When discussing “extreme” DUIs, the question is, what exactly is an “extreme” DUI? Generally speaking, the term “extreme DUI” is a kind of a slang term referring to a DUI case where a defendant charged with DUI faces increased punishment due to “aggravating factors.”
If you face a DUI in Florida, contact the Sarasota DUI Attorneys at the Fowler Law Group for help.
Aggravating Factors in Florida
The “aggravating factors” that make DUIs in Florida “extreme” DUIs are significant because the presence of these factors usually turns what would be a misdemeanor DUI into a felony DUI. These aggravating factors include:
- Repeat Offender. If a driver has a DUI conviction on their record already, they are considered a repeat offender. Courts tend to be less lenient in these kinds of cases. The prior DUI conviction may have happened in Florida or another state. Stricter penalties are given in an attempt to prevent the offender from repeating the same mistake over and over.
- Children in the Vehicle. This aggravating factor is considered by many courts to be the most serious of aggravating factors since children are unable to look out for themselves. This is also the case if you are pulled over in a school zone.
- Bodily Harm. Seriously or fatally injuring another person is cause for an aggravated DUI charge.
- Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License. A DUI with a suspended or revoked license shows what many courts consider to be a complete disregard for the law. Penalties are enhanced, resulting in aggravated DUI.
- Reckless Driving or Excessive Speeding. The addition of an excessive speed charge, such as driving 30+ miles per hour over the posted speed limit, will result in an aggravated DUI. Reckless driving can be an aggravating circumstance as well. Reckless driving is defined as a willful disregard for the safety of others. Driving on the wrong side of the road or driving the wrong way on a one-way street is considered reckless. Driving through traffic signals or driving drunk in the presence of children are also regarded as reckless.
- Exceptionally High Blood Alcohol Level. You’ll be charged with an aggravated DUI if your blood alcohol level is two or more times the legal limit.
Consequences of Extreme Duis
The difference between a DUI and an extreme DUI can have serious legal consequences, including:
- $250-$500 fines vs. $2,000-$5,000 fines
- One year probation vs. five years probation
- Prison sentences of six months maximum vs. five years maximum
- License revocation of a minimum of 180 days vs. license revocation for life
- 12 hours of DUI school vs. 21 hours of DUI school
- Vehicle impounded for 10 days vs. vehicle impounded for 90 days
Contact the Sarasota Dui Attorneys at the Fowler Law Group for More Information
Extreme DUIs should be avoided at all costs, from both legal and social standpoints. Still, if you have been arrested for DUI, be it of the extreme variety or not, let the Sarasota DUI attorneys at The Fowler Law Group help. Please contact us online.