How Extreme DUI Charges Differ from Regular DUI Charges
Drunk driving charges always need to be taken seriously given the immediate legal concerns that you will face as well as the long-term ramifications the conviction can have on your record. This is why it's important to seek out a lawyer following a DUI or DWI arrest. A DWI lawyer will help you make smart decisions with regard to your legal options, and can potentially help strike plea bargains that reduce fines and penalties.
One topic that has come up a fair amount in recent years is the notion of “extreme DUI.” The legal team at The Law Offices of Jason Trumpler would like to take a few moments right now to go over some of the basics of extreme DUI and how this differs from a regular DUI charge.
What is an “extreme DUI”?
Extreme DUI refers people who are driving drunk with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher. This is twice the legal BAC limit of 0.08. For some perspective, a 0.08 BAC is reached when a person who weighs around 150 lbs consumes three beers in one hour. (This is a rough estimate and can vary from person to person, of course.)
About Extreme DUI Laws
Not all states have extreme DUI laws in place. In fact, the state of Texas only enacted these extreme DUI laws around Labor Day weekend 2011. The reasoning behind these extreme DUI laws is to punish drivers more severely if they are extremely intoxicated and hence pose a greater risk to motorists on the road.
Higher Fines and More Jail Time
Because the extreme DUI charge involves a much higher BAC, the fines and penalties against people arrested for extreme DUI are much steeper.
For regular DUI/DWI arrests in which a driver's BAC is between 0.08 and 0.14, jail time is up to 180 days with fines up to $2,000. By comparison, if someone is charged with an extreme DUI, that person may face up to 360 days in jail and face fines up to $4,000. In essence, the higher BAC doubles the penalties following the arrest.
Having Skilled Attorneys Is Crucial for Your Legal Case
If you or someone that you care about has been arrested and charged with an extreme DUI/DWI, it's important that you seek out legal assistance. A skilled DWI defense attorney will guide you through the legal process, helping you make the best decisions from beginning to end. They will examine potential flaws in sobriety testing and BAC assessment as well as misconduct during your arrest. Our lawyers will also work to help reduce your sentence and ensure that you receive a fair shake from the law.
Learn More About Your Legal Options In Extreme DUI Cases
For more information about all of your legal options following an extreme DUI charge, it's important that you speak with skilled DUI attorneys. To schedule a legal consultation with the team at The Law Offices of Jason Trumpler, be sure to contact our Austin, TX criminal defense lawyers today. We will examine all of the circumstances surrounding your case and help you make the smartest legal decisions each step of the way.
