Nevada’s “12 Hour Hold Law” allows police to keep people arrested for DUI in custody until they’re no longer under the influence. If they were drunk, police might wait until their BAL reaches .04 percent. If they were high, police could hold them for twelve hours.

1. What’s Nevada’s Law on DUI?

NRS 484C.110 criminalizes drivers who operate a vehicle while drunk or high. The law defines DUI as driving an automobile while impaired by drugs or alcohol, or with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or with illegal drug levels in the driver’s blood.

If a cop suspects you of violating NRS 484C.110, he/she may pull you over, ask you questions, and request you perform various field sobriety tests. These tests involve examining your eyes and asking you to walk in a straight line and balance on one foot.

2. What are the penalties for a Nevada DUI?

If you’re convicted of DUI in Nevada for the first time, you can usually get your six-month jail sentence suspended. But you’ll also face:

• fines,
• a suspended license,
• DUI School, and
• a victim impact panel.¹

Punishments become harsher with each successive DUI. (See our article, “Do I need a lawyer for my Nevada DUI case?“)

Legal References: