DUI Lawyers Mobile, AL

Drunk Driving Attorneys Mobile County & Baldwin County

Understanding DUI / Drunk Driving Laws in Alabama

Drunk driving, known legally as Driving Under the Influence (DUI), is a serious offense in Alabama. Our lawyers can help you in DUI defense, but it’s crucial to understand the intricacies of these laws to provide the best defense possible for our clients. Alabama’s DUI laws are stringent, aiming to deter impaired driving and ensure road safety. The attorneys at Hernandez and Associates Law Firm can help you understand the DUI laws in Alabama and the legal consequences of a DUI conviction.

Legal Definition and Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits

In Alabama, a driver is considered legally impaired if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under the age of 21, the limit is 0.02%. It’s important to note that drivers can still be charged with DUI if their BAC is below these thresholds if their driving is noticeably impaired.

Implied Consent Law

Alabama enforces an implied consent law, meaning that by driving on Alabama roads, drivers automatically consent to submit to chemical tests (breath, blood, or urine) to determine their BAC. Refusal to take these tests can result in automatic license suspension and can be used as evidence of guilt in a DUI case. The penalties for refusal include a 90-day suspension for the first refusal and a one-year suspension for subsequent refusals.

Penalties for DUI Convictions

Penalties for DUI in Alabama vary based on the number of prior offenses and the severity of the incident. They can include fines, imprisonment, community service, mandatory attendance at DUI school, and license suspension or revocation.

First Offense:

• Fines: $600 to $2,100
• Imprisonment: Up to 1 year
• License Suspension: 90 days
• DUI School: Required

Second Offense (within 10 years):

• Fines: $1,100 to $5,100
• Imprisonment: 5 days to 1 year (or community service)
• License Revocation: 1 year
• DUI School: Required

Third Offense (within 10 years):

• Fines: $2,100 to $10,100
• Imprisonment: 60 days to 1 year
• License Revocation: 3 years
• DUI School: Required

Fourth and Subsequent Offenses (within 10 years):

• Fines: $4,100 to $10,100
• Imprisonment: 1 to 10 years (Class C felony)
• License Revocation: 5 years
• DUI School: Required

Aggravating Factors

Certain factors can enhance the penalties for a DUI conviction, including:

• Having a BAC of 0.15% or higher
• Causing an accident resulting in injury or death
• Driving with a child passenger
• Having multiple prior DUI convictions

Defending Against DUI Charges

As DUI defense lawyers, we work hard to explore all potential defenses to mitigate the charges against our clients. These can include challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of BAC testing equipment, and the administration of field sobriety tests. Additionally, scrutinizing the arresting officer’s conduct and adherence to protocol can uncover procedural errors that may lead to dismissal or a reduction of charges.

Importance of Legal Representation

Facing a DUI charge can be overwhelming, but having a knowledgeable DUI lawyer in your corner can significantly impact the outcome of a case. From negotiating plea deals to representing clients in court, a skilled DUI attorney ensures that the client’s rights are protected throughout the legal process.

For those charged with DUI in Alabama, understanding the law and seeking competent legal representation is paramount. A DUI conviction can have lasting repercussions, affecting one’s driving record, employment opportunities, and personal life. Therefore, navigating the complexities of DUI laws with the guidance of an experienced attorney is crucial for a favorable resolution.

Contact A DUI Lawyer In Mobile, AL Today For Help

Hernandez and Associates Law Firm has an experienced and tenacious courtroom presence to aid in our client’s defense. We provide effective solutions to our clients facing DUI charges. Schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys to get started. Call our office in Mobile at (251) 479-1477, or fill out our online contact form. We fight for you and your rights!

We help clients throughout Mobile County – Bayou La Batre, Chickasaw, Citronelle, Creola, Dauphin Island, Mobile, Saraland, Satsuma, Semmes, Prichard, and Mt. Vernon. We also help clients near the Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico as well as Baldwin County – Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Foley, Daphne, Fairhope, Bay Minnette and the surrounding towns and areas.