Consequences of Driving Under the Influence Published March 11, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey K Marks Nellis Safety Office NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Las Vegas is tough on people who drive under the influence. The Las Vegas Metro Police regularly set up checkpoints throughout the city and are equipped with breathalyzers to test drivers. All the police need to charge a driver with a DUI is for the driver to be operating a motor vehicle and to have a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more. Below are the consequences drivers can expect to receive if they are charged with a DUI in Nevada. Keep in mind these consequences are for a first DUI offense: · The driver must serve a minimum of two days to a maximum of six months in jail or, with court approval, the driver must serve a minimum of 96 hours of community service. If the driver hurt or killed someone while driving, the driver will go to jail for two to 20 years with no chance at probation. · The driver must pay a fine or fee of approximately $400 to $1200, plus additional fees and assessments. · The driver must complete an approved eight-hour DUI school or substance abuse program. Online options are acceptable. · The driver must attend a drunk driving "Victim's Impact Panel." · The driver may be required to install an "ignition interlock device" in his/her car for three to six months. · If the driver's blood-alcohol level was 0.18 percent or more at the time of his/her arrest, the driver must submit to an alcohol abuse assessment. · The driver's license will be suspended for 90 days and the driver will be responsible for license reinstatement, which requires payment of fees, passing tests and submitting an SR-22 proof of insurance form. If the driver is caught driving while his/her license is suspended, the driver must serve 30 days in jail. It is possible for the driver to request a restricted license once the first 45 days of the suspension have passed. This restricted license permits driving to and from work and driving in the course of employment. · The driver can expect his/her auto insurance to go up approximately $4,000 a year for at least five years. · A driver in the military can expect to receive the following consequences: forfeiture of pay, reduction in rank, an Article 15 and possibly a recommendation for separation. Receiving a DUI charge is preventable. Creating a plan and designating a driver before drinking is a simple process that will keep everyone safe. If the plan falls through or if the designated driver starts drinking, there are options other than driving after drinking. Call a cab, another friend, a family member, a supervisor, a coworker, or Airmen Against Drunk Driving at 652-2233 and get a ride from someone else. Remember, the Las Vegas Metro Police and the Air Force have a zero tolerance towards DUIs; everyone should do their part to keep themselves and each other safe and out of trouble.
