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6 Important Steps to Take in the Days Following a Car Accident

After you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident, you may be in too much pain or too exhausted to think about taking the right steps to protect your car accident claim. Or perhaps you’re worried about a loved one lying seriously injured in the hospital or awaiting surgery after a catastrophic car accident injury.

Regardless of your position, you’re likely angry at the at-fault driver that caused your accident and worried about how you’ll pay for the mounting medical bills. A fair car accident injury settlement, negotiated for you by a skilled Las Vegas car accident lawyer, can cover your medical treatments and provide for your family if you cannot work.

You stand a better chance of achieving a positive outcome for your car accident suit if you follow these six important steps after a car wreck:

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

Make sure to call 911 or seek medical attention right away. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are trained in emergency medicine and can help ensure you don’t suffer secondary injuries by trying to move after being seriously hurt. 

These professionals know how to identify “hidden injuries” that may not present right away as well, in addition to your more visible injuries. 

Not only does prompt medical attention give you the best chance of recovery, but it also establishes that your injuries were indeed caused by the collision.

Your Las Vegas car accident lawyer will need the documentation from the EMTs, the hospital, and your follow-up medical appointments to prove the severity of your injuries.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence from the Wreck

If you’re able to take photos or videos of the accident scene, do so, and only give them to your attorney — not the other driver or their insurance adjuster. Many people seriously injured after a crash may be unable to do so, so only take pictures of your damaged vehicle and your injuries as soon as you are able.

Any other evidence from the crash should also be given to your lawyer, including dash cam footage, receipts from the hospital, and estimates from your mechanic and auto body shop.

Step 3: Seek Legal Advice

While general tips are a good start on what to do after a collision, they cannot replace solid legal advice tailored to your claim. Your Las Vegas car wreck attorney will guide you through the claims process, from determining the value of your case to filing it in court and negotiating with the other driver’s insurance company.

Your lawyer also handles all communication on your behalf, including talking to the other party’s insurance company, so you can focus on healing and recovery.

Step 4: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Even if you weren’t to blame for the accident and are planning to file a claim for damages against the other driver, you may still need to report the accident to your insurance company. Most policies have a clause requiring the policyholder to notify the insurance carrier of any accident they’re in. Failure to do so could invalidate your policy.

Step 5: Report the Accident to the Police

You must report to the police any crash resulting in:

  • Death
  • Injury
  • Damage to a vehicle
  • Damage to other property, such as buildings, signs, or roads

These categories cover all crashes except fender benders that cause no injuries or property damage. If the crash happened in Las Vegas or metropolitan Clark County, including the resort district along The Strip, you should call the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (Metro).

For crashes in North Las Vegas, Henderson, or Boulder City, you should call their respective police departments. An exception covers crashes that happen on state and interstate highways, including I-15, I-215, I-515, and I-11. You need to call the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) for these crashes.

Drivers in Nevada must also report to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) any crash causing death, injury, or at least $750 in damage to any one person. The DMV provides forms for these reports. You do not need to file the DMV report if the police responded to your crash and produced a crash report that included your:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Insurance policy number
  • Dates of coverage

You can get a copy of your police crash report from the police agency that investigated your crash. Metro accepts online requests for its reports. NHP, Boulder City, and Henderson use the Crash Docs portal maintained by CARFAX. You can request North Las Vegas crash reports using the BuyCrash portal from LexisNexis.

Step 6: Keep a Log of Your Injuries

Part of your car accident injury settlement involves proving the effect your injuries have on your life. Keep a journal of your pain levels and your ability to move, walk, or return to work. Your journal provides evidence of the compromising nature of your injuries on your ability to work or care for your family. 

Your lawyer can use this evidence to support your claims for loss of earning potential, quality of life, and pain and suffering.

Experienced Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyers Who Fight for Your Rights

At the Hill Firm, we focus on helping people who have been seriously injured in car collisions and their families. Our deep knowledge of Nevada car accident laws and experience litigating claims involving catastrophic injury gives us the necessary qualifications to handle these complex cases. 

