving privileges, and compensation towards victims.

If you are facing a Las Vegas DUI charge that involves injury or death for the first time, you may be a little confused as to how compensations work. Let’s look closer into compensation for DUI in Las Vegas.

Legal Compensation in a Nutshell

Compensation is one of the common financial penalties that a defendant is legally bound to comply with after conviction in Las Vegas. With compensation, a defendant will pay for any damages incurred by the victim during the act of the crime. For example, a theft victim may be entitled for financial recompense equivalent to the amount or value of items and goods stolen.

Financial compensation is the most common form of legal damages that plaintiffs are entitled to after a legal hearing in their favor. There are at least six different types of damages recognized by law, each applying to a different type of legal case. Compensatory damages are just more commonly referred to in most written material, but it is not unheard of that a defendant may have to deal with all six types at once.

Determining The Compensation

As is the case with any other criminal charge, courts follow several factors to determine how much financial compensation a plaintiff is eligible to. These factors may include:

• The level of driver negligence, which is often a critical factor when DUI cases are involved
• The victim’s medical needs, which can evolve into long-term or permanent care if the incident led to the plaintiff suffering a disability
• The effect on the plaintiff’s ability to work, which may involve having diminished capacity to work properly instead of being permanently being unable to his or her original job before the incident
• Dram shop laws, or holding an establishment responsible for selling liquor to the defendant immediately prior to the incident
• Pain and suffering, usually involving psychological trauma and emotional trouble
• The possibility that the incident may have been premeditated, whether or not alcohol was involved
• Wrongful death for cases involving fatalities

Nevada Law and DUI Compensation

Compensation for criminal cases, DUI in particular, vary from state to state. Some state laws may prevent a plaintiff from gaining financial compensation entirely if they contributed to the incident in any way, a situation legally described as contributory negligence. Other jurisdictions may require a compensatory sum of such value that the defendant will be convinced to avoid committing the crime in the future, usually enough to put the defendant in dire financial straits after the fact.

Nevada’s legal framework for legal compensation are officially listed in Chapter 42 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. NRS 42.010 focuses on DUI-related compensation in particular, covering all of the DUI-related cases that may involve injury or death. Take note that, according to Nevada law, a plaintiff in a DUI case involving injury or death is not only entitled to the standard financial reparations for physical and mental damages; they are also eligible to receive punitive damages from the plaintiff as a means of discouraging a future repeat of the criminal act. People facing DUI charges in Las Vegas for the first time should take note of this part, as punitive damages can sometimes be worse than other penalties you can face.

 

Legal compensation for DUI in Las Vegas is meant to both help the plaintiff recover from the incident and to discourage the defendant from being involved in similar situations in the future. If you are charged with DUI in Las Vegas for the first time, you must never overlook the severe consequences of DUI compensation. Never forget to discuss the situation closely with your DUI defense attorney.

How Do DUI Schools in Las Vegas Work?

People facing a DUI charge can expect a variety of penalties and fees to deal with after a conviction, depending on the level of their DUI charge and if they have been convicted before. While in many cases a DUI defendant may face prison time or community service, there are cases where the defendant has to serve time in a different way. The most common alternative sentence for many DUI offenders is attendance at a DUI school.

DUI classes are part of the general corrective system for drunk drivers across the country, coming about because of the high fatalities caused by DUI annually. They were designed to help convicted DUI offenders recover from their drunk driving tendencies and avoid similar convictions in the future. If you are a facing a possible DUI conviction in Las Vegas for the first time, now is a good time to learn how DUI schools work.

What are DUI Schools?

As stated earlier, DUI schools were established to assist DUI offenders to turn themselves around, removing their drunk driving tendencies and going back to being regular vehicle owners. They are institutions that provide a step-by-step course for offenders to gradually deal, and eventually do away, with their habits of driving while intoxicated.

DUI classes are arranged according to the level of the DUI offender’s conviction. Sessions can last for as short as a eight days to as long as several weeks, depending on the circumstances of the conviction and other factors. These classes include a in-depth study of DUI and DUI statistics, listening to stories from previous and current DUI offenders, and probably get involved in random Q-and-A’s. More intensive sessions can also involve random alcohol and drug tests to ensure that the attendants are working on their drinking issues. Attendance is mandatory, and failure to report can come with additional consequences.

How Classes Go

Las Vegas DUI schools aren’t schools per se; you don’t have to attend grueling day-long classes (although those with more severe DUI convictions may have longer session periods). Instead, they are more akin to seminars that tackle various aspects of DUI, driver and pedestrian safety, and rehabilitation. The aim is for the attendee to understand the implications of drunk driving on themselves and other people, as well as ways to deal and eventually eliminate this habit.

