Charged with DUI in Alabama? Hire an Alabama DUI Lawyer who understands Alabama DWI Laws.

According to Alabama DUI Laws, drunk driving charges in traffic are considered a serious criminal offense and a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction in Alabama can have long lasting consequences once he comes in record.

Alabama DUI law includes both a criminal case and a Department of Public Safety driver’s license case following an arrest for Alabama DUI. Since every Alabama DUI arrest triggers two separate cases, if the accused is charged with a DUI in Alabama, then he or she should immediately hire an Alabama DUI defense attorney who understands the laws to defend your case. According to Alabama law, it is imperative that you request a hearing for your case within 10 days, as failure to do so, you will be considered guilty and this will commence the suspension of your license. It is also important that you build a strong lawyer client relationship and discuss your case in detail so as he can handle the case using his experience to prove you innocent.

Generally you will be required to submit to a chemical test when you’re pulled over, and you are considered to be chargeable with a DUI if your test result is 0.08% blood alcohol content or higher.

Offenders of DWI laws in Alabama and or its surrounding area or county where the Alabama law is followed can face numerous penalties such as jail, community service, education / treatment, fines/fees and license suspension based on the degree of crime. Other DUI arrest penalties include an ignition interlock device, which is a breath-testing machine attached to the steering wheel of your car, and prevents it from being started or driven when there is any measurable amount of alcohol in your body.

The odd thing about drunk driving laws in the state of Alabama is that the law does not require that the person be caught driving the car. Alabama is an "actual physical control" state, which means that under Alabama DUI law, just being in the car may be good enough for police officers to arrest you, so no sleeping it off in your car if you are intoxicated!. Even your defense lawyer cannot prove it to be illegal in the courts.

Unfortunately, the toughness of the laws in Alabama make this state’s DUI law particularly nasty, imposing additional punishment and penalties for anyone that refuses to take a chemical test of their blood, breath, or urine following their lawful arrest for drunk driving in Alabama. A refusal to test carries with it a 90-day driver’s license suspension, with no chance of getting even a restricted license during that time.

The punishment/sentences in light of Alabama drunk driving laws for an offense are:

• FIRST OFFENSE DUI – You are classified as a misdemeanor
• FINES: Fine range usually from $600 to $2,100
• JAIL: If convicted then sentenced for a period not more than 1 year, and/or 90 day license revocation.

Defendant typically ordered to attend a court approved substance abuse program.

SECOND OFFENSE WITHIN 5 YEARS OF FIRST OFFENSE – Also classified as a misdemeanor.

• FINES: It varies from dollars 1,100 - dollars 5,100

Defendant provided to attend a court ordered treatment program.

THIRD OFFENSE DUI – Classified as a misdemeanor;

• FINES $2,100 - $10,100
• JAIL: 60 days to one year
• OTHER: 3 year license revocation.

Defendant required to complete a court ordered alcohol treatment program.

FOURTH OFFENSE DUI - Classified as a Class C Felony

• FINES: ranges from $4,100 - $10,100
• JAIL: varies from 60 days to one year as per sentence
• OTHER: 5 year license revocation.

Defendant required to attend a court approved substance program.

SPECIFIC CATEGORIES:

Day Care and Schools Bus Drivers - 0.02% BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) or more than this limit (first offense): FINES $600 - $2,100; JAIL: Subject is sent to jail for not more than one year; OTHER: 1 year license revocation

Commercial Vehicle Drivers (First Violation):1 Year Suspension: for a BAC of 0.04% or more. 2 Year Suspension enforced for failure to submit to test.

To fully understand the penalties associated with an Alabama DUI charge, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an Alabama DUI lawyer that you are most comfortable with and who can knowledgeably represent you throughout your trial and court proceedings.  You can find an Alabama drunk driving attorney by typing in the city of your arrest above or call our 24 hour DUI hotline