A charge for driving under the influence is bad enough. However, there are several ways that a DUI charge can be enhanced and will require the services of an experienced Miami Criminal Lawyer, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Blood alcohol level over 0.15:  If the driver is convicted with a blood alcohol level over .15, the fines are increased, jail time is increased (if applied), and the defendant will be required to install an ignition interlock.
• Minor in vehicle: when a minor is found in the car, the penalties are enhanced similar to when the BAC is over 0.15.
• Accident involved: if there is an accident involved while under the influence, you can expect when there is an accident,
• Leaving the Scene:  leaving the scene of the crime after a DUI accident will usually be charged as a separate offense which can lead to enhanced penalties.

The most serious enhancements stemming from a driving under the influence charge is DUI manslaughter. It goes without saying that a DUI manslaughter charge is much more serious and can have serious jail-time that follows if convicted. There are several factors which are involved with DUI manslaughter, including:

1. The driver must be driving while intoxicated or driving while his normal faculties are impaired. This is generally accomplished by a breath test over .08 or based on factors such as slurred speech or failed sobriety tests;
2. In addition to driving impaired or a simple DUI offense, the driver must cause or contribute to the death or another person. This generally refers to a traffic accident, but it has been extended to an incident where a driver has ‘caused’ another accident which resulted in death.

If you have been arrested for a DUI in Miami and are facing enhanced penalties in the event of conviction, it is imperative that you speak with a Miami Criminal Lawyer at Musca Law today.