Aggravated DUI Defense Attorney in Jacksonville

Knowledgeable Counsel in Duval County 

An aggravated DUI charge can have a devastating impact on your life, extending far beyond the immediate consequences of fines, jail time, and license suspension. The repercussions can reach into your professional sphere, jeopardizing your career and livelihood.

In the face of such serious charges, it is crucial to seek the expertise of a skilled DUI defense attorney. The team at The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A. brings over 17 years of dedicated experience to defending individuals facing DUI charges. 

With a proven track record of success, our knowledgeable and reliable professionals are committed to providing personalized legal representation tailored to your unique needs. We can work to undermine the prosecution's claims in court or work to negotiate a plea, whichever defense strategy is in your best interest. 

When you are accused of an aggravated or extreme DUI offense in Jacksonville, you may feel pressure to make quick decisions, such as accepting the first plea offer from the State. We take the time to explain how the law applies to your situation, what is likely to happen in the Duval County court system, and what options may be available so you can make informed choices about your future.

Contact our ggravated DUI defense lawyer in Jacksonville at (904) 615-8950 to schedule a confidential consultation.
 

What Is an Aggravated DUI Offense? 

An aggravated DUI in Florida is a more serious charge than a standard DUI. This occurs when certain aggravating factors are present, which can elevate the offense to a felony or increase the penalties for a misdemeanor. Some common aggravating factors include:

• Having a minor in the vehicle. Driving with a minor present in the car during a DUI can enhance the charge.
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license. 
• Having had multiple DUI convictions. If you have previous DUI convictions, that can also elevate the charge to an aggravated DUI.
• Causing property damage, injury, or death. If your DUI results in serious injury or death to another person or property damage, it is considered an aggravated DUI.
• Having an exceedingly high BAC. If your BAC is .15 or higher, it is considered an aggravated DUI.
• Driving dangerously. If you are found to have been excessively speeding or engaging in other reckless driving practices, the charges can be enhanced to an aggravated DUI. 

In practice, aggravated DUI cases are often closely scrutinized by prosecutors in Duval County and surrounding Northeast Florida counties, and they may move quickly to gather evidence such as breath or blood test results, officer reports, and video from the stop. We can review whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the traffic stop and arrest, whether field sobriety exercises were conducted correctly, and whether any constitutional violations occurred that could affect the evidence against you.

Penalties for an Aggravated DUI 

Just as the offense is enhanced from a DUI, the penalties for an aggravated DUI are enhanced as well. The penalties for this offense are as follows: 

• A fine of $2,000 to $5,000 
• 50 hours of community service 
• Probation (for up to five years) 
• Imprisonment for up to five years 
• Permanent loss of your license 
• Vehicle impoundment 

Beyond these criminal penalties, you may also face administrative action on your driver’s license through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, increased insurance costs, and consequences for professional licenses or security clearances. For many people who live and work in Jacksonville, losing the ability to drive can affect their job, their family responsibilities, and their daily routine, so we carefully evaluate both the court case and the administrative side of your matter.

Defenses and Strategies in Aggravated DUI Cases

When we evaluate an aggravated DUI case, we look closely at both the facts and the law to determine what defenses or strategies may apply in your situation. The specific approach we take depends on issues such as the reason for the traffic stop, how sobriety testing was conducted, and what aggravating factors the State is relying on to enhance the charge. By carefully reviewing each step of the investigation, we can identify weaknesses that may allow us to challenge certain evidence or negotiate for a more favorable outcome.

Common areas we examine include whether the officer had a lawful basis to stop your vehicle, whether the breath testing equipment was maintained and operated according to Florida requirements, and whether any medical conditions or outside factors could have affected the test results. We also consider whether the aggravating factor itself can be questioned, such as whether the alleged speed was accurately recorded or whether there is clear proof of a minor’s presence in the vehicle. For clients whose cases are pending at the Duval County Courthouse or another local court in Northeast Florida, we discuss how these issues may play out with the particular judge and prosecutor handling the matter, so you understand the range of possibilities before making decisions.

Call (904) 615-8950 to Schedule a Consultation 

DUI charges can be difficult to face, especially if you are facing enhanced charges. Trust our Jacksonville DUI team to be there to act as your advocate throughout the legal process. We can review the evidence against you and look into the details of your arrest and test results as we work to develop your defense. 

When you contact us after an arrest in Jacksonville or the surrounding area, we can talk with you about where your case is pending, whether in the Duval County Courthouse or another local court, the deadlines you are facing, and what to expect at each stage of the process. We understand how stressful it can be to worry about jail, fines, and a permanent record, and we focus on giving you clear guidance so you are not navigating the system alone.

Learn more about how we can help with your case.