Everyone makes mistakes. That reality is a simple part of life. Of course, some mistakes could come with serious consequences, especially if they involve the law.
A DUI charge can have major impacts on your life. The exact charge you face could also have a significant effect on the possible consequences if a conviction takes place. In particular, you could face enhanced penalties if a Maryland police officer charges you with aggravated DUI.
More serious situation
Typically, aggravated or enhanced charges apply to a situation that is more serious than one in which regular criminal charges may apply. In cases of DUI, a person’s first offense with a blood alcohol concentration level just over the legal limit may result in a misdemeanor DUI charge. However, felony aggravated charges could result if any of the following circumstances apply:
- Having minors in the vehicle
- Having an excessively high blood alcohol concentration level, such as two times the legal limit or higher
- Having an already suspended or revoked driver’s license at the time of the traffic stop
- Exceeding the speed limit by an excessive amount while also considered under the influence
- Having multiple DUI convictions already on your criminal record
Unfortunately, having an aggravated DUI charge brought against you will only make an already difficult situation even more challenging to address. As a result, you may want to carefully assess the details of the traffic stop, your arrest and the circumstances that allegedly warranted an enhanced charge against you. This information could play an important role in your case as it moves forward.
Creating your defense
Though an aggravated DUI charge may be more difficult to handle, you are not out of luck. You still have the right to defend against the charge in the manner you find most fitting. In order to understand your available legal options, you may want to utilize local legal resources to ensure that the information you obtain is reliable, accurate and applicable to your specific circumstances.
It may also work to your benefit to enlist the help of a criminal defense attorney who can thoroughly review your case. Remembering that you do not have to face this ordeal on your own may help you feel more at ease.
