Nebraska law adds to the severity of a DUI charge and enhances the penalties when a motorist’s blood alcohol content tests at 0.15% or more. As noted on the Nebraska Legislature website, a judge may revoke your license for a first-time enhanced offense, which may reflect an aggravated DUI charge.
Among other factors, refusing to submit to a breath or blood test may result in an enhanced charge. A refusal could also cause you to lose the ability to prove you drove within the legally allowable BAC limit or under the level qualifying for an aggravated DUI charge.
What effect could an aggravated DUI conviction have on your life?
In addition to a temporary and potentially lengthy loss of your driving privileges, an aggravated DUI conviction may require installing an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. The IID attaches to your steering wheel and requires you to blow into it. The engine generally will not start unless the device detects a BAC less than the legal limit.
A judge may also assign community service, which could bring about a significant change in your schedule. You may, for example, need to take time off from work or adjust your personal routines to perform court-assigned duties. In some cases, a judge may order imprisonment instead.
How may I defend against an enhanced DUI charge?
You may contest a BAC test result if another factor could have caused the elevated reading. As noted by WebMD, testing devices may not reliably produce accurate results if they have low batteries or need recalibration.
An aggravated DUI charge could result from a variety of circumstances that include a high BAC, refusing a breath test or a prior offense record. A strong defense may reduce the penalties for an aggravated DUI and lessen its impact on your life.
