No matter where you live, you need to realize that there is more than one type of driving under the influence (DUI) charge.
Many people are under the impression that one DUI arrest is the same as another, however, nothing could be further from the truth.
There are many factors that differ from case to case, including how much the person had to drink, the type of vehicle they were operating, and whether or not they broke any other laws at the same time.
For example, aggravated DUI is a more serious crime. This comes into play if you broke another law, such as reckless driving, while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Since this crime is more serious, it could result in a harsher penalty.
Felony DUI is another type to be aware of. This happens when you are charged with DUI along with another aggravating factor, such as driving with a child in the car or on a suspended license.
Since there are so many types of DUI charges, it is not uncommon for an officer to be confused as to how to address your situation. If this happens, there is always the chance that a mistake could be made. Unfortunately, if this happens, you often end up in a worse position.
If you feel you have been falsely arrested or charged with the wrong type of DUI, it is important to understand your rights and the steps you can take to fight back. This is a serious crime, so the last thing you want to do is “go with the flow” and hope for the best.
Source: FindLaw, “Types of DUI,” accessed Aug. 03, 2016
