Serving Reno, NV
Nevada DUI defense firm representing first-offense, felony, CDL, and out-of-state DUI cases since 2012 — former-prosecutor lead counsel, 24/7 emergency intake, and the procedural knowledge to challenge stops, breath tests, and DMV license actions before the case is ever decided in court.
Nevada DUI defense firm representing first-offense, felony, CDL, and out-of-state DUI cases since 2012. Former-prosecutor lead counsel, 24/7 emergency intake, and the procedural knowledge to challenge stops, breath tests, and DMV license actions before the case is ever decided in court.
By the Numbers
Years in Nevada
DUI Cases Defended
Avvo + Google
Emergency Intake
Lead Counsel
Live Demo · No Signup
Speak with our AI DUI Defense Specialist right now.
Hear exactly what your customers will hear when they call. The same real-time AI conversation that runs 24/7 on every Fast Digital Marketing Smart Site + Voice subscription.
Mic permission required · Free, no signup, ~3 min average
The Reality
If you're reading this from a holding cell or your car is at impound, this is normal.
These are the situations we help Reno customers solve every week.
- →You were arrested last night, you're being released this morning, and you have 7 days to request a DMV hearing or you lose your license
- →Your court date is in three weeks and you've never been in trouble before — you don't know what "arraignment" means or whether to plead at it
- →You hold a CDL and your employer will fire you the moment a conviction lands on your record
- →You're a tourist who got a DUI in Reno or Tahoe and you live in another state — you don't know if you have to fly back for court
- →Your last DUI was 5 years ago and now this one's a felony and you're terrified
Our Services
What we defend.
Service · 01
First-Offense DUI / DWI
First-time DUI defense covers the criminal case (court) and the DMV license-suspension hearing (administrative). Both happen on parallel tracks with separate deadlines. We file the DMV hearing request inside the 7-day window, challenge the breath/blood evidence, and pursue the best resolution at sentencing — often reduced charges or alternatives to a DUI conviction.
Service · 02
Felony DUI & Repeat Offenses
Third-offense Nevada DUI is a Category B felony with mandatory prison exposure. We handle felony DUI, DUI with injury, and DUI causing death (including vehicular homicide). Aggressive procedural challenges, expert testimony on breath-test reliability, and sentencing mitigation when conviction is unavoidable.
Service · 03
Underage, CDL & Out-of-State DUI
Specialty defense for clients with elevated stakes: underage drivers (zero-tolerance .02 BAC), commercial drivers (CDL holders face career-ending consequences), and out-of-state visitors who got arrested in Nevada and need representation without flying back repeatedly. Most appearances handled remotely with court permission.
Service · 04
License Reinstatement & DMV Hearings
DMV administrative license-revocation hearings are a separate proceeding from criminal court. We represent at the hearing, challenge officer testimony, and pursue restricted-license eligibility. We also handle reinstatement after suspension — including SR-22 filings, ignition-interlock device coordination, and out-of-state license-restoration coordination.
The Difference
Why Nevada residents and out-of-state visitors call Sentinel.
Former Prosecutor Lead Counsel
Our managing partner served as a Washoe County DUI prosecutor before moving to defense. That means we know exactly how the prosecution will build the case — because we used to build it. We see the procedural gaps and evidentiary weaknesses that most defense lawyers miss.
24/7 Emergency Intake
Most DUI arrests happen between 10pm and 4am. Our emergency line is answered live by an attorney 24/7 — not a screening service, not an answering machine. We can advise you before you make decisions at the station that hurt the case later (consenting to roadside tests, talking to the officer, etc.).
Procedural Defense — Not Just Plea Negotiation
About 40% of our cases involve a procedural challenge that affects outcome — improper traffic stop, breath-test machine certification gaps, blood-draw chain-of-custody issues, or DMV hearing officer errors. We file motions to suppress and challenge evidence aggressively before any plea is on the table.
Out-of-State Tourist Specialty
About 35% of our caseload is out-of-state clients (Reno + Lake Tahoe tourism). We coordinate court appearances by phone or video where possible, work with the prosecution on plea-agreement timing that doesn't require multiple flights back to Nevada, and handle the home-state license consequences through the Driver License Compact.
Common Questions
You probably want to know.
How much does DUI defense cost?+
First-offense misdemeanor DUI flat fee: $3,800–$6,800 (covers criminal case and DMV hearing). Second-offense misdemeanor: $5,800–$9,800. Felony DUI hourly with retainer: $9,800–$25,000+ retainer (case-dependent). Free initial case review by phone — flat-fee quote at intake.
What happens in the first 7 days?+
Within 7 days of arrest you must request a DMV administrative hearing in writing or your license is automatically suspended. We file that request immediately on retention. Your first court appearance (arraignment) is typically 2–6 weeks after arrest. We appear on your behalf in most cases — you don't have to be present.
I'm an out-of-state tourist. Do I have to come back to Nevada for court?+
Often no. About 35% of our caseload is out-of-state clients, and most arraignments and pretrials are handled by attorney appearance only. Trial requires presence; pretrial conferences and most procedural motions don't. We coordinate with prosecution on appearance scheduling so you're not flying back repeatedly.
Will it stay on my record forever?+
Nevada DUI conviction stays on driving record 7 years and criminal record permanently (unless sealed). Sealing is available 7 years after a misdemeanor DUI conviction is fully completed. Some pre-conviction outcomes (deferred-judgment programs) can avoid the conviction entirely. We tell you upfront what's realistically available in your case.
What if I have a CDL?+
CDL holders face career-ending consequences for any DUI conviction, even off-duty in a personal vehicle. Federal regulations require a 1-year CDL disqualification on first offense, lifetime disqualification on second. Defense strategy for CDL clients prioritizes pre-conviction disposition wherever possible — protecting the license is often more critical than the criminal sentence.
Get the procedural defense — before the prosecution finishes building the case.
24/7 emergency intake answered live by an attorney. Free initial case review. Flat-fee or retainer quote at intake. Most cases retained inside 48 hours of arrest — don't wait until the DMV hearing window has closed.
📞 (775) 555-0184Visit Us
Reno, NV
Sentinel DUI Defense
200 S Virginia St, Suite 700
Reno, NV 89501
Phone
(775) 555-0184Service Area
Reno · Sparks · Carson City · Lake Tahoe · Fernley · Truckee CA · statewide Nevada DUI defense (including out-of-state and tourist clients)