These institutions are staffed by professionals with extensive experience in dealing with recovering drunk drivers. There are also medical professionals who handle the regular blood tests for attendees, and provide seminars regarding the medical implications of drunk driving. In many cases, represantatives from Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous also take part in lectures and round-table discussions to help attendees along.

The Las Vegas DUI School System

Like many states across the country, Nevada has its own selection of DUI schools throughout its cities and towns. These range from smaller locations that provide short-term sessions for first-time offenders, to more comprehensive centers that handle everything from classroom-style learning to regular blood alcohol tests. In the past, offenders had to attend to these lessons personally, but the advent of technology has allowed offenders to attend DUI classes online.

On top of the regular Las Vegas  DUI school sessions, defendants found to have a BAC of over 0.18% at the time of arrest will be required by the court to attend a Coroner’s DUI program, hosted by the Clark County Coroner’s Office. These sessions involve showing post-mortem analysis of drunk driving fatalities, which include the driver and any other person involved in such accidents. The idea is that seeing the gruesome and fatal effects of drunk driving can help DUI offenders reform and stay away from the bottle. Unlike regular DUI school, most Coroner’s DUI sessions require personal attendance.

Take note that, despite being court-mandated, Las Vegas DUI school classes are not paid for by the State. the DUI offender has to pay out of his own pocket for the entire program, which may include additional fees depending on the factors of his crime. He will also have to arrange the schedule that he will have to follow, submitting it later to the authorities so they can monitor his progress.

 

Dealing with drunk drivers through an educational program is one of the more effective and personal ways to prevent people convicted with DUI to be repeat offenders in the future. It also offers an alternative for some offenders to lessen their penalties and avoid longer prison time. Consult with your DUI lawyer about the other benefits and responsibilities of attending a DUI school in Las Vegas.

A Look at Unique DUI Cases

DUI charges are some of the most common criminal cases one may have to face in a busy city like Las Vegas. The combination of multiple interconnected roads and a large volume of entertainment establishments that sell alcohol can lead to such incidents on the regular. The usual scenario would either be a DUI arrest at a regular police stop, or a road accident caused by impaired driving.

However, there are times when a DUI incident may involve more than the usual drunk-behind-the-wheel situation. Sometimes, a DUI arrest can happen in the least possible location, or would involve the most improbable circumstances. Here are a few unique DUI cases that are worth looking into.

Grounded Stunt

It seems natural for a person to impress their significant other with an ill-advised stunt every once in a while; doubly so if a little bit of liquid courage is involved. While many teenagers would go with anything between doing skateboard kickflips and doing donuts in the family car, one uninhibited Indiana man back in 2007 managed to drive an allegedly stolen twin-engine aircraft off the taxiway and into a soybean field while drunk. The reason: he was trying to convince his girlfriend that he was a capable pilot, and so he convinced her to join him on a joyride to the nearby airfield to get a plane, all while being intoxicated. The Indiana man in question has apparently received a lifetime driving ban for a previous DUI conviction, which not only made his little airport stunt ill-advised, but totally ramping up on his criminal record.

Did not Get the Message

Car advertising is one of the common ways both private entities and government agencies get their message across to people. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, for instance, pays adspace for vehicles to display their message regarding traffic safety, driver courtesy, and drunk driving. Unfortunately, this California man did not get the memo regarding the last part, as he was arrested on the I-80 on suspicions of DUI while his vehicle displayed NHTSA ads discouraging drunk driving. The suspect was reportedly weaving across the major highway, endangering fellow drivers and himself. Arresting officers on the scene noted that his BAC was way above state limits.

A Little Too Frisky

New Mexico may be famous for being home to Roswell, but this next incident is something that is out of this world on an entirely different level. One night, local police respond to calls regarding a crashed SUV in one of Albuqerque’s busy roads which may have involved a drunk driver. Expecting to see a gruesome scene, they are relieved to find both the driver and his passenger unharmed. Unfortunately, things take a turn for the weird; both were found naked on the scene. Police later explained that the New Mexico man was having sex at the wheel while drunk driving, leading him to eventually lose control of the vehicle and crash. Law enforcement noted his high alcohol level, but were puzzled at how he and his passenger (who happened to be his girlfriend) managed to pull off the frisky action on a busy highway with no one getting hurt.

Harvesting an Arrest

Harvesting large swaths of farmland is easier these days thanks to combine harvesters, large farm vehicles that do most of the reaping and threshing at the same time, something that our great-grandfathers had to do with separate equipment back in the day. Of course, as it is basically a large motorized vehicle there is a good chance that one can get arrested for DUI while driving one. Such was the case with this 57-year-old Pennsylvania native who was booked by local police for driving his combine while intoxicated. Prior to his arrest, he had also hit a neighbor’s mailbox, enhancing his DUI charge with a hit-and-run on private property.

