When Enhancements Escalate Your DUI
A simple driving under the influence (DUI) charge can escalate quite rapidly when a child or other accompanying issues are involved. Unfortunately, not everyone who is arrested on a DUI charge is actually guilty of it. Read on to find out more about the enhanced punishments you could face when your arrest was more complicated.
Not a Simple DUI
Almost all DUI arrests are already complicated enough. To fight against a DUI charge, every aspect of the roadside stop, including the field sobriety tests and the arrest, must be scrutinized for legality. In the case of the below situations, the need for fighting your charges is even greater. The below enhancements can create a complicated case, and being convicted can lead to extremely serious punishments.
Typical DUI Enhancements
Any of the below can result in higher fines, jail or prison time, longer probation periods, more restrictions on your driver's license, and more.
- An accident that occurs in connection to your DUI arrest can bring additional charges and things can get even more serious if the other occupants were injured or killed. You can be charged with vehicular homicide or murder in some cases. Additionally, if you were drunk at the time of an accident, you could be sued by the other driver in civil court. The financial judgment could mean wage garnishment and liens on your property. Finally, you might be ordered by the criminal court system to pay victim restitution to the other occupants and passengers.
- Resisting arrest is not always what many think. Resisting arrest doesn't necessarily mean fighting with the officers at the scene. It can be anything from cursing at the officers to arguing with them at the scene. If you were intoxicated, the effect of the alcohol on your ability to comply with law enforcement instructions will be no excuse for bad behavior.
- Fleeing from law enforcement doesn't always involve a high-speed chase. If you are too drunk to notice the blue lights behind you and fail to pull over, you could be charged with an additional crime.
- Reckless driving charges can be added onto to a DUI if your driving was particularly dangerous to others on the road.
- Child endangerment is an additional charge if a minor-aged child was present in your vehicle when you were charged with DUI. Children are widely considered to be innocent victims of an adult's bad behavior and the charges can be serious. Needless to say, it can also affect child custody for a parent.
As you can see, a simple DUI can get complicated in some cases. Speak to a DUI defense attorney that works with DUI clients as soon as possible.