In the context of DWI laws, what does "aggravated DWI" indicate?

"Aggravated DWI" refers specifically to a situation where an individual has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.18% or higher. This designation indicates a higher level of impairment and poses a greater risk to public safety. The law recognizes that driving at such elevated levels of intoxication increases the likelihood of accidents and severe consequences, thus elevating the offense from a standard DWI to aggravated DWI.

This distinction is crucial in understanding the legal repercussions that an offender may face, as it generally carries harsher penalties including increased fines, longer license suspensions, and possibly mandatory participation in alcohol treatment programs. Furthermore, this raises the stakes for law enforcement and the judiciary in dealing with high-risk behavior on the road.