I’m looking to buy an auto insurance policy here in Nevada, and I have a question about deductibles, What is it and how exactly does it work?

Miles

Reno, NV

A Deductible is the amount of money deducted from the payment coming from your car insurance policy after your claim has been approved. Auto insurance providers are obligated to make sure that you understand the amount of deductibles that will be stipulated within your auto insurance policy before you agree to accept the said insurance policy. For example, if you file for damages brought upon by a car collision and you have a $250 deductible under your policy, that amount will be deducted from the total payment or settlement you receive from your carrier or insurance provider. So if you were awarded $1000 then you actually only get $750, with the stated example. Keep in mind though, if the repair costs less than the deductible, then don’t go for the deductible since you will have to end up paying the insurance company the difference.

Deductibles are not fixed, most auto insurance policies would allow you to set the deductible higher, or lower, depending on your preference. It is actually recommended to increase your deductible if you drive an older vehicle or don’t drive your vehicle that much. You can actually lower down your regular car insurance premiums with a lower deductible. Also, each portion of your policy there in Nevada, such as for collision and comprehensive insurance, will carry their own respective amounts of deductibles.

My brother was charged with DUI here in North Las Vegas, Nevada and he is yet to decide if he would hire a DUI lawyer. How would he know if he really needs a DUI lawyer to help him?

Heidi

North Las Vegas, NV

If your brother thinks that the police officer didn’t have any valid reason to pull him over when he was arrested for DUI in North Las Vegas, Nevada, he should consider hiring a DUI lawyer. Obtaining a copy of the police report is integral because if, for example, the officer says he pulled your brother over for running a stop sign, then your brother is fairly sunk. A lot of courts believe an officer’s observations even if your brother thinks it’s bogus. But if a violation of any vehicle code was not mentioned before the officer pulled him over, this means he has a valid “suppression motion” and need to hire a DUI lawyer to file and argue it on his behalf.

The other thing that he would have to worry about is his car insurance. His policy may be cancelled or he may not be renewed by the end of his coverage because of his DUI. If he is having these kinds of problems with his car insurance company, he should consider hiring a DUI lawyer to advise him on what to do about that.

I understand how complicated a DUI case is so I need to get a lawyer to defend me in my DUI charge here in Reno, Nevada. How do I choose which lawyer I would hire to help me defend my case?

Rain

Reno, NV

Word of mouth is commonly a good indicator of choosing which lawyer you would hire to defend you against your DUI case in Reno, Nevada, although not perfect. Reputation in the community would be generally earned and unpaid tributes to a lawyer’s prowess are invaluable. You have to make sure that you look for someone who actively defends DUI cases in particular. It is very important that the lawyer you would hire only focuses and devotes his time in defending DUI cases.

If you are consulting with a lawyer, you have to ask if he could discuss his knowledge of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and how the breath testing machine works (or doesn’t). You also might want to ask if the lawyer owns various police DUI training manuals for reference and use in cross-examination as well. You could ask the lawyer if he knows what administrative license revocation (ALR) is, how it works and if the lawyer has experience with ALR. Believe it or not, may lawyers advise their clients that they should not bother with the ALR process and you have to be wary of that kind of lawyer.

I have been charged with DUI in North Las Vegas, Nevada and I wonder how important it is to hire a lawyer. How can a lawyer help me and what are the possible defenses that I could use?

Emil

North Las Vegas, NV

DUI charge, as you might very well understand, is an extremely serious offense. The consequences would not only affect you for that moment but the charges would remain on your record permanently. It would be very important that you choose your lawyer wisely to help you fight your DUI case in North Las Vegas, Nevada because it could affect your entire life and lifestyle forever. There are a lot of DUI cases that have been dismissed by experienced DUI lawyers on simple technicalities. A seasoned legal expert who is skilled in the scope of DUI laws would know exactly what to look out for and would be aware of the various loopholes that could mean the difference between a successful charge and dismissal of charges.

The DUI defense that the DUI lawyer could use would relate to different matters. These include things such as the breaching of your constitutional rights, if the officer concerned followed the correct procedures, if you were read your rights when the officer made the DUI arrest, if the blood alcohol test was properly carried out and if the equipment used to determine blood alcohol level was maintained and in good working order.

I’m here in Reno, Nevada and have been caught driving with some bottles of beer and now I have my date to the court. My real question is if it would really be necessary to get an attorney for my DUI case or should I just let the system decide and accept my verdict?

Herson

Reno, NV

These days there are as much reasons to find an attorney to represent you as there are to choose not to. Going through a DUI case can be a very long, exhausting and overwhelming experience, with all the court dates and legal paperwork and a lot of other things you never thought you’d have to deal with, especially for first-timers. Lawyers can be expensive, however with the prospect of having to pay fees in the thousands, losing your license or worse, going to jail, you may want to consider getting someone who can help you navigate the legal system.

