Felony DUI Conviction

WCDA’s Office Secures Felony DUI Conviction in District Court Jury Trial

The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office has announced that Brenda C. Vallez, age 59, from Reno was found guilty after a 2-day jury trial that began Monday. The jury deliberated Tuesday for several hours before finding Vallez guilty on one count of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, with a Prior Felony. Vallez is scheduled to be sentenced later this year In Department 10 of Washoe County District Court and faces up to 15 years in prison and a possible $5,000 fine.

Vallez was arrested by the Reno Police Department (RPD) in December 2019 after being seen driving in the area of Willow Street in South Reno. RPD officers were in the area on an unrelated call when they witnessed Vallez drive into the area and exit her car. Vallez exhibited signs of intoxication and subsequent sobriety testing resulted in her being arrested for driving under the influence and the case being submitted to this office for prosecution. A records check located a prior felony DUI conviction in Washoe County. Deputy District Attorney Tyler Altom filed formal criminal charges against Vallez and the case proceeded to trial.