If you have been charged with aggravated DUI, it’s important to understand exactly what that means and what kind of penalties you may be facing if convicted. Our DUI Lawyer FLossmoor Illinois has an in-depth understanding of the law and has the experience to help you. Contact The MacNeil Firm today at (708) 218-0947 or (708) 218-0947 for a consultation.
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Illinois. But sometimes, prosecutors charge DUI with aggravated driving under the influence (DUI). This is when certain factors are present, such as your blood alcohol content (BAC) being more than .16 percent or if you have been convicted of DUI before.
Factors that lead to aggravated DUI
In Illinois, any DUI charge that is classified as a felony charge is automatically considered to be an aggravated DUI charge. Because the charge is more serious the consequences are more serious as well. There are various factors that lead to the charge of aggravated DUI such as:
- The driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is above .16%.
- A first time offender has a passenger under 16 years old and that passenger was injured
- A second time offender has a passenger under 16 years old
- The DUI occurred while driving a school bus with at least one minor passenger
- The DUI occurred while driving as a hired driver with a passenger inside
- There was bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement as a result of the DUI
- The driver charge did not have a valid driver’s license
- The driver charged did not have vehicle insurance
In cases of aggravated DUI, the need for a skilled DUI Lawyer Flossmoor Illinois increases exponentially. Even more so than standard DUI cases, a seasoned DUI defense attorney and a strategic legal defense can be absolutely pivotal in cases of aggravated DUI. The MacNeil Firm has vast experience helping clients successfully defend against aggravated DUI. Contact us today for a consultation.
More About Blood Alcohol Level
The driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) must be above .16 percent. BAC is based on grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. It’s determined by a chemical test that measures the amount of ethanol (the chemical in alcoholic beverages) in your system, not how much you drank or how drunk you are feeling at the time. If you have been drinking, it’s important to know that your BAC could increase over time after being stopped by police and arrested for DUI because alcohol remains in your bloodstream long after you have stopped drinking.
More About Bodily Harm
Great bodily harm is a serious injury that causes significant pain, bleeding, or disfigurement. A broken bone, concussion, and internal bleeding are all examples of great bodily harm.
Great bodily harm can also be an injury that permanently disfigures another person’s body or causes loss of limb, organ function, or sight. For example, if you hit someone with your car and cause them to lose their arm then this would be considered great bodily harm under Illinois law because it results in permanent disability for that person.
Permanent disability means that the victim will never regain normal functioning after suffering injuries such as paralysis or loss of limb(s). Injuries like these require long-term care and treatment and can lead to lifelong health problems.
If you have been charged with aggravated DUI and a mitigating factor is great bodily harm, you need an experienced DUI Lawyer Flossmoor Illinois on your side. Contact The MacNeil Firm today to protect your rights and your future.
Contact our DUI Lawyer Flossmoor Illinois for a superior criminal defense
Aggravated driving under the influence is a more serious charge than regular DUI. It can be charged for a variety of factors such as, a BAC of .16% or higher, or if you were involved in a car crash that resulted in great bodily harm or permanent disability to another person.
It’s important to note that aggravated DUI is considered a Class 2 felony, which carries with it greater consequences. If you find yourself facing an aggravated DUI charge, contact our team at The MacNeil Firm and our DUI Lawyer Flossmoor Illinois will assist you. We can help you understand your options and make sure that your rights are protected throughout every step of this process.
