You love to unwind after a hard day’s work or go out with your friends when the workweek is over. Usually, you switch out with your buddies to be the designated driver. This time, you had to drive home on your own, and you made a mistake.
A police officer pulls you over, and you are not sure why. The officer arrests you and charges you with aggravated DUI. What is the difference between a regular and aggravated DUI? What does it mean for you?
Regular DUI
Driving under the influence is the result of someone ingesting alcohol, drugs or a combination of the two, which diminishes the ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. The level of influence depends on the outcome of a Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and blood or breath tests.
The level of 0.08% from a breath test is still the standard of whether there is a charge of DUI. But you can refute this charge if you have evidence. Penalties for a first offense may include jail time, fines, license suspension and alcohol and drug counseling.
Aggravated DUI
As the wording may imply, an aggravated DUI is a more serious offense. This charge combines a regular DUI with any of the following:
- A blood or breath test shows 0.16% or more
- There is an approved ignition interlock device on the vehicle
- The driver’s license is suspended, canceled or revoked due to a prior charge of DUI
- The driver refuses a breath test, and there is a suspension, revocation or cancellation of the license within the last 10 years due to a DUI conviction
- The driver has a prior conviction or pending charge for other DUI related offenses
Penalties for a charge of aggravated DUI could include a jail sentence and $1,000 fine. A DUI or aggravated DUI conviction may not only mean penalties from the court. Your job and family relationships could suffer, as well.