A Conviction for An Aggravated DUI Can Rob You of Your Freedom
March 16, 2018
There are many penalties associated with being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Virginia. You're likely to have your driver's license suspended, serve some time in jail, pay significant fines and fees and be asked to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed on your car.
If you think that those are bad; there are certain situations, known as aggravated circumstances, that can result in far harsher penalties for you if you're convicted of a DUI.
In most jurisdictions, any blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over .08 percent is deemed to indicate intoxication and thus can result in you being charged with a DUI. If your BAC is double that limit, then you're likely to be charged with an aggravated drunk driving offense. Being charged with such a crime is likely to result in jail time and increased fines.
If you're stopped on suspicion of driving drunk and have a BAC in excess of the legal limit, then a previous conviction of a DUI will be considered by the judge and/or jury. If you have been, then you'll likely be classified as a repeat offender and expose yourself to enhanced sentencing guidelines.
Motorists who are caught both driving drunk and at an excessive speed put themselves at risk for being charged with an aggravated DUI. If you are stopped for driving on either a supended or revoked license and are determined to be drunk, then this will likely result in you spending a significant amount of time in jail. You'll likely be barred from reapplying for your license for an extended period of time as well.
One of the final circumstances in which you may be arrested and charged with an aggravated DUI offense is if you are found to be driving drunk while children are in the car or if you do so within a school zone. An adult driving drunk with a child in the car can trigger an aggravated DUI charge.
If you've been charged with an aggravated drunk driving offense, then it's not something that can be taken lightly. In learning more about the circumstances surrounding your arrest, a Christiansburg DUI defense attorney can advise you of your rights in your case.