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our car accident attorneys.

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What to Expect During a Domestic Violence Case

Have you been accused of domestic violence? Are you nervous about an upcoming domestic violence case?

If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, whether you’re guilty or falsely accused, knowing what to expect in court can help you prepare a solid argument and reduce or dismiss your charges.

It’s also essential that you have an experienced lawyer who has experience working with domestic violence cases. Continue reading and know what to expect during your domestic violence case.

About Domestic Violence Laws in Nevada

Nevada law defines domestic violence as “a violent crime committed in the context of an intimate relationship.”

Most domestic violence cases surround couples, both married and unmarried. But domestic violence can also include violence and abuse inflicted on other family members.

Nevada recognizes many forms of abuse under the domestic violence law. These include rape and sexual assault, physical violence, and stalking.

If you’re accused of domestic violence in Nevada, your penalty varies by the extent of your crimes.

A misdemeanor charge, meaning you were not accused of domestic violence previously or haven’t received a charge in seven years, results in a minimum of two days in jail 48 hours of community service, and a $200 fine.

These charges increase for other considerations such as if the abuse was inflicted upon a minor.

The highest charge you can receive is a Class C felony. This is an individual accused of three domestic violence charges in three years or if your abuse includes strangulation.

This is punishable by seven years in prison and a fine between $10,000 and $15,000.

If you’re ever confused by your charge or any of the expected punishments you may face, a lawyer can help you navigate your charges as well as the court system.

What to Expect Before Court

Before court, you’ll have a protective order against you, also known as a restraining order. You’re forbidden to see, contact, or be anywhere near the victim during this time.

If you and the victim have children, the victim will likely be granted custody. Depending on your crimes, the court may order supervised or no visitation during this time.

It’s essential that you follow these instructions to ensure you’re not breaching this order, which can result in more severe penalties.

You’ll also meet with your lawyer. They will help you to gather evidence in favor of your case and build your defense strategy.

 In some cases, an attorney may be able to have your charges reduced or dropped, avoiding court altogether.

What to Expect in Court

Both the plaintiff and the defendant will have the opportunity to display their evidence in court and present their sides of the case.

Expect that you will be called to testify, meaning you need to truthfully tell your side of the story that supports your argument.

It’s common to be nervous about taking the stand. Your lawyer will help you prepare you and guide you through the process.

You may have to endure cross-examination. If this is the case, answer honestly and try to remember every answer and all of the details.

If there are any witnesses, they will also be called to testify.

Once all evidence has been presented, and examinations and cross-examinations are complete each side will present their closing arguments.

From here, a decision is made. This process can take a few hours or as long as several weeks.

Time to Find a Lawyer for Your Domestic Violence Case

Were you accused of domestic violence in Nevada? The success of your domestic violence case depends on the lawyer who’s representing you.

Hill Farm Lawyers can help support you during your domestic violence case. Call us at 702-848-5000.

You should never walk into a domestic violence court alone. We will fight your case diligently, helping you receive the best outcome.

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DUI Penalties in Nevada: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Offenses

Going through DUI charges in Nevada can be a stressful experience. Aside from trying to find a lawyer to handle your case, you’re also worried about the penalties associated with the charge.

Will I lose my license or have it suspended? Could I go to jail for this?

You have a lot of questions about DUI in Nevada, and luckily, we have the answers you need.

What You Need to Know About DUI in Nevada

Sometimes one drink too many can cause a lot of legal problems. DUI charges in Nevada are serious, and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Professional legal help can make all of the difference when you’re facing DUI charges. Once you read the penalties for a Nevada DUI, you’ll be eager to find an attorney to represent you.

A lawyer may seem like an additional cost, but people with good legal representation often have better case outcomes. In the end, getting a lawyer can end up saving you money.

