Las Vegas Felony DUI Attorney

Leaving the Scene Resulting in Damage to Property Penalties

Leaving the scene of a crash in an attempt to weaken the case against you doesn’t help. It creates an additional crime that can be charged as a felony. Penalties depend on the severity of the damage and the number of people injured or killed (NRS 484E.010).

Collision resulting in damage to property can be penalized with:

• Up to 6 months of imprisonment; and/or
• A maximum fine of $1,000.
• 6 demerit points to the offending driver’s license.

Penalties for Hit-and-Run Involving Death/Injury

Heftier penalties apply to collisions resulting in death or injury, including:

• 2 to 20 years of imprisonment with no probation.
• No less than $2,000 and no more than $5,000 in fines.
• Possible license revocation and suspension, depending on the number of injuries and deaths during the incident (NRS 484E.010).

Defense Strategies in Las Vegas Felony DUI Cases

Felony DUI charges rest on evidence that can be scrutinized at every stage, from the reason an officer initiated a traffic stop to the validity of a blood draw hours later. Ross Goodman holds a certificate for DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which means he evaluates test administration the same way the government trains officers to conduct it. That technical foundation shapes how we build each defense.

Our investigation and defense analysis covers:

• Probable cause and reasonable suspicion: If the initial stop lacked legal justification, evidence gathered afterward may be suppressed.
• Breath and blood test accuracy: Testing equipment must be properly calibrated and maintained. Defective administration or chain-of-custody errors can undermine BAC results.
• Field sobriety test administration: Walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and HGN tests must be administered per NHTSA standards. Deviations create grounds to challenge their reliability.
• Causation in injury and death cases: The prosecution must prove your impairment was the proximate cause of the harm. A superseding cause (another driver’s negligence, road defects) can defeat that element.
• Medical conditions: Acid reflux, GERD, diabetes, and other conditions can produce falsely elevated BAC readings or mimic signs of impairment.
• Constitutional violations: Improper search and seizure or police misconduct at the time of arrest can result in evidence being excluded.
• Prior conviction challenges: Out-of-state DUI convictions used to elevate a charge may be disputed if the prior offense doesn’t substantially mirror Nevada’s DUI statute.

Felony DUI Plea Bargaining & the Felony DUI Treatment Court

Ross C. Goodman investigates all available evidence to pursue charge reduction or dismissal in every felony DUI case. In some situations, a felony DUI charge can be negotiated down to a misdemeanor. If reduced, the penalties shift considerably: up to 6 months in jail (usually suspended), fines up to $1,000 plus court costs, DUI School or DUI Court, a Victim Impact Panel, and license suspension up to one year.

For qualifying third-offense defendants, the Clark County Felony DUI Treatment Court (FDUI), formerly known as the Serious Offenders Program, offers an alternative to mandatory prison through the Eighth Judicial District Court. Successful completion of the program may result in the felony charge being reduced to a misdemeanor. Eligibility generally requires a third DUI within seven years with no serious injury or death involved and a demonstrated substance abuse history. The application is time-sensitive and must be submitted early in the court process.

The FDUI program typically requires:

• Three to five years of substance abuse counseling and treatment.
• Six months of house arrest.
• Frequent alcohol and drug testing, including a SCRAM anklet.
• Supervision by probation officers throughout the program.

The collateral consequences of a felony DUI conviction extend well beyond prison and fines. Under Nevada law, felony DUI convictions can’t be sealed, meaning a permanent criminal record follows every background check, auto insurance premiums increase substantially, and employment and professional licensing opportunities can be affected for years. A reduction to misdemeanor opens a seven-year waiting period before a sealing petition can be filed. A full dismissal allows immediate sealing.

Facing these stakes makes early legal counsel essential. Getting help from an experienced DUI defense lawyer in Las Vegas as soon as possible can help you navigate the complexities of court proceedings and identify options before they close.

References:

• https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-484C.html#NRS484CSec440

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Third DUI in Seven Years Always Charged as a Felony in Nevada?

Generally yes under NRS 484C.400, even without an accident or injury. However, prior convictions can sometimes be challenged, for example, if an earlier conviction was constitutionally defective or if an out-of-state prior offense doesn’t substantially mirror Nevada’s DUI statute. The seven-year lookback runs from arrest date to arrest date, not conviction date, so the timing of each prior case matters. We can review your record and the underlying court files to identify whether any prior conviction can be attacked or treated differently.

Will I Lose My License Immediately After a Felony DUI Arrest?

After a felony DUI arrest, two separate proceedings affect your license: the criminal case in Clark County District Court and an administrative action through the Nevada DMV. The arresting officer typically confiscates your physical license and issues a temporary permit. You may have a limited window to request a DMV hearing to contest the revocation. Acting quickly matters because that hearing is separate from your court dates and operates on its own timeline.

Can I Travel or Move Out of State While a Felony DUI Case Is Pending?

Travel and relocation are governed by the conditions of release set by the court after your arrest. Some defendants may travel freely while others need advance approval from the judge or pretrial services before leaving Nevada. If you’re considering a move or out-of-state employment while your case is pending, raise it with us first so any necessary modifications to your release conditions can be requested and documented before you act.

Can a Felony DUI Conviction Be Sealed in Nevada?

No. Nevada law doesn’t permit sealing of felony DUI convictions. If the charge is reduced to a misdemeanor, a seven-year waiting period applies before you can file a sealing petition. If charges are fully dismissed, sealing may proceed immediately. This distinction is one reason that pursuing a reduction or dismissal, rather than accepting a felony conviction, carries lasting practical significance beyond the sentence itself.

Contact Our Felony DUI Lawyer in Las Vegas Today

Felony DUI charges demand courtroom-ready defense, not just negotiation. Ross Goodman’s dual board certifications and decades of experience in Clark County courts mean your case gets the level of preparation these charges require. Don’t wait. The window to request a DMV hearing, challenge a prior conviction, or apply for the Felony DUI Treatment Court can close quickly.

Contact us today to get started with our Las Vegas felony DUI attorney.