A More Serious Drunk Driving Charge
Being arrested for a standard driving under the influence offense is worrisome enough, but if there are serious extenuating circumstances in your case, prosecutors may pursue aggravated DUI charges against you.
If you are now fighting an aggravated DUI charge, the legal stakes are very high for you. Being convicted on a heightened drunk driving charge will result in felony DUI. In addition to having more severe state-mandated penalties than a standard DUI charge, a felony conviction can also carry social stigma and significantly harm your career prospects.
When Is An Aggravated DUI Charged?
There are many types of drunk driving offenses that prosecutors in the state of Illinois regard as being more severe than a standard DUI. Circumstances that can result in aggravated DUI charges being filed against you.
For example, aggravated DUI charges are often filed in situations in which an alleged drunk driver is in an accident that results in great bodily harm, disfigurement, permanent disability or death. Heightened charges are also commonly filed if a person is driving without a driver’s license or valid liability insurance.
In addition, aggravated DUI may be charged in the following circumstances:
First conviction. A first-time DUI can be charged as a felony if you are driving under the influence with a child under the age of 16 in the car and are involved in an accident that results in bodily injury to that child. You will be charged with a Class 4 felony.
Second conviction. A second DUI can be charged as a Class 4 felony if you are transporting a child under the age of 16. A second DUI can be charged as a Class 2 felony if while transporting that child, you are involved in an accident that results in bodily harm to the minor.
Third conviction. A third DUI will automatically be charged as a Class 2 felony. In the event that you are transporting a child under the age of 16, you will receive enhanced penalties.
Fourth conviction. A fourth DUI will automatically be charged as a Class 2 felony.
Fifth conviction. A fifth DUI will be charged as a Class 1 felony.
Sixth or subsequent conviction. These DUI offenses will be charged with a Class X felony.
It is important to remember that all aggravated DUI offenses may be charged as felonies under Illinois DUI law, making it important for you to take any such charges seriously.
Find Legal Help After An Arrest
If you stand accused of aggravated DUI, it is important to seek the services of an attorney immediately. This legal professional can provide you with guidance as you seek to contest the charges against you, advising you of your best legal options given the circumstances of your case.
A lawyer can fill you in on DUI defense strategies that can be effective in getting aggravated driving under the influence charges dropped or reduced, potentially allowing you to avoid punishment or seeing the potential penalties against you significantly minimized.
