Accusations of driving while under the influence of alcohol can be devastating, and it may only be natural to wonder about how the outcome of your situation could impact your life. Even a first DUI offense could carry severe ramifications, such as a jail sentence and significant monetary fines.
While the potential penalties of a DUI conviction may be severe enough as is, there could also be some scenarios in which these penalties may increase in severity. There are numerous types of aggravating factors that could prompt similar results, and addressing such issues may be vital to making informed decisions about your situation.
Common examples
There could be various types of aggravating factors that might increase the severity of DUI offense penalties in Pennsylvania, some of which may include:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Causing a collision that leaves another party with severe injuries and fleeing the scene of a crash are just two types of issues that might lead to aggravated DUI charges.
- Blood-alcohol content: Experts also indicate that the severity of DUI offense penalties may also increase if your blood-alcohol content is well above the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle.
- Successive offenses: DUI offense penalties may also increase with each successive DUI conviction, especially if subsequent convictions occur within a certain amount of time.
- Minors and DUI: A few more examples of aggravating factors could include accusations of DUI with a minor in the vehicle or facing allegations of DUI while underage.
- Suspended license or CDL: Driving without a valid license or being accused of DUI while operating on a commercial driver’s license are just two more types of issues that might constitute aggravating factors.
This may only be a brief list of factors that could prompt aggravated DUI charges. If you face a similar situation in life, it might be beneficial to seek insight in preparing to evaluate every vital element of your case.
Addressing your situation
Facing DUI charges can be daunting enough as is, but allegations of aggravating factors may only add to the stress of your situation. When similar challenges arise, you could consider seeking guidance on what to expect from this process and in preparing to make informed choices about your available options. Seeking such advice could prove vital to helping you prepare to create a strategy with which to pursue the best outcome achievable regarding your future during subsequent court proceedings.