The most important thing to keep in mind about Nevada DUI penalties is that the number of offenses you have matters significantly. The penalties associated with a one-time offense are very different from penalties for multiple offenses.

Regardless of if you are a first or third-time offender, we have the information you need. Here’s our quick guide on DUI penalties in relationship to the number of offenses.

First Offense

Jail time for first-time offenses can vary. Some judges may choose to order that you serve 48 to 96 hours of community service in lieu of minimum jail time. Others can recommend anywhere from 2 to 180 days.

You can expect to pay at least $400 in fines. Keep in mind that you’ll also have to pay court fees on top of your fine, so even a first-time offense can get very costly.

You’ll be required to use an ignition interlocking device (IID) if you’re convicted for at least 185 days. Also, you can expect to lose your license for at least 185 days and may be required to enroll in a substance abuse treatment program.

Second Offense

People facing a second DUI offense could spend anywhere from 10 to 180 days in jail. It’s also possible that the judge may order home confinement instead of traditional jail time.

Fines for second-time offenders are a minimum of $700. You may have the chance to serve the equivalent number of community service hours in lieu of paying a fine.

Second-time offenders will have to use an IID for the same amount of time as first-time offenders. They can lose their license for up to one year, and could even have their car’s registration suspended.

Third Offense

Third-time offenders face the most harsh penalties for DUI in Nevada.

Jail time can last anywhere from 1 to 6 years, and some judges may not give you the option to cut down the sentence with community service. They also have the highest fines, starting at $2,000.

People with a third DUI offense face the possibility of having their license suspended for at least 3 years and may have their car registration suspended.

Get Help From an Experienced DUI Attorney

If you get a DUI in Nevada, you need legal help. High fines, the loss of your license, and potential jail time are serious penalties, but they could be avoided with the right legal representation.

Having an experienced attorney by your side can help you navigate the legal system and get the best possible outcome for your case.

The Hill Firm’s team of legal experts can give you the help you need. For a free consultation, call The Hill Firm at (702)-848-5000 today!

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3 Surprising Facts About Nevada Domestic Violence Laws

The argument seemed to come out of nowhere. Now the police are banging on your door because your spouse or partner has reported that you’ve violated Nevada domestic violence laws.

A trial could mean that you’ll lose your family, your job, and your reputation. It also means that you could lose your freedom. There doesn’t seem a way out.

You need help from an experienced attorney with expertise in cases of alleged domestic violence. The laws in Nevada are unique and require professional legal assistance.

How different are Nevada’s laws? Let’s look at three surprising facts about Nevada Domestic Violence Laws.

1. Your Accuser Can’t Drop the Charges

If you’re accused of domestic violence, you’re probably hoping that your accuser will change her mind and drop the charges. However, under Nevada law, they can’t do that.

No matter how sincerely the accuser feels about ending the investigation, they don’t have the authority to call off the legal process. Once an accusation of domestic violence is made, representatives of the Nevada legal system are required to pursue the case.

Investigators will gather the facts and present them to the prosecutor. The prosecutor will then decide whether there is sufficient evidence to go to trial.

For various reasons, your accuser may not want to go to trial, but they don’t have a choice. Your case will proceed to court even without your accuser’s cooperation. The court can order them to testify. If they refuse, they’ll face a charge of contempt of court, which could mean jail time.

As soon as someone accuses you of domestic violence, the entire State of Nevada’s legal system is prepared to pursue the case against you aggressively. Do you want to take on the State of Nevada single-handedly? Play it smart, and hire an experienced domestic violence attorney who can help you to avoid legal mistakes that could put you behind bars.

2. Traditional Plea Bargaining Isn’t Allowed

If the prosecutor decides that there is enough evidence to go to trial, what’s your next move? You could talk with the prosecutor and strike a plea deal for a lesser charge, right? Wrong.

Under Nevada law, there is no typical plea bargaining allowed in cases of domestic violence. The charges cannot be reduced because you’re willing to plead to a lesser offense. The prosecutor can only reduce your charges if they don’t have enough evidence to convict you on the original charge.

