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What can make a DUI an aggravated DUI?
Question:
What can make a DUI an aggravated DUI?
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Get Informed - DUI/DWI Law Information
We've got a large library of DUI and DWI law articles, Q&A's and other resources. Start here to learn about DUI laws, arrests, defense, penalties and more.
DUI Basics
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Your DUI and the DMV
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
DUI Arrests, Police Reports, Arraignments, and Fees
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
DUI/DWI Charges and Penalties
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
Fighting a DUI
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
Getting Help with a DUI/DWI Charge
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
In order to understand how a DUI charge can be turned to an aggravated DUI, it is important to understand what each is. In the case of a DUI, which stands for "Driving Under the Influence," a person is accused of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of some sort of substance that impairs their ability to operate that vehicle safely. Generally this is going to be due to alcohol consumption or some type of drug. A DUI as explained her is a crime in most jurisdictions and can carry harsh penalties such as having your license suspended, having to pay fines and even doing some jail time.
In other cases a person could be charged with an aggravated DUI. This is a more serious charge than a DUI and implies that there were more serious situations which aggravated the DUI crime itself. An example of an aggravated DUI could be when a person causes an accident while driving a car while being impaired by alcohol or drugs. In a case like this the individual could be facing aggravated DUI charges.
The exact conditions which must be met to meet the aggravated DUI charge will vary from state to state and jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but there are some universally accepted situations which generally always lead to an aggravated DUI charge. For example when an individual is convicted of a DUI and it is his second or third conviction within a specified time period, he will more than likely face an aggravated DUI charge. Another example is when an individual is driving under the influence when his license has already be revoked or suspended. This will most likely lead to an aggravated charge as well. The same holds true for those who drive under the influence and are not covered by an insurance carrier. These situations are examples where the DUI could and almost certainly will be increased to the aggravated status.
In situations where a person driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs injures another person, he will most likely face an aggravated charge. This would include the accidental killing of another with your car while under the influence. Another example that builds on this is when a person is stopped for a DUI and is found to have already been convicted of a reckless homicide; he will be looking at an aggravated DUI charge for sure.
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