Getting charged with a DUI in Maryland is serious. An aggravated DUI is even more severe and can result in more serious consequences for your future.
Reckless Behavior
You may be charged with an aggravated DUI if your actions are seen as highly reckless. It includes driving with high levels of alcohol in your system, having a child in the car, or causing a serious accident while intoxicated. If you have a history of drunk driving, you could also face an aggravated DUI charge.
Serious Penalties
An aggravated DUI comes with harsher penalties than a regular DUI. If convicted, you could face a six-month license suspension, fines between $500 and $1,000, and possibly jail time. The court may also require you to attend counseling or treatment for alcohol abuse. Additionally, you might need to install a breathalyzer device in your car before starting it.
Additional Charges
If you’re driving drunk and cause injury, you could face up to three years in jail and fines up to $5,000. If someone dies as a result, the jail time could increase to five years. You may also face civil lawsuits from those injured or from the families of those killed, which could lead to financial ruin. Having a child passenger may result in child endangerment charges in addition to the aggravated DUI charge. Reckless driving or speeding can also lead to extra charges.
Long-Term Impact
A conviction for an aggravated DUI can affect your life long after you’ve served your sentence. Your car insurance rates may rise, and a criminal record could make finding a job or housing harder. Once an aggravated DUI is on your record, it can be challenging to remove.
Stay Safe
DUI is a serious crime, and reckless driving can bring lasting consequences. If you plan to drink, make arrangements to avoid driving and protect yourself and others on the road.