In other words, no matter how willing you are to plead guilty in exchange for a lesser charge, you can’t strike a deal with the prosecutor if they’re confident that they have the evidence to convict you.

You need a good defense attorney who will present facts that show the holes in the prosecution’s case. Sometimes those holes can be large enough to force the prosecutor to either lower the charges or even drop the entire case.

3. Domestic Violence Includes More Than a Physical Attack

It’s not uncommon for someone to be arrested on charges of domestic violence without even realizing that they committed an act of domestic violence. How can that happen?

Nevada classifies several actions that can form the basis for filing a charge of domestic violence. These actions include:

  • Stalking

  • Arson

  • Trespassing

  • Larceny

  • Destroying private property

  • Injuring or killing a livestock animal or a pet

As you can see, even if you didn’t physically assault someone there are a variety of acts that constitute domestic violence in Nevada.

Nevada Domestic Violence Laws Demand Legal Expertise

If you find yourself facing a domestic violence charge you stand to lose everything you value.

It’s important for you to have someone on your side with a thorough understanding of Nevada domestic violence laws for the best defense possible. Contact The Hill Firm for a FREE consultation. Call us at 702-848-5000 today!

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Nevada DUI: What to Expect in 7 Steps

People who have been arrested for suspicion of a DUI often wonder, what happens next?  Although there are variables that come into play, most DUI cases follow a similar path. Read on to understand the step-by-step process of a Nevada DUI case.

1. Investigation

The event that starts the DUI process is the initial investigation. When an officer has reasonable cause to believe you’re driving under the influence you’ll be pulled over for questioning. If you exhibit signs of intoxication you may be asked to take a preliminary breath test and field sobriety tests. If you refuse to take, or fail either of these tests you will likely be placed under arrest for driving under the influence.

2. Arrest

After you’ve been arrested the officer will take you to a local hospital, police station, or jail to administer a blood test and/or breath test to determine your blood alcohol concentration. If you refuse to take a chemical test your driver’s license will automatically be revoked for one year.

3. Booking

During booking your personal possessions will be inventoried and your fingerprints and mugshot photographs will be taken. Depending on circumstances you could be released immediately after booking, either on your own recognizance or after posting any required bail.

From here, a prosecutor will review your case, formally charge you with a DUI, issue a citation, and give you an arraignment date.

4. Hire an Attorney

Prior to your first court date you will need to decide how to proceed with your defense. Your three options are self representation, a public defender, or a private DUI defense attorney.

Unless you’re already an attorney, with so much at stake, representing yourself is not recommended.

Public defenders are assigned at random, and can be hit or miss. You have no way of knowing what type of experience they have or what their caseload is like.

For the best possible outcome, with the highest chances of getting your case dismissed or charges reduced, you need to hire an experienced DUI  attorney.

5. Arraignment

The arraignment will be your first time appearing before a judge.  Depending on your case, some arraignments happen within 24 hours of your arrest, other times it may be weeks until your hearing. The process depends on the place of the arrest and the standard procedure of the court in charge of your case, as well as other factors, such as if you’ve been charged with a felony DUI or are a repeat offender.

During the arraignment, you will be read your charges and your rights, including your right to an attorney. The judge may also ask you to enter a plea during the arraignment (guilty, no contest, or not guilty).

From here, your next court date will be assigned.

6. Pre-Trial

Your attorney will help you gather evidence, collect statements, and prepare a defense. The prosecuting attorney will be doing the same at this time. Your defense attorney may attend hearings to discuss the status of the case and talk about possible plea deals with the prosecuting attorney.

This phase of the DUI process can take several months,  in part because evidence is not always available quickly.  The defense attorney may need to wait for the prosecuting attorney to deliver the video of your arrest. They may also will have to wait a few months to receive the results from the lab where your specimen was sent after the arrest.  Also, depending on how busy the court is and how many other cases are waiting for trial, the judge and prosecuting attorney may ask for more time to prepare their cases.

