Being arrested for driving under the influence in Minnesota or North Dakota can be concerning. The penalties that accompany a DUI conviction are often harsh and may cause extensive problems in a person’s life with lost driving privileges, jail time and fines. In some situations, there may be DUI enhancement.
With DUI enhancement, the person will face harsher penalties based on certain factors. These factors will likely mean that a different defense strategy is needed. Those who have had DUI convictions in the past will face this issue. The general level for blood-alcohol concentration to warrant a DUI arrest is 0.08%. If it is a higher level at 0.15% or above, this too can result in enhanced penalties.
Drivers are legally obligated to submit to a breath test when asked to do so by law enforcement. Refusal can spark various penalties including the driver’s license being immediately suspended. In some cases, it can result in jail time. Some DUI drivers have a child in the vehicle. Depending on the age of the child, the penalties can be worse for this. DUI accidents in which there is property damage and bodily injury to another person are justifications for there to be a sentence enhancement.
There are other aspects of a DUI case that may spur enhanced penalties, including driving with an open container of alcohol, being on probation for other criminal acts or committing DUI with an ignition interlock device installed on the vehicle. DUI charges can be complicated enough even without sentence enhancement. If there is sentence enhancement, the person could be confronted with long-term challenges. However, there are strategies that might be effective to combat the charges. Consulting with a law firm experienced in DUI defense may be helpful in dealing with the case.