A DUI attorney will help you understand the exact situation you are facing and all the DUI laws you will need to know, the consequences that comes with your case and options on how to avoid it, maybe even lessen your charges or avoid being sent behind bars. A DUI attorney will know what arguments to use and how to present you in the best possible light during the hearing. A public defender may not be able provide you the same advantages. A DUI attorney will also make sure you file all necessary paperwork on time, hopefully saving you from losing you license prematurely. If you have several DUI cases or convictions in you record already, not having an attorney is very dangerous. In cities like Reno, Nevada, you may be surprised to know that there are a lot of attorneys who can actually provide free consultations for potential new clients. Feel free to contact one and allow them to discuss exactly how they can help you. Remember, it’s better to have someone telling you the right things to do instead of learning it the hard way yourself.

I know a DUI lawyer could help me a lot in defending my DUI case here Nevada. Is it necessary that the lawyer that I will hire has represented recent DUI cases?

Selena

Spring Valley, NV

I would tell you honestly that it is the lawyer’s most recent cases or experience that really matters. The DUI lawyer should have done sufficient number of trials to become a natural and competent trial DUI lawyer. DUI is a very complicated subject and DUI laws are constantly changing. Although the lawyer may have handled thousands of DUI cases years ago, it is their most recent experience that assures they are tune with the current law, the courts and the prosecutors.

Besides that of a lawyer who has recent DUI cases, you may have to dust off other lawyers. You should ask the potential lawyer if he/she knows the most recent changes in DUI laws to see if they are current with the courts and the legislature, most importantly, the DUI process in the state of Nevada. If you find out that they are not, find somebody who knows the current in’s and out’s of the DUI laws and process to help you on your DUI charge in Spring Valley, Nevada.

My brother was charged with DUI here Nevada. We are planning to get the services of a lawyer. What are the things that we have to consider before hiring a lawyer?

Lucy

Sunrise Manor, NV

If your brother was charged with DUI in Nevada, it would be a good decision for him to get the services of a lawyer. Before hiring a lawyer, you have to consider a lot of things. You have to find out if the lawyer focuses on DUI cases exclusively. A lawyer who focuses on DUI cases exclusively, he/she has an in-depth knowledge of all the particulars and nuances involved with DUI offenses. DUI lawyers have adequate knowledge about breath tests urine tests and blood analysis so they can defend their clients adequately in DUI cases.

You and your brother would also have to discuss the fees. You have to find out if the estimate fee includes Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearing, expert fees, blood reanalysis, and the trial. Try to find out as well if the lawyer is licensed by the American Bar Association through the National College for DUI Defense. Aside from this, I advise your brother to insist on a written contract setting forth all costs and covered services.

Don’t forget that DUI is a criminal offense that has tough penalties. Getting the services of a DUI lawyer who is an expert in the same is always considered to be the safer option.

Does an AV rated Nevada DUI attorney cost more?

Allison

Thanks for your Question Allison.

Well, an AV rated Nevada DUI attorney does typically cost more, but you have to think about this in terms of value and not just in sheer cost. Since these lawyers have been rated by their colleagues to be some of the best practictioners in their fields, that adds a new quality that you should take in mind when considering a lawyer based on price.

While in some cases you may be able to get a less qualified lawyer, when you have a complicated DUI case you should really consider hiring an AV rated Nevada DUI attorney. Yes, they cost more, but there are ways to work around this for many people. You can pay a certain amount every month, and you can also negotiate fees.

When deciding on hiring a lawyer, you should have all of the fees assessed before hand and make sure to ask questions when something seems to be missing. Get a fee agreement in writing, and also be sure that you know about hidden costs like filing fees. You should budget these along with the costs for tickets, higher insurance, and so on.

–Fashun.

• Which lawyer will be representing my drunk driving case? Whenever you go for a consultation, it is important that it be with the very person who will be representing you. You don’t want to be delegated to a less experienced member of the practice after you’ve already made your down payment.
• Can I have details of your experience? This should include several things, such as the amount of DUI cases your potential Las Vegas NV DWI lawyer handles every month, and their rate of success, their years practicing, their rating at the bar, and so on.
• Can you explain the payment options and fee rates to me? Never go into a lawyer-client relationship without knowing in full what you will be charged for and how.

The goals are extremely essential to your case. Speak with your  NV DUI lawyer about the goals you have set out for yourself so that the two of you can decide exactly what you are aiming for in this situation, whether it is for a lighter sentence or simply for a driving permit to get you to and from work and nothing more. Know when and how you will reach these goals and when you will reach the end.

Be assertive. Keep involved in your case and always ask questions. Don’t expect your Reno NV DUI lawyer to hold your hand and do everything for you. While they will handle most things for you and should provide you clear explanations when necessary, if you don’t provide them the information they need as soon as you have it, you impede the process.