7. Plea or Trial & Sentencing

After your attorney has gathered all the information possible regarding your case they will discuss your defense or plea bargain options. Sometimes, the case can be thrown out before a trial is necessary.  Other times, your attorney can convince the prosecuting attorney to lower the DUI charge to a lesser offense.

When your attorney and the prosecution are unable to negotiate dropped or reduced charges a trial will proceed. If you were charged with a felony you may elect to have a bench or jury trial.

If you are facing a misdemeanor DUI charge you don’t have the option of a jury trial. A judge will determine your guilt or innocence, and issue sentencing during a bench trial.

To learn about the possible penalties check out Your Guide to Nevada DUI Laws and Penalties.

Contact The Hill Firm Today!

Being arrested for a DUI is stressful.  You need a strong, experienced attorney to guide you through the process and defend your rights.  Call The Hill Firm for a FREE consultation at 702-848-5000 today!

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How to Handle False Allegations of Domestic Violence

False allegations of domestic abuse are damaging to one’s reputation. Once you are a defendant in a domestic violence case, your life will change for the worse in different ways.

A false accusation may be a threat to your job security. It can ruin important relationships and is a common violation of rights.

Domestic violence and sexual harassment are serious crimes which attract harsh penalties. It’s overwhelming to be a suspect of domestic violence when you aren’t guilty. Many defendants are victims themselves.

Most domestic violence cases lack evidence. Even then, proving your innocence may fail to restore your life and reputation.

The following actions are available if you find yourself at the center of false allegations of abuse.

Contact a Lawyer Immediately

Although your situation may be difficult, claims of false accusations are frequent. A seasoned domestic violence attorney will have experience in this, and can explain your case in simple terms and also offer advice. You can schedule a free consultation with an attorney within your area.

An attorney will help you understand your options better by providing valuable information and provide you with a defense strategy.

An attorney who specializes in criminal defense deals with sensitive cases which threaten their clients’ future. They understand the law and how the criminal justice system works. Thus, their insights will give you the best chance of winning your case.

Do Not Speak to Your Accuser

You may feel like talking to your accuser. Resist the temptation. Everything you say or do can be used as further evidence against you. In many cases an order of protection will have been issued and violating it by communicating with your accuser would severely hurt your case.

The accuser may try to trick you into saying or doing things that will reduce your chances of winning the case. They may even lie and say that you wanted to hurt them again. If you must talk to your accuser, make sure there are witnesses around.

Collect Evidence to Prove the False Allegations of Abuse

The majority of domestic abuse cases don’t have tangible evidence. A judge will oftentimes decide on the case on testimony alone. The outcome of the accusations of abuse may come down to your story versus your accuser’s.

False allegations mean that any evidence provided is (a) fictional or (b) manufactured. If possible, gather evidence to (a) disqualify false harmful evidence and (b) prove your innocence.

The helpful evidence for domestic violence defense include;

1. Texts, emails, or letters where your accuser has threatened to make false accusations against you

2. Reports from mental health professionals that speak to the state of mind of your accuser

3. Family law court documents that would contradict your accusers story

4. Any video surveillance footage that would prove your innocence

5. Anything that would substantiate an alibi proving you were somewhere else at the time of the alleged abuse

Sometimes, false allegations of abuse is a tactic a divorced partner uses to gain child custody or securing more property after divorce. It’s vital that your attorney emphasizes the motive for false allegations to the judge.

Recruit Witnesses to Support Your Side of the Story

Talk to your friends, family members, or colleagues about testifying on your behalf. A judge will believe you if other people can support what you are saying.

Find a witness who personally understands the relationship between you and your accuser. This will help the court understand the motive of the false allegations of abuse against you.

If You’ve Been Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence Get Started on Your Defense Today!

