DUI in Reno? What You Need to Know to Protect Your Rights Today

Driving under the influence in Nevada isn’t just a traffic violation—it’s a criminal offense that could turn your life upside down. A DUI charge in Reno can bring more than just fines; it can jeopardize your license, your job, your freedom, and your future. The good news? You don’t have to face it alone. A local DUI attorney with real courtroom experience can make the difference between jail time and a second chance.

What Qualifies as a DUI in Reno?

DUI laws in Nevada are stricter than many people realize. The legal threshold is a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08%, but the law doesn’t stop there. If a driver appears impaired—regardless of BAC—or tests positive for drugs, including marijuana or prescription medication, they can be charged with a DUI. It doesn't even require actual driving. Sitting behind the wheel with the keys in the ignition is enough to count as "being in control of a vehicle" under state law.

This broad definition means that thousands of Nevadans are caught off guard, arrested for DUI even when they thought they were playing it safe. A few drinks at dinner or using prescribed medication shouldn't cost you your future—but in Reno, it might if you’re not careful.

Penalties for DUI in Nevada: What’s Really at Stake?

Facing a DUI charge in Reno isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a legal emergency. Nevada’s penalties for DUI are among the toughest in the country, especially for repeat offenders. The fallout from a conviction can follow someone for years, if not decades.

First Offense DUI (Misdemeanor):

• Minimum 2 days to 6 months in jail
• Fines between $400 and $1,000
• License suspension for 185 days
• DUI school or substance abuse treatment
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
  
  

Second Offense (within 7 years):

• 10 days to 6 months in jail
• Up to $1,000 in fines
• 1-year license suspension
• Mandatory treatment program
• Required IID for up to 1 year
  
  

Third Offense (within 7 years):

• Now classified as a felony
• 1 to 6 years in Nevada State Prison
• $2,000 to $5,000 in fines
• 3-year license suspension
• Extended IID requirement
  
  

And if an accident causes injury or death? The charge becomes a felony DUI with mandatory prison time, and up to 20 years in prison.

Even without prison, the collateral consequences can be devastating:

• Loss of professional licenses
• Background check flags for future employment
• Increased insurance rates
• Public embarrassment and damaged reputation

Why Hiring a Local DUI Defense Attorney Is Non-Negotiable

A DUI charge isn’t something to gamble with. Prosecutors will not go easy, and pleading guilty without exploring your options can lead to the worst-case scenario. That’s where a seasoned defense attorney like Jesse Kalter comes in.

Learn more about Jesse Kalter’s DUI Attorney & criminal defense services here.

Jesse Kalter Law doesn’t pass cases to junior associates or overloaded public defenders. Jesse personally handles each case, diving into the details that others might miss—issues like improperly calibrated breathalyzers, unlawful traffic stops, and violations of your constitutional rights. These can be the keys to getting charges dismissed, reduced, or winning a not-guilty verdict.

Jesse’s strategic, aggressive approach has secured hundreds of favorable outcomes for clients across Northern Nevada, from license reinstatements to full acquittals.

DUI Arrests Aren’t All the Same: Alcohol, Marijuana, Prescription Drugs

Not all DUIs stem from alcohol. Nevada treats marijuana and prescription drugs with equal severity under DUI law.

Alcohol DUIs usually involve BAC testing with breathalyzers or blood samples. But even if your BAC is under the legal limit, erratic driving or failing a field sobriety test can still result in arrest for DUI.

Marijuana DUIs are on the rise as recreational use has become more common. But the presence of THC in your system doesn’t always equal impairment. This is where scientific evidence and expert testimony play a critical role in the defense strategy.

Prescription medication DUIs are the most misunderstood. Many people are arrested after taking medications legally prescribed to them. Drowsiness or dizziness can mimic intoxication and lead officers to assume the worst. But if you were following your doctor’s orders, and are not impaired, the law provides room for defense.

Jesse Kalter has worked with toxicologists, medical experts, and former law enforcement professionals to challenge the prosecution's version of events. These are the details that can mean the difference between conviction and exoneration.

What to Do Immediately After a DUI Arrest in Reno & Northern Nevada

The hours following a DUI arrest are crucial. Every move matters—from what you say to law enforcement to how soon you contact legal counsel.

Do this immediately:

• Remain silent. Politely decline to answer questions during a DUI stop.
  
  
• Don’t be naive. Do not rely on advice from officers or assume cooperation guarantees leniency.
  
  
• Refuse field sobriety tests. You are not obligated to do these.
  
  
• Evidentiary Test. You can refuse but it will be an automatic 1 year loss of your license and cops will still apply for a warrant to take your blood.
  
  
• Contact a criminal defense attorney. The earlier you act, the more options you’ll have for building a solid defense.
  
  

Waiting too long can close the door on critical evidence, like surveillance footage or witness testimony that might prove your innocence. Jesse Kalter acts fast to secure and protect your rights from the first consultation.