What are penalties for DUI at a .15 BAC or higher?

When a person is caught driving under the influence (DUI) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher in North Carolina, the legal repercussions are more severe than for lower BAC levels. The law recognizes that a BAC of .15 or above indicates a significantly elevated level of impairment, which can pose a greater danger to public safety.

As a result, the penalties include both increased fines and the possibility of jail time. This is in alignment with the policies aimed at deterring repeat offenses and emphasizing the seriousness of driving while intoxicated at high BAC levels. Higher fines serve as a financial deterrent, while the potential for jail time reflects the criminal nature of the offense, intended to underscore the risks associated with such driving behavior.

Other options do not accurately capture the full spectrum of consequences for having a BAC of .15 or higher. For instance, suggesting only higher fines or only potential jail time fails to address the comprehensive nature of the penalties which are aimed to address both the monetary and behavioral aspects of DUI offenses. Thus, the correct answer reflects the combination of both increased fines and potential jail time as a means to mitigate the risks associated with high BAC driving offenses.