Aggravated DUI Attorney in Sarasota

Serious Charges Need Focused Local Defense—Call the Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA

If you or someone you care about has been arrested for an aggravated DUI in Sarasota, you are facing more than a routine drunk driving case. Felony exposure, mandatory jail time, long license suspensions, and a permanent record are all real possibilities. It can feel like everything you have built is suddenly at risk.

At Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA, our Sarasota criminal defense lawyers work with people in exactly this position. We take the time to understand what happened, review the paperwork and videos, and explain what these charges really mean. You will not be left guessing about the process or your options.

Our team has extensive litigation experience in the Sarasota County criminal courts, and Attorney Reisinger’s background as a prosecutor gives us insight into how the State builds aggravated DUI cases. We use that perspective, along with a careful review of the evidence, to build a defense strategy aimed at protecting your freedom, your license, and your future.

Don't let an aggravated charge derail your life. Call the Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA at (941) 541-5335 or reach out online to speak with a Sarasota aggravated DUI lawyer. Benefit from our former prosecutor experience and schedule your free consultation now.

Understanding Aggravated DUI Laws in Florida

In Florida, the core DUI statute is Florida Statute § 316.193. While a "standard" DUI involves a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher, the law identifies several factors that "aggravate" the offense, moving it into a much more punitive category. It is vital to distinguish between a standard misdemeanor and an aggravated charge, as the latter often removes the judge’s discretion for leniency.

Common aggravators in Sarasota cases include:

• High BAC (.15 or higher): If your breath or blood test results show a BAC nearly double the legal limit, you face significantly higher fines and a mandatory ignition interlock device, even for a first offense.
• Minor in the Vehicle: If a person under the age of 18 was a passenger at the time of your arrest, Florida law automatically enhances the penalties to the same level as a high BAC charge.
• Property Damage or Minor Injury: If the DUI resulted in a car accident that damaged property or caused "non-serious" injuries to another person, the charge is elevated to a first-degree misdemeanor.
• Serious Bodily Injury: When an accident leads to permanent disability or disfigurement, the crime is reclassified as a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in state prison.
• Prior Convictions: A second DUI within five years or a third DUI within ten years is treated as an aggravated offense, carrying mandatory jail time and long-term license revocations.

As an aggravated DUI attorney in Sarasota, our firm meticulously examines the specific aggravators cited in your case. We understand that in many instances, the "aggravation" is based on technicalities or faulty testing equipment that can be challenged in court.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Aggravated DUI in Sarasota

The penalties for aggravated DUI in Florida are structured to be life-disrupting. Even for a first-time offender, the "enhancements" create a mandatory baseline for punishment.

Mandatory Sentencing Requirements

• Increased Fines: While a standard first DUI carries a fine of $500–$1,000, an aggravated charge (high BAC or minor in car) increases the fine to $1,000–$2,000.
• Extended Jail Time: A standard first-time DUI carries a maximum of six months; an aggravated version increases the maximum to nine months. If it is a second offense, you face up to 12 months.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Florida law mandates the installation of an IID on your vehicle for at least six months for a first-time aggravated offense and up to two years for repeat offenders.
• Mandatory Impoundment: Your vehicle will typically be impounded or immobilized for at least 10 days.

Collateral Consequences

The "hidden" costs of an aggravated conviction often outweigh the court-ordered fines:

• Professional Licensing: Professionals in Sarasota, including nurses, real estate agents, and CDL holders, often face mandatory reporting requirements and possible license suspension following an aggravated DUI conviction.
• FR-44 Insurance: Florida requires DUI convicts to carry high-limit insurance known as FR-44, which can cost three to four times more than standard coverage for a period of three years.
• Permanent Record: In Florida, a DUI conviction cannot be expunged or sealed. It will remain on your record for 75 years, visible to every future employer and landlord.
• Travel Restrictions: Certain countries, most notably Canada, may deny entry to individuals with an aggravated DUI on their criminal record.

Why Hire Our Sarasota DUI Team

Our attorneys regularly appear in Sarasota County criminal courts on misdemeanor and felony matters. We see how judges typically approach bond, plea offers, and sentencing in DUI cases, and we understand how the State Attorney’s Office evaluates aggravating factors such as prior convictions or crashes involving injuries.

Attorney Reisinger brings an additional perspective that many firms do not have. His prior work as a prosecutor means he has been on the other side of the courtroom, making decisions about which charges to file and how to present evidence. We draw on that experience when we analyze an aggravated DUI file, anticipate the State’s arguments, and prepare to cross-examine law enforcement or other witnesses.

Our litigation approach is shaped by real results in serious cases. Attorney Reisinger was the first lawyer in Sarasota County to secure dismissal of a murder charge under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. That outcome required deep knowledge of Florida law, careful evidence review, and strong advocacy in front of the court. The same commitment to preparation and creative legal argument guides how we approach complex DUI cases where so much is at stake.

How We Build An Aggravated DUI Defense For Sarasota Clients

Building an aggravated DUI defense for clients in Sarasota requires a detailed, methodical review of every part of the State’s case. We begin by examining the traffic stop, questioning whether it was lawful and whether any searches or field sobriety exercises were properly conducted. Errors at this early stage can affect whether later evidence is admissible.

We then scrutinize breath or blood testing procedures, including maintenance records, operator certifications, observation periods, and chain of custody. In cases involving alleged aggravating factors—such as serious bodily injury, a minor passenger, or prior DUI convictions—we carefully review medical records and prior case documents to determine whether the enhancements are fully supported or can be challenged.

At the same time, we focus on the personal factors that may influence bond or sentencing decisions. By gathering documentation of treatment, employment, counseling, and community ties, we work to present you as a whole person. This balanced approach strengthens negotiations and courtroom advocacy in high-stakes aggravated DUI cases.

Steps you can take right after an aggravated DUI arrest to protect yourself include:

• Contact a qualified DUI defense lawyer promptly so deadlines for court and license issues are not missed.
• Avoid discussing the incident with anyone other than your attorney, including on social media or by text.
• Gather documents and information, such as your citation, bond paperwork, and any contact information for witnesses.
• Write down your memory of the stop, testing, and arrest while details are still fresh, including times, locations, and statements.

Every aggravated DUI case is different, and we cannot promise a particular outcome. What we can do is bring our courtroom experience, former prosecutor insight, and detailed case review to your defense, and work to pursue the most favorable result that the facts and law will allow.

Talk To Our Sarasota Aggravated DUI Lawyers

When you contact Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA, you speak with a firm that knows the Sarasota County courts and understands how prosecutors approach serious DUI cases. We bring together years of local litigation experience, Attorney Reisinger’s background as a prosecutor, and a careful approach to evidence review. Our focus is on giving you clear guidance so you can make informed decisions at a difficult time.

Call (941) 541-5335 or reach out online to talk with our team about your aggravated DUI case.