Las Vegas a place where the neon lights beacon you to take in the many themed casinos late at night and seem to say…”play here, eat here, drink here”. During the summer months due to the high temperatures that is the only time a lot of vacationers walk the strip and because of Las Vegas liquor laws are they are allowed to carry open alcoholic beverages. Despite its “fun and loose” reputation, Las Vegas is serious when it comes to drunk driving.
If you find yourself getting arrested for drunk driving in Las Vegas you need to find a reputable DUI lawyer to protect your rights and preserve your privileges. DUI laws are complex and always in a state of changing and as a result developing a solid defense is difficult for the average person. DUI lawyers are experienced with cases just like yours and will make recommendations specifically for you.
After your arrest, you will be asked to provide a breathalyzer or blood test in order to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In the state of Nevada, as in most states, the legal limit is .08%. If your BAC is greater than .08% or if you refuse to take the test your license will be automatically suspended at least 90 days and up to several years depending if any other charges are involved with your arrest. You will have seven days to file an appeal. Also, your license suspension is separate from any action against your driver’s license in the event you are convicted of a DUI. If your license is suspended you can apply for a restricted driver’s license, but there is a waiting period and they are only granted at the discretion of the judge.
If this is your first DUI in Nevada you will be slapped with a $400 fine, you must complete alcohol classes, attend a Victims Impact Panel class and have a choice to spend two days in jail or perform 48 to 96 hours of community service. Also, you will be on probation and your license will be suspended for 90 days. All of these penalties will increase in severity for succeeding convictions and the 3rd conviction is a felony.
All of these penalties will impact you emotionally as well as financially for many years to come. One area where you will feel it financially is with your automobile insurance. Not only will it rise exponentially, expect the higher premium to last for years or until your DUI is off your driver’s license record. A DUI charge should not be handled alone, the risks are too great. If you get a DUI contact a reputable DUI lawyer to handle your case ASAP, especially if you are a non-resident on vacation and about to leave town.
Now for walking on the strip or any other outside public areas; although drinking on public sidewalks and other areas on the Strip and Downtown is rarely if ever enforced. It is entirely common to consume alcohol in public areas, including the public sidewalks within the Las Vegas city limits which includes all of Downtown, The Strip and close-by areas. Over-intoxication and disorderly conduct is frowned upon, so stay within your own limits. All bartenders and dealers have the right to cut you off and order you to leave the casino if you are intoxicated.
When inside a casino or hotel there is seldom any restrictions on carrying drinks from one bar, restaurant or playing location to another with the exception of some showrooms and theaters where it will be clearly posted. Individual shops may also have rules about carrying in food and drink of any kind. Please drink responsibly.