Do you need legal advice or representation against false allegations of abuse? Contact The Hill Firm at (702) 848- 5000 for a free consultation today!

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Driving High: Everything You Need to Know About Marijuana DUI in Nevada

Nothing can ruin your high more than accidentally being on the wrong side of the law and getting arrested for driving while under the influence of marijuana.

Keep on reading and we’ll go over everything you need to know about marijuana DUI in Nevada.

Is “Driving High” Illegal?

In short, yes, it is illegal in Nevada.

 “DUI with marijuana” in Nevada is officially considered driving under the influence. So what does that entail?

For Nevada, it is a crime to drive under the following two conditions:

  1. Marijuana consumption, whether smoked, vaped, or eaten,  has impaired the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, OR

  2. the driver’s blood contains 2 nanograms per ml. of marijuana (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) or 5 nanograms per ml. of marijuana metabolite (11-OH-tetrahydrocannabinol).

In essence, you don’t necessarily have to be high or even intoxicated to be persecuted under this section.

Which puts us in a tricky situation, because marijuana —unlike alcohol— stays in your system for days.

So we start to see cases where you can be driving stone-cold sober, with what could be an illegal amount of THC in your bloodstream, making you vulnerable to arrest.

However, having a great DUI lawyer can protect you and challenge the probable cause of a marijuana DWI arrest.

How Does a Marijuana DUI Arrest Happen?

Here’s how it works:

A police officer must have reasonable suspicion to initiate a traffic stop for suspicion of driving under the influence, mainly any sort of erratic driving. Conditions of the vehicle, such as a headlight out, can also give an officer a valid reason for pulling you over.

Once you pull over, the officer will start asking basic questions to gain a sense of your level of sobriety, which will probably be followed by asking you to take a preliminary breath test (PBT).

The officer might suspect that you’re under the influence of drugs instead of alcohol if you exhibit any of the following signs:

  • Your pupils are dilated

  • Your car (or you, for that matter) smell like marijuana

  • You’re showing body or eyelid tremors

  • And last, but certainly not least, you failed any of the field sobriety tests traditionally asked of you to do like walking in a straight line

The thing to note here is that being high doesn’t show by using a breathalyzer, so if the officer decides that there is probable cause that you committed a DUI with pot, you’ll be arrested and taken for a blood test at the police station.

The blood test measures the amount of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) in your blood, so no worries if you’ve been consuming Cannabidiol (CBD) oil.

If your blood level contains 2 nanograms per ml. of marijuana (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) or 5 nanograms per ml. of marijuana metabolite (11-OH-tetrahydrocannabinol) you will be charged with DUI of marijuana.

If You’ve Been Charged With a Marijuana DUI Contact The Hill Firm Today!

The penalties for DUI with Marijuana are treated the same as an alcohol based DUI. If you’ve been arrested and charged with DUI of marijuana you’ll want an experienced attorney to help you navigate the process.

Call The Hill Firm today at 702-848-5000 to schedule your free consultation!

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How to Get Your License Reinstated After a DUI

Have you had your license suspended or revoked because of a DUI? Worried you’ll never get your license reinstated? Well, the road to license reinstatement is long and hard and would be almost impossible without the professional expertise of a defense attorney.

Driving with a suspended license in Nevada is a serious offense, and the consequences can be major. In fact, you can even end up in jail for it! It may be tempting to drive on a suspended license rather than taking the necessary steps to get your license reinstated, but the risks and penalties are not worth it!

Not sure how license suspension and reinstatement works in Las Vegas? Or what you can do to get back behind the wheel? In this article, we’re covering the ins-and-outs on how to get your license reinstated after a DUI, and how a DUI attorney can help!

Contest Your License Revocation

The best option is to avoid getting your license revoked in the first place. If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Nevada, you have 7 days to request a DMV hearing to prevent your license from being revoked.

The scope of the hearing is usually focused on the following things:  if you failed to submit to an evidentiary test, if your blood alcohol level was above the legal limit, and/or if the officer who ordered the test had reasonable grounds.

