What are the Costs and Penalties of an Aggravated DUI?

All DUIs are not the same, as some cases can entail aggravating factors that invite stiffer punishment, prominent Phoenix AZ DUI lawyers say. Here are the most important of those aggravating factors:

• Having a high BAC or blood alcohol content
•  Getting involved in an accident
• Prior DUI offense
• Driving on a revoked or suspended license
• Driving with a commercial driver’s license
• Refusing to undergo a chemical test for BAC
• Presence of a child in the vehicle
• Prior convictions
• Collisions

In certain states, aggravated DUI is termed “extreme DUI” or "DUI with aggravating factors."

Conviction rates

For the most part, many individuals who are charged with aggravated DUI have prior convictions for some type of DUI. Of these individuals, most are convicted for a felony while others are convicted of a misdemeanor DUI. Refusal to undergo a chemical test is in fact preventing police officers from taking a breath or a urine blood sample at the time of the arrest. Such persons who refuse to take these tests can also receive stiff penalties, particularly if they are arrested for aggravated DUI, Phoenix DUI attorneys say.  

Penalties

Aggravated DUI cases usually have higher conviction rates and stiffer penalties involving jail time. For a third and even subsequent convictions, the amount of prison time increases accordingly, ranging from 10 to 60 days. Similarly, having to install IIDs or ignition interlock devices, and to attend alcohol education classes or undergo de-addiction programs are some of the other penalties imposed on persons taken into custody for aggravated DUI and you will need a Phoenix, AZ DUI lawyer if you are in this situation.

Cost of aggravated DUI

The cost of legal and other expenses run into several thousand dollars depending on the severity of the case.  The common expenses involved in an aggravated DUI charge are generally as follows:

• DUI lawyer’s fees
• Fines ordered by court
• Alcohol education/treatment
• Cost of fitting IIDs
• Insurance rate increases
• DMV fees
• Bail
• Towing and storage

In addition, there is the loss of income which can be difficult to assess and the added risk of losing your job and having other employment opportunities being closed on you are other realities to consider. These should all be massive and very real reasons not to commit this crime.

Time taken to resolve aggravated DUI cases

Compared to standard DUI cases, costs and outcomes can be very different for aggravated DUI cases, in addition to the duration of the case. While standard DUI cases last for around 4 months, aggravated DUI cases can continue for about 8 months on an average.

Get legal help

In the final analysis, the one thing to keep in mind is the fact that the precise circumstances of your aggravated DUI case as well as the law prevailing in your own state will ultimately determine the outcome of your case.

To fully understand your particular situation, it is prudent to hire the services of a Phoenix DUI lawyer well versed in the complexities of an aggravated DUI charge. Your legal professional will be able to build a solid defense strategy for you and guide you through the process in an effective manner. It is not the end of the world. It may feel like you were just smacked by a legal train that continues to run you over and over. No one is going to lie to you, you are in trouble but there is no reason to believe you cannot survive this and get your life back on track.

The good news is, is that you are being presented with a late Christmas gift. It comes in the form of a website (http://dui-lawyers.usattorneys.com/arizona) and is actually a legal resource center. Using this digital tool, you can find the legal help that can help you possibly deflect some of these charges and perhaps hold the prosecution at bay.