Hundreds upon thousands of people from areas outside of the State of Nevada, visit Las Vegas and the surrounding communities each year. People visiting Nevada for work, vacation, a special occasion, or simply to unwind often enjoy alcoholic beverages while they’re on the world famous “Strip” (Las Vegas Boulevard). Unfortunately, these same individuals often end up behind the wheel of a car. Driving under the influence of alcohol increases the risks of a crash, makes driving more dangerous for others on the road even without an accident, and can lead to pedestrian fatalities. Due to the location of our office in Henderson, we often receive calls from people who are not from this jurisdiction regarding cases that arise in the Las Vegas Valley or elsewhere in Nevada while they are visiting.
What Happens Here, Stays Here?
Driving under the influence is a crime, and the consequences can extend beyond injuries and car accidents. When an individual is convicted of DUI in their home state, the consequences are pretty clear. A DUI arrest may lead to significant fines, loss of license, higher insurance costs, etc. But what about a DUI conviction while out of state? A visitor to Nevada who gets a DUI faces the same penalties as a resident, potentially including loss of their driver’s license. Individuals may face different legal issues depending on the severity of the DUI arrests and the specific laws of the state.
Interstate Driver’s License Compact
Nevada is one of many states that is a part of the Interstate Drivers’ License Compact (or DLC). As part of the Interstate Driving License Compact, states are required to share information about criminal convictions, driving suspensions, and DUI convictions. Any state that convicts an out-of-state driver with DUI, will share information with the state where the driver resides. If for instance, an individual with a California issued driver’s license comes to Nevada for the weekend and gets arrested for a DUI, the State of Nevada is duty bound by the DLC to report to the State of California.
It is our best advice, however, to watch your intake before you drive, no matter where you are.
If you, or a loved one, has been charged with drunk driving while visiting Nevada from another state, contact us today and let us help guide you through this difficult time and these serious charges. You can count on Dempsey, Roberts & Smith to fight hard for you, as our goal is to achieve the best possible result for you. We can assist you if you are facing charges related to DUI, assault, battery, drugs, domestic violence, theft, or other criminal offenses. Our criminal defense lawyers are ready to help you. Give us a call at (702) 779-0993.