If the arresting officer does not make an appearance in court your chances of avoiding license revocation are high. Surprisingly, this happens often.

Contesting a license revocation can be quite tricky, so it’s beneficial to have a DUI lawyer to represent you during this process. If you win this hearing, your license will be returned to you following the end of the case.

Install an Ignition Interlock Device

A first time DUI license revocation period is 185 days. However, it is possible to have your license reinstated prior to the end of your revocation period. Once a DUI suspects installs an ignition interlock device on the vehicles they operate they may request to have their driving privileges reinstated.

Proof of installation, payment of reinstatement fees, and proof of SR-22 insurance will be required. A driver’s license with Restriction Y will be issued by the DMV when all of these conditions are met.

Complete Suspension Conditions

In order to get your license reinstated, you have to meet the conditions of your suspension.  This includes completion of mandatory sentencing conditions such as drug or alcohol treatment.

Pass the Necessary Tests

In Nevada, there are a series of tests you may need to pass to get your license reinstated. You may be required to take a vision test, as well as a driving knowledge test. And if your license has been suspended for over a year, you’ll also have to ace a driving skills test.

Pay Reinstatement Fees

Depending on the circumstances of your suspension, you’ll have to pay a variety of reinstatement fees. These fees will include any tests you take, as well as reinstatement fees for alcohol and drug-related offenses. The Nevada DMV or your attorney can tell you which ones would be applicable to your scenario.

Why You Need an Experienced DUI Attorney

Losing your license can have devastating consequences on your life. So, if you want your license reinstated quickly, your best bet is to have an expert DUI attorney on your side. There are several different paths to getting your license reinstated and an attorney will guide you through the process to get you back on the road as fast as possible.

Contact Hill Firm Today

Having a lawyer who specializes in DUI cases by your side will give you the peace of mind and support you need to get your license back as soon as possible!  For a free case evaluation, call The Hill Firm at (702) 848-5000.

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4 Defense Strategies to Get Domestic Violence Charges Dismissed

Are you facing domestic violence charges? No doubt, getting domestic violence charges dismissed in court isn’t just a case of wishful thinking – it’s a tangible reality.

Having a domestic violence defense lawyer in your corner is essential to avoiding the penalties for domestic violence charges.

No two domestic violence cases are exactly the same. This is why each case demands special attention. Depending on the circumstances of your case, your attorney may employ one or more defense strategies.

Learn how the team at Hill Firm successfully fights and wins for you.

1. Self-Defense

Many defendants claim to have turned violent against their complainants as an act of self-defense.

Your self-defense case may work if you are able to prove in court that the complainant posed a threat to your life and that you didn’t provoke the confrontation.

Self-defense is the most common approach defendants use to argue their way to innocence.

2. Wrong Suspect

Did you surprisingly find yourself in police custody without a clue why only to later find out that someone accused you of domestic violence? It is possible to get confused for someone else.

But if you have an alibi or you can present evidence showing that you were at a different place when the offense is said to have occurred then you can prove your innocence.

3. False Allegations

It could be that your accuser reported you for domestic violence knowing that you are innocent. Jealousy, control, revenge, or spite can all play a role leading to someone making false allegations of abuse. If you can prove your accuser had motive to make false allegations against you it can help your case.

Owing to the complexity of such a case, it is crucial that you seek the help of experienced domestic violence defense attorneys.

They will cross-examine your accuser as well as witnesses in court to look for inconsistencies in their statement. If they reveal any inconsistencies in their arguments, they will use the discrepancies in your favor.

4. Lack of Evidence

If the prosecutor is unable to present adequate proof that you perpetrated domestic violence, then you can’t be penalized.

Your attorney can get you acquitted by finding fault and lack of evidence in the plaintiff’s case.

