A single arrest for drunk driving can significantly alter the course of one’s future. However, there may be circumstances that can further exacerbate the situation. For example, a driver could be charged with an aggravated DUI, which carries more serious legal consequences than a simple DUI. Consider some of the following reasons for which a driver might face such a charge:
In Georgia, the legal limit for a driver’s blood alcohol concentration is .08%. A driver with a BAC of .08% or higher is considered intoxicated. However, once a driver’s BAC registers as exceptionally high — approximately twice that of the legal limit — then he or she can be charged with an aggravated DUI.
A driver might also be accused of an aggravated DUI if there is a minor in the vehicle at the same time of his or her arrest. Simply being near where children are expected — such as in a school zone — can sometimes be enough to trigger this charge, too. Other situations that may lead to an aggravated DUI include:
- Multiple arrests or convictions
- Driving on a revoked or suspended license
- Excessively high speed
A DUI conviction can cut off certain employment or educational opportunities in the future. Defendants also face jail time, fines, and loss of driving privileges. These legal and personal consequences may reshape the course of one’s future, so acting sooner rather than later may be best for defendants in Georgia. An experienced attorney can usually provide helpful information about how to start on the criminal defense process.