A Las Vegas man has been sentenced to prison after a DUI crash that seriously injured several people, including a mother and child, and led to the loss of a pregnancy.
On Thursday, Clark County District Court Judge Tara Newberry sentenced 28-year-old Maximiliano Chavez to 16 to 40 years in prison in connection with the September 2025 crash at Blue Diamond Road and Las Vegas Boulevard.
Chavez previously pleaded guilty to two counts of DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm and one count of reckless driving. The sentencing followed months of legal proceedings tied to the multi-vehicle collision that left multiple victims hospitalized.
Collision
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the crash happened on Sept. 6, 2025, at the intersection of Blue Diamond Road and Las Vegas Boulevard.
Investigators said Chavez was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee eastbound on Blue Diamond Road when he entered the intersection against a red light. The Jeep collided with a Subaru Forester carrying a family inside.
Police said the impact pushed the Subaru into a Toyota Sienna. The Jeep also struck a BMW during the sequence of crashes.
Emergency crews responded to the scene after several reports of a major collision involving multiple vehicles.
Injuries
Authorities said several individuals were transported to local hospitals following the crash.
Among those injured were a pregnant woman and a 9-year-old child who were traveling in the Subaru. Police said both suffered life-threatening injuries.
Following the collision, the pregnant woman underwent an emergency delivery. According to investigators, the infant did not survive.
Metro police later clarified that the infant’s death was not included in the department’s official 2025 traffic fatality statistics. The department stated that a baby born following a collision is not counted as a separate fatality from the mother under its reporting policy.
The case drew significant public attention because of the severity of the injuries and the impact on the family involved.
Sentencing
During Thursday’s hearing, Judge Tara Newberry ordered Chavez to serve consecutive prison terms for the DUI-related convictions.
The sentence included:
| Charge | Sentence |
|---|---|
| DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm – Count 1 | 8 to 20 years |
| DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm – Count 2 | 8 to 20 years |
| Reckless driving | 28 to 72 months concurrently |
Because the two DUI sentences will run consecutively, Chavez faces a combined sentence of 16 to 40 years in state prison.
Court records show Chavez originally faced more serious charges, including one count of DUI resulting in death, along with additional reckless driving charges tied to substantial bodily harm and death.
As part of the legal process, Chavez entered a guilty plea before sentencing.
Courtroom
During the hearing, Chavez addressed the victims and their families.
He apologized for his actions and told the court he wished he could change what happened that day. Chavez also stated that he never intended for anyone to be harmed.
The sentencing hearing included statements regarding the long-term effects of the crash on those injured. Court proceedings focused on both the physical injuries and the emotional impact experienced by the victims and their families.
Judge Newberry ultimately imposed the sentence after reviewing the facts of the case, victim impact information, and Chavez’s criminal history.
Prior DUI
Prosecutors noted during earlier court appearances that Chavez had a prior misdemeanor DUI conviction from 2021.
That earlier conviction became part of the discussion during sentencing because it established a previous history involving impaired driving.
Repeat DUI offenses can result in enhanced penalties under Nevada law, particularly in cases involving serious bodily harm or death.
Investigation
Police reports detailed the observations officers made after arriving at the crash scene.
Witnesses told investigators Chavez appeared to be acting erratically after exiting the Jeep following the collision.
According to the arrest report, officers observed several signs of impairment, including:
- Bloodshot and watery eyes
- Slurred speech
- Confused and slow responses
- Odor of alcohol
Police said Chavez later admitted to consuming alcohol and marijuana before the crash. Investigators reported that Chavez told officers he drank three micheladas at the Swap Meet prior to driving.
Authorities also reviewed crash data from the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Investigators said the vehicle was traveling approximately 61 mph in a posted 55 mph zone before entering the intersection.
While the speed exceeded the posted limit by six miles per hour, police indicated impairment was a central factor in the crash investigation.
Broader Focus
The case highlights ongoing concerns surrounding impaired driving and roadway safety in Southern Nevada.
Law enforcement agencies in Las Vegas continue to emphasize the dangers associated with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Officials frequently remind drivers that impaired judgment and reduced reaction time can contribute to serious collisions, particularly at busy intersections.
DUI-related crashes remain a major focus for public safety campaigns across Nevada, especially incidents involving injuries or fatalities.
For the victims involved in this case, recovery from the physical and emotional effects of the collision is expected to continue beyond the conclusion of court proceedings.
FAQs
Who was sentenced in the Las Vegas DUI case?
Maximiliano Chavez was sentenced.
How long is Chavez’s prison sentence?
He faces 16 to 40 years in prison.
Where did the crash happen?
It happened at Blue Diamond Road and Las Vegas Boulevard.
Did police report alcohol involvement?
Yes, police said Chavez admitted drinking.
How fast was the Jeep traveling?
Investigators said it was going 61 mph.
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