Defending Against a DUI with Serious Bodily Injury in Las Vegas

At our law firm, we understand how serious DUI charges can be, especially when they involve serious bodily injury. If you or a loved one is facing a DUI with serious bodily injury charge in Las Vegas, Nevada, it is important to seek legal representation immediately. Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 484C.430 defines a DUI with serious bodily injury as a situation where a person drives under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or both, and as a result, causes severe bodily injury to another person. In this context, serious bodily injury refers to any injury that poses a substantial risk of death, causes significant disfigurement, or results in the loss of function of any bodily organ or member.

The penalties for a DUI with serious bodily injury in Las Vegas, Nevada are severe. If convicted, you could face a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, and the revocation of your driver’s license for a minimum of 3 years. You will also be required to attend a DUI school and participate in a victim impact panel.

Given the severity of the penalties, it is essential to seek legal representation immediately if you are facing a DUI with serious bodily injury charge. Expert lawyers with a thorough understanding of Nevada DUI law can help you develop a robust defense strategy that considers the unique circumstances of your case.

Examples of DUI with Serious Bodily Injury in Las Vegas, Nevada

• A driver was under the influence of alcohol and crashed into a pedestrian, causing severe head injuries and paralysis.
• A driver was under the influence of drugs and crashed into another vehicle, causing the driver of that vehicle to suffer a traumatic brain injury.
• A driver was under the influence of both drugs and alcohol and caused a multi-car accident that resulted in several serious bodily injuries to other drivers and passengers.
• Defenses for a DUI with Serious Bodily Injury Charge in Las Vegas, Nevada

When it comes to defending against a DUI with serious bodily injury charge, several potential defense strategies can be used. One such strategy is to challenge the accuracy of the breathalyzer test or blood alcohol content (BAC) test used to determine your level of intoxication. It is also possible to question the validity of the field sobriety test or demonstrate that the injuries sustained were not a direct result of the accident.

It is also worth noting that the prosecution bears the burden of proving that you were under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or both at the time of the accident, and that your level of intoxication caused the accident and the resulting injuries. As such, it is possible to argue that the prosecution has not met this burden of proof and secure a dismissal of the charges.

Here are two hypothetical scenarios to illustrate the potential defense strategies and outcomes of DUI with serious bodily injury cases:

Scenario 1: The defendant was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when they crashed into a pedestrian, causing severe head injuries and paralysis.
In this case, we may challenge the validity of the field sobriety test or demonstrate that the injuries sustained were not a direct result of the accident. We may also argue that the prosecution has not met their burden of proof and seek a dismissal of the charges. Alternatively, we may negotiate a plea bargain that results in reduced charges and a lighter sentence.

Scenario 2: The defendant was under the influence of drugs when they crashed into another vehicle, causing the driver of that vehicle to suffer a traumatic brain injury.
In this scenario, we may challenge the accuracy of the BAC test used to determine the defendant’s level of intoxication. We may also argue that the prosecution has not met their burden of proof and seek a dismissal of the charges. Alternatively, we may negotiate a plea bargain that results in reduced charges and a lighter sentence.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is considered serious bodily injury under NRS 484C.430?

A: Serious bodily injury refers to any injury that poses a substantial risk of death, causes significant disfigurement, or results in the loss of function of any bodily organ or member.

Q: What are the potential penalties for a DUI with serious bodily injury conviction in Las Vegas, Nevada?

A: If convicted, you could face a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, and the revocation of your driver’s license for a minimum of 3 years. You will also be required to attend a DUI school and participate in a victim impact panel.

Q: How can I defend myself against a DUI with serious bodily injury charge?

A: It is essential to seek legal representation immediately if you are facing a DUI with serious bodily injury charge. Your lawyer can help you challenge the accuracy of any tests used to determine your level of intoxication and question the validity of the field sobriety test. They can also help you argue that the prosecution has not met their burden of proof and negotiate a plea bargain that results in reduced charges and a lighter sentence.

Q: Should I plead guilty if I am facing a DUI with serious bodily injury charge?

A: No, you should not plead guilty without consulting with an expert lawyer first. An experienced lawyer can help you develop a defense strategy that considers the unique circumstances of your case and can negotiate a plea bargain that results in reduced charges and a lighter sentence.

Get Expert Legal Representation for Your DUI with Serious Bodily Injury Charge

If you or someone you know is facing a DUI with serious bodily injury charge in Las Vegas, Nevada, it is essential to seek legal representation immediately. Our law firm has a team of expert lawyers with extensive experience in handling such cases. We understand the intricacies of the Nevada DUI law and can help you develop a strong defense strategy. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let us help you fight for your rights and freedom.