An Arkansas truck driver was sentenced to over six years in prison following a multi-car accident which caused injuries to several people. The trucker was charged with aggravated driving under the influence due to one of the individuals was seriously injured, suffering a broken vertebra. The chain-reaction accident occurred when the driver hit the back of a car after reaching down to the floorboard to grab a pack of cigarettes. Although the truck driver believed that he was taking a combination of caffeine and ephedrine, drug testing on the driver revealed that he was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the accident.

Aggravated DUI in Seattle

Whereas driving under the influence is generally considered a gross misdemeanor in the state of Washington, legislators have created several factors that can cause a charge to be elevated to aggravated DUI. Drivers who face an aggravated DUI charge risk greater penalties that can be imposed by a judge. Seattle residents need to be aware of the factors that can enhance a DUI charge to one of an aggravated nature. Examples of aggravated DUI charges include:

• Minor Passenger in the Vehicle: if a person is found guilty of driving under the influence while carrying a passenger under the age of 16 in the vehicle, a judge must impose additional punishments.
• Causing an accident or injury: if you were driving under the influence and caused an accident--especially if the accident caused bodily injury, which is known as "vehicular assault"--you can face a charge of aggravated DUI.
• Multiple offenses: if a person has been convicted of DUI three or more times within the past ten years, a charge may be elevated to aggravated DUI.
• Causing a death: the worst-case scenario is causing someone's death while driving under the influence. This will cause your DUI charge to be aggravated in nature.

Aggravated DUI is a Class B felony, and conviction of such an offense can carry devastating penalties--a person found guilty of aggravated DUI can face a prison sentence of up to ten years, along with a fine of up to $20,000. In addition, his or her license will be suspended.

Arrested for Driving Under the Influence in Seattle? Steve Karimi is Here to Help

If you are facing a charge of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol after being pulled over in the Seattle area, you need an experienced attorney you can trust to take on your representation. DUI is a serious charge that can have serious repercussions upon conviction, and therefore you should never try to fight your charge alone. Armed with his experience as a former prosecutor, Steve Karimi has the knowledge it takes to get inside of the State's head and formulate a plan of defending your case. Don't wait until it is too late to get the quality representation you deserve from an attorney you can trust--to speak to a member of the Karimi Law team about your charge and take the next step toward getting the representation you need, fill out an online case evaluation form or call (206) 621-8777 today.