Domestic Violence Defense Is What Hill Firm Does Best

Getting domestic violence charges dismissed isn’t an easy thing, but an experienced criminal defense attorney can help get your charges dropped, your case dismissed, or an acquittal. If you want to avoid the harsh penalties associated with a domestic violence conviction you need an attorney by your side.

Call 702-848-5000 today to discuss the best options for your case with one of the professional lawyers at Hill Firm.

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Your Guide to Nevada DUI Laws and Penalties

In Nevada, the definition of a DUI is operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Under Nevada DUI laws, the charge carries significant penalties such as license suspension and time in jail.

A DUI charge has serious implications in your personal and professional life. Due to this, it is important to drive safely while on the road and avoid driving under the influence.

What if you end up facing a DUI charge? How do you handle the conviction? Do you know what happens next? Do you understand the penalties for 1st offense, 2nd offense, and 3rd offense?

To help you with this, we have written a complete guide to Nevada DUI laws.

What Is Driving Under the Influence According to Nevada DUI Laws?

A driver is under the influence if the blood alcohol concentration level is 0.08% or more. The police can charge the driver with DUI if driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A commercial driver is driving under the influence if the BAC level is 0.4% or more. For underage drivers, a BAC of 0.02% or more translates to a DUI.

Can I Get a DUI If I Am Not Operating the Car?

Yes, you can. If you are in actual physical control of the motor vehicle while drunk, you can get cited for DUI offenses, even if you aren’t driving. This situation is referred to as “sleeping-it-off.” How does a judge or jury consider this?

Well, there are several actions taken into consideration. The judge or jury will need to know if the vehicle was running, the position of the ignition key and the position of the driver.

The judge or jury will also consider if the vehicle was on private or public property. Each individual’s situation is unique. To get the best defense, hire an experienced DUI Las Vegas attorney.

What Is Implied Consent?

Nevada has an implied consent law. This means if a police officer arrests a suspect for suspicion of impaired driving, the driver must take a BAC test. The administration of the breathalyzer test is by the roadside.

If the driver is unconscious, the officers administer a blood test. Under the Nevada DUI laws, the driver can request for more testing by a specific medical professional. Drivers who refuse to take the test will lose their license for 1 year (first offense).

For the second and third offense, the duration is 3 years.

What Are the DUI Penalties in Nevada?

In Nevada, any prior conviction determines the penalties. They are:

  • First offense

  • Second Offense

  • Third Offense

Let’s take a brief look at the penalties in each category.

DUI – First Offense

If convicted, the driver will pay fines amounting to $400, and 2 to 180 days in jail. The judge can order the least jail time of 48 to 96 hours. With a BAC level of less than 0.18%, the driver must use an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for 185 days. If the BAC level is higher than 0.18%, he will be required to use the IID for 1 to 3 years.

DUI – Second Offense

A minimum fine of $750 or a similar number of community service hours. The driver may face jail time of 10 to 180 days or confinement at home. If the driver has a BAC of 0.18% or less, the driver will have to use an IID for 185 days.

If the BAC level is higher than 0.18%, the driver will be required to use an IID for 1 to 3 years.

DUI – Third Offense

If the driver commits a third offense within 7 years of the second offense, the driver will pay a fine of $2,000. He is also eligible for jail time – 1 to 6 years and will be required to use an IID for 1 to 3 years.

Will My License Be Revoked?

Yes, all convicted drivers of a Nevada DUI law will have their driver’s license revoked as follows:

  • First offense – for 185 days

  • Second Offense – for 1 year

  • Third offense – for 3 years

Charged with DUI? Hire an Attorney Immediately

A DUI attorney can help reduce your sentence, or even have the charges against you dropped all together. They will analyze your case to find out if the police officer had a probable cause, followed proper protocol, or made any mistakes that might help your case.

Contact The Hill Firm Today!

Are you looking for legal representation with extensive experience in Nevada DUI laws who will help you get the most favorable outcome for your case? Look no further!  Contact The Hill Firm at 702-848-5000 for a free consultation today!