Making Matters Worse With A DUI

If you have been arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI), things could get worse. Complications can put a simple and straightforward DUI case in jeopardy and rachet up the punishment by quite a bit. Aggravated DUI charges can be serious enough to merit felony charges, so read on to find how easy it can be to have this happen to you.

Aggravated DUI Charges

Intoxicated people don't always make the right decisions, but some perfectly sober people can also make mistakes. You might be surprised at how easy it can be to have a normal DUI charge be elevated to an aggravated charge. This problem is that some things that can prompt an aggravated charge are vague and may be entirely unintentional on the defendant's part. Take a look at two issues that can make things worse for anyone charged with DUI.

Fleeing From Law Enforcement

You might not have noticed police lights behind you at first. Once you've found a safe place to pull over, you might find yourself charged with trying to evade law enforcement. Unfortunately, if you are also accused of being under the influence, then things just got a lot worse for you.

Resisting Arrest

This charge can come as a big surprise to some who were just asking a few questions of the police officers. If you question, argue, lie, or curse at law enforcement during a traffic stop, you can be charged with resisting arrest. In many states, you don't have to physically fight against the arrest to be charged in this manner. Adding that to a DUI charge can quickly escalate matters to more serious charges and even felony charges.

Other Aggravating Factors

Take a look at a few other factors that, if present, could complicate your DUI case:

• Having a minor in the vehicle at the time of the arrest.
• Being involved in an accident.
• Having a blood alcohol content higher than .08%.

Get the DUI Charge Thrown Out

You can't be charged without proof of an original offense, and DUI arrests are often riddled with mistakes by law enforcement. With a good criminal defense lawyer, you have a good chance of the charges being dropped due to bad evidence. The results of the breathalyzer, poor field sobriety testing procedures, and so much more can all be questioned. Once the DUI charge is doubtful, the aggravated charges may also disappear along with it. Speak to a criminal lawyer to find out more.