Will a California DUI Affect Me if I Live in Nevada?
Many California natives flock to Nevada every weekend for the casinos, clubs and shows in Las Vegas. What most people don’t realize though is that Nevada residents often are going the opposite direct to visit the beaches, theme parks and glamor of Southern California.
Unfortunately, many of those Nevada residents visiting California head home with an unexpected souvenir: a California DUI charge. “This arrest will not affect me when I return home to Nevada,” many people think. This couldn’t be further from the truth. A DUI could greatly impact you in your home state, which is why you need to speak to an experienced California criminal defense attorney immediately if you are a Nevada resident charged with DUI while visiting California.
Consequences of DUI in California
Under California Vehicle Code section 23152, a first-time DUI offense is generally charged as a misdemeanor. This crime carries a maximum sentence of six months in county jail and up to a $2,000 fine.
However, when you are charged with DUI in California, there is also a case with the DMV that is separate from the criminal matter. When you are arrested for DUI in California, you must request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest to determine if your driver’s license should be suspended. If you do not request the hearing, your license will automatically be suspended.
Will a California DUI Affect Me in Nevada?
The California DMV does not have the ability to suspend your driver’s license if you are a resident of another state, but it does have the power to take away your driving privileges while you are in California. This means you won’t be able to drive while you’re in California.
More importantly, California and Nevada are part of a 45-state agreement known as the Driver License Compact. Under this agreement, all states except for Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee and Wisconsin inform each other when visitors from other states receive license suspensions and traffic violations.
So if you are a Nevada resident who is arrested for DUI in California, the DMV will notify the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. The state of Nevada can then choose to suspend your driver’s license within the state.
Should I Hire a California DUI Lawyer?
A DUI arrest in California could have a negative impact on you in Nevada, which is why it is important that you hire an experienced California DUI lawyer. In most cases, your DUI attorney will be able to appear in court on your behalf so that you do not have to leave Nevada to do so.
An experienced attorney will also have the ability to represent you in front of the California DMV to argue that your driving privileges should not be suspended.
Contact the DUI Defense Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich Today
If you are a Nevada resident charged with DUI while visiting California, it is critical that you contact an experienced California DUI attorney as soon as possible. Our skilled team of attorneys at Wallin & Klarich has more than 40 years of experience successfully defending drivers accused of DUI. We know how to fight for you in court and at the DMV. Let us help you today.
With offices in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, our attorneys will be able to appear for you in court throughout all of Southern California.
Contact our offices today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation. We will be there when you call.
