South Carolina law provides additional penalties for drivers who engage in particularly dangerous behavior due to driving while intoxicated. Those additional penalties, grouped under the heading of aggravated DUI, can lead to extreme loss of freedom, high fines, and more. An experienced DUI attorney is vital.
At Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law, we understand the challenges you face following aggravated DUI charges. Our Pickens County aggravated DUI lawyer could provide a comprehensive defense that protects your rights.
Elements of an Aggravated DUI
An aggravated DUI includes elements that make the offense more serious, generally because it poses a greater danger to others around you, both in the vehicle and outside of it. Elements of aggravated DUI can include:
- A BAC of .15% or higher
- Driving intoxicated with a minor in the vehicle
- Causing more than one accident with injuries while under the influence within a ten-year period
- Driving while intoxicated while also under the influence of other medications, including prescription medications
In cases of severe bodily injury or death due to driving while intoxicated, individuals may also face felony DUI charges. A Pickens County aggravated DUI attorney could help determine whether your offense could be charged as an aggravated DUI.
Legal Penalties for an Aggravated DUI
Working with a well-practiced legal professional in Pickens County is essential following aggravated DUI charges if you want to reduce the potential legal and personal penalties associated with a conviction. In South Carolina, an aggravated DUI carries more significant penalties than a standard DUI alone, such as:
- Between 48 hours and 30 days in jail for a first offense, and up to 5 years in jail for future offenses
- Up to $1,000 in fines for a first offense and $10,000 or more in fines for future offenses
- License suspension of up to 6 months for a first offense, including aggravated DUI
- Ignition interlock device installation on vehicles, which will test BAC before allowing the car to start
If you are convicted of an aggravated DUI, it can lead to significant consequences in your personal life as well. You may find it difficult to keep or secure employment in certain fields, including any job that requires driving as part of your regular job duties. You may also have to carry SR-22 insurance—or high-risk insurance—which will increase your insurance premiums for several years. An aggravated DUI on your record can even interfere with some types of housing.
Your skilled Pickens County lawyer could help you defend against those charges and ensure that you protect yourself throughout interactions with the police so you do not inadvertently admit guilt.
Contact a Pickens County Aggravated DUI Attorney for Assistance
If you find yourself dealing with aggravated DUI charges, Pickens County aggravated DUI lawyer Christopher L. Jones could prove crucial to your defense. Protect your freedoms and move forward more confidently into your future. Reach out to our firm to discuss your charges and begin your defense today.
