Why should you hire a lawyer for your DUI?
A good lawyer can help minimize or avoid severe penalties and consequences often associated with your DUI. Hiring a DUI lawyer can make the difference between going to jail, losing your license, and getting a non-guilty verdict or reduced plea. Here is some additional information about DUI in the State of Alabama.
It matters what you blow
In Alabama, the legal limit for drivers is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 under normal conditions.
Drivers of semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles can be charged with DUI if they are pulled over with a BAC of .04 or more. Drivers who are under 21 can be charged with DUI if they blow more than .02.
Additionally, drivers who blow over .15 can be charged with aggravated DUI, a charge that comes with increased penalties. In every case, police and prosecutors have wide discretion and many drivers are charged with DUI despite having a BAC below .08.
Jail time
Jail Time is a Possibility, Even if This is Your First Arrest
Alabama does not have mandatory minimum jail time for DUI first offenders. However, the law does allow for up to a year in jail in these cases. This is one reason why hiring a lawyer to handle your DUI is so important. It is rare for first offenders to be sentenced to jail time, but it is a possibility that people charged with DUI must be aware of. The threat of incarceration becomes even more serious with repeat offenses and other contributing circumstances.
driver's license suspensions
You Can Lose Your License Even If You Are Not Convicted
Anyone arrested in Alabama for DUI will have an automatic 90-day driver’s license suspension on a first offense. The suspension is longer for repeat offenders. However, if you act quickly you can take steps to try to keep your license. In order to fight the suspension, you must request a DPS administrative hearing within 10 days of the DUI arrest. If you want to pursue this option it is crucial that you contact us immediately so that we can discuss your case.
Alabama DUI Penalties
First Conviction:
Imprisonment - Up to 1 year in municipal or county jail (no minimum mandatory sentence)
Fine - $600 - $2,100 (§32-5A-191.1)
Mandatory - 90-day license suspension, DUI school attendance.
Second Conviction:
Imprisonment - 48 consecutive hours, up to 1 year, or not less than 20 days community service
Fine - $1,100 - $5,100
Mandatory - Not less than 48 hours consecutive imprisonment, or community service of not less than 20 days
Driver's LicenseRevocation - 1 year
Third Conviction Within 5 Years:
Imprisonment - 60 days in municipal or county jail, up to 1 year
Mandatory - 60-day imprisonment which cannot be probated or suspended
Fine - $2,100 - $10,100
Driver's License Revocation - 3 years
Fourth or Subsequent Conviction Within 5 Years - Class C Felony (§32-5A-191):
Imprisonment - 1-10 years
Fine - $4,100 - $10,100
Driver's License Revocation - 5 years