The consequences can be severe when you are found guilty of a DUI charge in Las Vegas. In addition to facing criminal penalties, you could also face collateral consequences. One of them is an increase in your car insurance rates.
When you have been charged with a DUI, it is important to take action to clear your name so you can avoid these harsh penalties, which can include prison or jail time and fines. A Las Vegas criminal defense lawyer can help you protect your future when you reach out to De Castroverde Criminal & Immigration Lawyers to discuss your defense strategy.
DUI Car Insurance in Las Vegas
If you are convicted of any DUI offense, you likely will be dealing with far higher Las Vegas DUI car insurance rates. The process of getting your vehicles insured involves extra steps, including filing a Form SR-22 with the DMV before you will be able to get your license reinstated. This form proves that you have at least $25,000 in coverage for injury or death (one person) and $50,000 for injury or death for more than one.
You also must have coverage in place for a minimum of $20,000 for property damage. You will now be considered a “high risk” driver, and your rates will be greatly increased when your policy renews, or your current insurance company may decline to insure you when you try to renew, and you will have to seek out another firm that specializes in insuring high-risk drivers – at a cost.
What to Expect From Car Insurance Rate Increases in Vegas
Auto insurance rate increases are common when you are convicted of a DUI. If your auto insurance company does not elect to renew your policy or drop you from your existing policy altogether, you can expect your car insurance rates to go up considerably when it is time to renew your policy.
According to a Forbes analysis, the national average auto insurance rate increase for U.S. drivers with a DUI offense is nearly 75 percent. Per the report, this amounts to paying $1,470 more a year for car insurance. The analysis compared this increase to that after a speeding traffic ticket, which is 21 percent, and a traffic accident, which is 41 percent.
A First-Time DUI Offense Can Boost Insurance Rates
Forbes also reports that the average car insurance rate increase after a DUI in Nevada is 67 percent. Generally, first-time offenders can expect to see their rates go up as well as motorists who have a second or subsequent DUI.
You can expect the insurance company to raise your car insurance rates wherever possible, as doing so increases its profits. If you are facing this situation in Las Vegas, our Las Vegas criminal defense attorney may be able to avoid a conviction and dodge these steep auto insurance rate increases.
What Happens to Your Insurance When You Are Not Convicted Of a DUI?
Although you can expect your auto insurance rates to increase when you are convicted of a DUI in Nevada, you may be wondering what will happen if you are found not guilty. Being charged with a DUI is reason enough for the insurance company to raise your auto insurance rates.
As private companies, they have the authority to raise your auto insurance rates as they see fit. Even if your DUI charges are dropped, you can still expect the insurance company to raise your premium rates. You may also be wondering what happens if you enter a plea agreement with the state’s prosecuting attorney. By agreeing to plead to a lesser charge, such as reckless driving, you could avoid the harsh consequences of a criminal DUI conviction.
Your Insurance Rates Could Go Up After a Background Check
However, as soon as the insurance company runs your background check and discovers you have been convicted of a driving-related offense, you can expect them to increase your auto insurance rates.
For this reason, it is essential to clear your name of the charges against you. Our firm’s Las Vegas criminal defense attorney may be able to get your DUI charge sealed, which could lower your auto insurance rates.
Other Penalties Associated With DUI Convictions in Las Vegas
In addition to fines and jail or prison time, you must be aware of other criminal penalties associated with DUI convictions. If you are found guilty of a DUI in Nevada, you could be subject to one or more of the following consequences:
- Suspension or revocation of your Nevada driver’s license
- Court-ordered driver retraining
- Court-ordered mental health counseling
- Court-ordered substance abuse treatment
- Community service
- Probation or parole requirements
Collateral Consequences of Las Vegas DUI Convictions
Although criminal penalties are harsh for DUI convictions in Nevada, the collateral consequences you will face if you are found guilty could have an even more substantial impact on your life. Some of the collateral consequences you could expect if you are convicted of a DUI in Las Vegas include:
- Increased auto insurance rates
- Points added to your driving record
- Child custody or visitation issues
- Immigration or citizenship problems
- Loss of firearm rights
- Loss of federal student aid eligibility
- Trouble maintaining or finding a job
- Difficulty finding safe or affordable housing
Defending a DUI: A Conviction Leads to Higher Rates
You could end up paying higher rates for years, depending on the DUI penalties you face. The costs involved could range into the thousands per year. Fighting a DUI case is stressful for many people, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our Las Vegas DUI attorneys at De Castroverde Criminal & Immigration Lawyers can review the details of your situation and develop a defense for your case.
The consequences of a conviction extend far beyond just your license suspension, the fines you will pay, time in jail, alcohol treatment programs that must be completed, and community service. You will also have years of higher Las Vegas DUI car insurance rates, and the costs could be high.
Beyond these costs, the ability to get a job could be impacted when a prospective employer does a background search. They may choose another candidate with a clean record. Our firm is highly skilled in defending both felony and misdemeanor DUI charges. We are ready to help you fight back and recommend that you contact us immediately after your DUI arrest in Las Vegas.
Contact Us for Help From a DUI Lawyer in Las Vegas Today
When the consequences of a DUI conviction are severe, it is important to defend yourself. A Las Vegas DUI lawyer from De Castroverde Criminal & Immigration Lawyers can work to protect your auto insurance rates, finances, and future. We can review your legal options with you during a confidential consultation when you call our office or complete our secured contact form.