In Reno, a DUI charge is no longer a "slap on the wrist." As of January 1, 2026, Nevada’s "Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act" (AB4) has dramatically increased the penalties for serious DUI offenses. If your charge involves a fatality, you are now looking at a mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to 25 years in Nevada State Prison. Even for a first-time offense, the Reno Justice Court and Washoe County District Court are aggressively pushing for maximum "Ignition Interlock" requirements. To fight back, you need a lawyer who isn't just a "plea attorney"—you need a trial specialist who understands the 2026 legislative shifts and the technical flaws in Washoe County's toxicology lab results. I’ve vetted these Reno DUI experts based on their courtroom tenacity, their peer ratings, and their immediate response to these new, harsher laws. These are the "Biggest Little Defenders" I trust in Reno.
The Impact of Nevada AB4 (2026)
Nevada’s newest laws have removed judicial discretion in many fatal cases. The following firms are leaders in mitigating these high-stakes felony risks.
Top 10 DUI Lawyers in Reno, NV
1. Joey Gilbert - Joey Gilbert Law
Joey is a high-profile advocate known for his aggressive "champion" approach to criminal defense. He focuses on protecting the rights of those facing serious DUI charges in Reno.
Website: https://www.joeygilbertlaw.com
Phone: (775) 535-8188
Email: joey@joeygilbertlaw.com
2. Michael Becker - Las Vegas Defense Group (Reno Office)
Michael is a Top-Rated lawyer with 32 years of experience. He is known for his technical mastery of Nevada DUI law and his ability to secure dismissals in complex cases.
Website: https://www.shouselaw.com/nv
Phone: (702) 333-3673
Email: michael@shouselaw.com
3. Barber Law Group
The team at Barber Law Group provides trusted, localized DUI defense, specializing in helping clients navigate the consequences of the 2026 Safe Streets Act.
Website: https://www.nevadadivorces.com/practice-areas/dui-lawyer-reno-nv/
Phone: (775) 541-0859
Email: info@barberlawgroup.com
4. Lee Thomas Hotchkin Jr.
With 45 years of experience, Lee is one of the most seasoned attorneys in the Reno bar, offering unparalleled institutional knowledge of the Washoe County court system.
Website: https://www.hotchkinlaw.com
Phone: (775) 786-5791
Email: lee@hotchkinlaw.com
5. William J. Routsis
William is a veteran litigator with 36 years of experience, known for his high success rate in trial and his refusal to accept unfair plea deals from the state.
Website: https://www.routsislaw.com
Phone: (775) 337-2609
Email: bill@routsislaw.com
6. Lawrence J. Goodman - Goodman Law Group
Lawrence focuses on high-stakes DUI cases, particularly those involving fatal crashes and the newly expanded sentencing ranges under Nevada law.
Website: https://www.goodmanlawgroup.com
Phone: (702) 825-7854
Email: lawrence@goodmanlawgroup.com
7. Richard P. Davies
Richard is known for his personalized approach and his ability to identify procedural errors in traffic stops that lead to DUI dismissals or reductions.
Website: https://www.richarddavieslaw.com
Phone: (775) 360-6894
Email: richard@richarddavieslaw.com
8. David R. Houston - Law Offices of David R. Houston
David is a high-profile litigator who handles some of the most complex criminal matters in Northern Nevada, including vehicular manslaughter and felony DUI.
Website: https://www.davidhoustonlaw.com
Phone: (775) 786-4188
Email: david@davidhoustonlaw.com
9. Walter B. Fey
Walter is a dedicated DUI defender who focuses on the forensic science of blood and breath testing, ensuring that labs follow strict protocols.
Website: https://www.feylaw.com
Phone: (775) 329-1101
Email: walter@feylaw.com
10. Orrin J.H. Johnson
Orrin is a former prosecutor who uses his insider knowledge to help clients navigate the Reno Justice Court with a focus on license preservation.
Website: https://www.orrinjohnson.com
Phone: (775) 525-0601
Email: orrin@orrinjohnson.com
Western Regional DUI Resources
Understand how DUI is handled in the West: Reno NV Law, Las Vegas NV DUI, Sacramento CA DUI, San Francisco CA Law, Los Angeles CA DUI, California DUI Guide, Phoenix AZ Law, Salt Lake City UT Law, Portland OR DUI, and Seattle WA Experts.
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