Only in Australia

Australia is internet-famous for many unique items that allegedly can only be found there. From bizarre and dangerous wildlife to unique words to describe your neighbor, Australia apparently has it all. One such thing that is allegedly unique to the country is the ‘motorised esky’, a large drink cooler attached to a small kart-like frame with an onboard motor and a simple steering mechanism. The resulting contraption makes it easier to drive the cooler around, typically for events like outdoor barbecues or sports days. Of course, where there’s alcohol and a motorized vehicle involved, there’s going to be some weird incidents. Drunk motorised esky driving has been a common problem that local law enforcement automatically impounds such vehicles on the first offense.

 

Let these bizarre DUI stories remind you that drunk driving doesn’t always have to involve a car, and that law enforcement will see to it that they can book you for DUI as long as it involves a motorized form of transport. Remember this the next time you get the urge to do something ill-advised with alcohol and a steering wheel.

Reviewing Types of Non-Automobile DUI in Las Vegas

To many of us, driving under the influence involves being caught behind the wheel of a car, van, or truck while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance. In a busy city like Las Vegas, the common headline would be one intoxicated driver getting stopped at an intersection or another causing a rather heavy gridlock because they crashed their vehicle into a lightpole. Whatever the case, the common idea is that DUI is mostly a road vehicle issue.

Of course, that’s not entirely the case. DUI cases involve more than just your average sedan or family car. There are many cases of DUI that involves other forms of transportation. This is a good time to review some of the types of non-automobile DUI charges that you can face in Las Vegas.

Boat DUI

One of the more common DUI charges in Las Vegas outside of automotive DUI is boating under the influence. The city’s proximity to Lake Mead, one of the largest natural reservoir lakes in this part of the country, means that there will be people who will spend their days off on a fishing or boating trip. As such, there is a high chance that people will bring alcohol or similar intoxicating substances for the ride. However, because the Lake Mead Recreational Area is a tourist spot with many visitors, local park security is keen to keep any causes of accidents at a minimum, especially when it involves leisure and fishing boats.

All-Terrain Vehicles

All-terrain vehicles are unique in that they combine the features of both motorcycles and four-wheeled vehicles in one agile and compact package. While generally used in Nevada’s sand dunes and rough nature trails, they are not entirely prohibited on public roads. This means they also have a chance to induce a DUI-related incident. ATVs can go pretty fast, and combining that speed with alcohol can lead to some quick questioning from local police.

Golf Carts

Las Vegas boasts some of the finest golf links this side of the Valley, with various types of courses covering a wide variety of terrain. Many of these links serve both as exclusive clubs and gated communities, and it is quite common to see patrons and residents zooming around in golf carts. Unfortunately, when the day’s been going a bit too long and there’s a lot of friends around, chances are there will be alcohol involved. Golf cart DUI cases may not be as common or as reported as traditional DUI cases but they still happen from time to time. Do note that recklessly driving a low-speed vehicle can still cause serious injuries to both the impaired driver and anybody he or she happens to hit on the way.

Groundskeeping and Construction Equipment

Speaking of low-speed equipment, it is less common–but still possible–that one can be charged for driving construction equipment or lawn mowers while inebriated. Laws are stringent from preventing the former from happening, but construction drivers may still find the time to slip a sip or two on a break. The latter isn’t quite as common in  Las Vegas, but it has made news in other states. This should serve as a warning next time you find groundskeeping work to be boring. 

Cycling DUI

Under Nevada law, riding a bicycle while intoxicated does not count as a DUI offense because it is not a motorized vehicle; only vehicles powered by an engine count towards a DUI charge. However, drunk cycling still counts as an offense under the count of reckless endangerment. It still has a high chance to escalate to a more serious offense if the injuries caused by the cycling-related accident are severe, so do not underestimate a reckless endangerment charge caused by drunk cycling.

In a somewhat related case, riding a motorized scooter while drunk may get booked for DUI. The scooter has been modified with the addition of an engine (sometimes a petrol-fueled engine, though nowadays electrical power sources are more common) and is now heavy enough to cause severe injuries when driven recklessly. Consult with a Las Vegas legal expert to get more information about this matter.

 

DUI charges encompasses a wider variety of situations and a greater selection of vehicle types than one may be familiar with. Knowing this should help you avoid a severe DUI charge in the future. If you have to deal with a Las Vegas DUI charge, however, don’t forget to get in touch with a veteran defense lawyer in the city to help you out.