When you have been charged with a DUI, it is highly likely that there will be severe consequences that will impact your life. This can become an even more difficult situation when you are charged with a DUI with enhanced penalties. Some factors and components of the DUI may result in these enhanced penalties. It is crucial to ensure that you obtain legal counsel to guide you through the DUI process to minimize the devastation that it can have on your life. It is also important to note that DUI laws are different between states, which can result in different consequences. Whenever you experience DUIs with enhanced penalties, you need to consult with a legal professional to provide superior guidance throughout the situation.
Reckless Driving
You may be charged with a DUI with enhanced penalties if you were driving recklessly when you were charged with a DUI. The exact specifications will fluctuate depending on the state, but in many cases, if you were driving substantially over the speed limit, you will be charged with a DUI with enhanced penalties. For example, if you were driving 20 or 30 miles over the speed limit, the DUI consequences may be more severe. If you were charged with a severe traffic violation, this will likely compound the consequences of your DUI.
You Had a Minor in the Vehicle
If you had a minor in your vehicle when you were charged with a DUI, you will likely experience much more substantial penalties. However, while this may be a DUI with enhanced penalties, it may also be a completely separate charge. This separate charge is generally a child endangerment charge that can result in significant consequences. Whenever you have been charged with a DUI with a minor in your vehicle, it will be extremely important to consult with a legal professional for guidance throughout the situation.
Repeated Offenses
It is crucial to ensure that you obtain legal counsel if you have been charged with a repeated offense regarding DUIs. While any DUI is extremely serious, the consequences just become more severe with repeated offenses. In some situations, a certain number of DUI charges will guarantee a felony charge rather than a misdemeanor charge. It is important to understand the various rules regarding DUI charges, especially if you have had repeat charges. This will help to ensure that you know what to expect regarding your particular case.
Property Damage
When damage has occurred to another person’s property as a result of your DUI case, it is likely that you will face more severe DUI charges. A DUI with enhanced penalties is extremely common following a DUI that has resulted in property damage. This may be due to damage to another person’s vehicle or other private property. Keep this in mind if your DUI charge resulted in property damage.
Bodily Injury
When another person was injured due to the DUI charge, it is very likely that you will face enhanced penalties. These penalties can be extremely severe, depending on the specific situation and the amount of damage that was caused. If you get behind the while when you are intoxicated, you are endangering other people. When this actually results in injury to another person, the consequences will likely be substantially more severe. Effective legal guidance is critical in these cases, because they can result in very serious charges.
High BAC
An extremely high BAC may result in DUIs with enhanced penalties. Different states generally have different BAC guidelines, which means that while a certain BAC in one state may have enhanced penalties, it may not have enhanced penalties in other state. It is important to note that Utah has one of the lowest BAC guidelines in the nation, so high BAC considerations will also be lower than in many other states. If you were caught with a particularly high BAC, it is possible that you will experience enhanced penalties that will impact your situation.
Common DUI Charges
It is important to know some of the most common DUI charges, with or without penalties, to ensure that you are better prepared for potential consequences of your DUI. These specific charges will differ between states, cases, and many different aspects. Outside of a court case, there will likely be insurance changes that will occur as a result of a DUI. Your insurance company may decide to cancel your policy or they may substantially increase your monthly premium. DUI charges may come with imprisonment, community service, or the possibility of time on probation. DUIs may also result in substantial fines, though this will depend on the specific situation. The court may require you to obtain an alcohol assessment or treatment. It is common for licenses to be suspended or revoked during a DUI process. This is even more common when a DUI comes with enhance penalties.
Contact A Professional
When you are experiencing a DUI with enhanced penalties, it will be extremely important to work with a legal professional. This can help to provide the best possible outcome for your particular situation. Without the appropriate legal guidance, a DUI charge can be absolutely devastating to your life. Our professional team has the expertise necessary to guide you through your DUI process. To learn more about our services, or the importance of legal guidance in the case of a DUI with enhanced penalties, contact us at the Rocky Mountain Law office today!