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A DUI arrest in Nevada sets off a legal and administrative process that can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months—or even longer in complex cases. One of the most common questions drivers ask after being charged is: how long will this take to resolve?
The timeline of a DUI case in Nevada depends on a variety of factors, including whether it’s a first-time or repeat offense, if the case involves injury or high BAC, and whether the defendant chooses to accept a plea deal or go to trial. Each phase of the process—from arrest to final resolution—follows a fairly standard structure, but the overall duration can vary widely depending on the court’s schedule, the complexity of the case, and whether any legal challenges are raised along the way.
This post breaks down the typical DUI case timeline in Nevada, explaining how long each stage tends to take and what drivers can expect throughout the process. Whether your goal is to resolve the matter quickly or understand the full scope of what lies ahead, this overview will provide clear insight into the journey from arrest to conclusion.
The First 7 Days: DMV Action and Temporary License
The first important deadline in a Nevada DUI case happens immediately after arrest. When a driver is arrested for DUI, their license is usually confiscated on the spot, and they are given a temporary driving permit that lasts for 7 days.
During this time, the driver has the right to request a DMV administrative hearing to contest the automatic license suspension. This hearing is completely separate from the criminal case and focuses on whether the arresting officer had probable cause and whether a chemical test was refused or failed.
If a DMV hearing is not requested within 7 days, the license suspension automatically goes into effect once the temporary permit expires.
This is the first critical phase of a DUI case in Nevada and sets the tone for what follows. While the DMV hearing timeline is generally shorter than the court process, it’s an essential step that can affect driving privileges long before the case concludes.
Weeks 2–4: Arraignment and Initial Court Appearance
Within a few weeks of the arrest, the defendant will be scheduled for an arraignment—the first formal court appearance. This typically happens within 2 to 4 weeks after the incident, depending on the court’s calendar and case backlog.
At the arraignment:
- The charges are formally read
- The defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Bail conditions may be reviewed or adjusted
- Pretrial dates are set
This step is mandatory in most DUI cases in Nevada, even for misdemeanor charges. If the defendant pleads not guilty, the case proceeds to pretrial negotiations and possible evidentiary motions.
Some first-time offenders may be eligible for plea deals or reduced charges, but these are generally not discussed until after arraignment. At this point, the legal process officially begins.
Months 1–3: Pretrial Motions and Negotiations
The next phase of a DUI case involves evidence review and pretrial proceedings, which typically unfold between 30 and 90 days after arraignment.
During this time:
- Prosecutors and defense attorneys exchange evidence
- Field sobriety test results, breath or blood test data, and police reports are reviewed
- Defense attorneys may file motions to suppress evidence
- Discussions of possible plea deals take place
This phase can move quickly if both sides agree on a plea arrangement, especially in uncomplicated cases with clear evidence and no prior offenses. However, if the defense challenges the legality of the traffic stop, testing methods, or arrest procedure, hearings may be scheduled to resolve those motions—adding several weeks or even months to the timeline.
Cases that involve refusal of testing, drug-related impairment, or out-of-state drivers often require additional time to gather and interpret evidence.
Months 3–6: Trial Preparation or Final Plea Agreement
If a plea agreement isn’t reached during pretrial proceedings, the case may be scheduled for trial. Preparing for trial can significantly extend the timeline of a DUI case in Nevada, often pushing the resolution into the 3–6 month range (or longer).
During this phase:
- Witness lists are finalized
- Expert testimony (e.g., toxicologists) may be requested
- Subpoenas and court filings are processed
- The court sets a trial date based on calendar availability
While many DUI cases settle before reaching this point, those that continue toward trial can become time-intensive. Even if trial is eventually avoided through a late plea deal, the preparation work often spans several weeks.
Judges typically encourage both sides to resolve the case before trial unless there are unresolved legal or factual disputes that require court intervention.
Beyond 6 Months: Delays, Complexities, or Felony Charges
Most misdemeanor DUI cases in Nevada are resolved within 3 to 6 months, but some cases can extend beyond 6 months under specific conditions, including:
- Felony DUI charges (e.g., third offense or DUI causing injury)
- Evidence-related delays, such as lab result backlogs or witness availability
- Scheduling conflicts with the court or legal teams
- COVID-related or administrative delays in certain counties
Felony DUI cases, in particular, involve longer timelines due to the complexity of the charges, possible preliminary hearings, and the higher stakes involved in sentencing. These cases may also involve grand jury review, psychological evaluations, or pre-sentencing reports, all of which can add weeks or months to the process.
In rare situations, DUI cases may be delayed for over a year, especially if the defense seeks extensive discovery or the court experiences extended scheduling backlogs.
Post-Conviction: Sentencing and Completion Timeline
Once a DUI case concludes with a conviction—either through a plea or trial verdict—the next phase involves sentencing and fulfilling the terms of the penalty. This typically includes:
- Payment of fines
- Completion of DUI school or substance abuse classes
- Attendance at a victim impact panel
- Community service or jail time (if ordered)
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
These obligations come with deadlines and must be completed within specific timeframes, often within 6 months to 1 year depending on the sentencing order. Failure to comply can result in additional penalties or a return to court.
For those seeking to seal a DUI conviction, the waiting period is typically 7 years after the case is closed, meaning the long-term impact of the case can extend well beyond the initial resolution.
FAQ: DUI Case Timelines in Nevada
How long does a first-time DUI case take in Nevada?
Most first-time misdemeanor DUI cases are resolved within 3 to 6 months, especially if a plea deal is reached early.
Can I speed up the DUI process?
Sometimes. Accepting a plea deal early or working with an attorney who moves quickly can shorten the timeline. Trials and legal motions usually extend the process.
What if I request a DMV hearing?
DMV hearings are typically scheduled within a few weeks of the request and are separate from the court case. The outcome does not affect the criminal process.
Do felony DUI cases take longer?
Yes. Felony cases usually require more court appearances, more evidence, and longer scheduling timelines—often taking 6 months to a year or more.
Can a DUI case be resolved in one court appearance?
Rarely. While some simple cases resolve quickly with a plea at arraignment, most require at least two or more appearances.
Conclusion
The average DUI case in Nevada takes between 3 and 6 months, but the exact timeline depends on the nature of the charge, the complexity of the evidence, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases resolve quickly with a plea agreement, while others require extended preparation and multiple hearings. Understanding this process helps drivers plan, respond effectively, and avoid delays.
For a full breakdown of the DUI legal timeline, visit the DUI Process And Timeline pillar page. To dive deeper into the expected duration of each phase, see the How Long a DUI Case Typically Takes mini-hub.