Let a DUI Defense Lawyer in Birmingham Fight for You
There is no denying that the process of being arrested can often be upsetting and overwhelming. While any type of arrest is a cause for concern, a DUI charge has the potential to be especially disruptive to your daily life. It can easily result in consequences ranging from the loss of driving privileges to jail time. If you are facing DUI charges for driving under the influence, it is important to remember that you are not in the fight alone. With the help of experienced DUI defense lawyers in Birmingham, fighting this charge and getting your life back on track may be possible.
What is the Blood Alcohol Level for an Arrest?
In Alabama, the legal blood alcohol content, or BAC, is anything at or over .08 of alcohol. However, there are a few things to keep in mind in regard to the concept of BAC and being arrested for driving under the influence. For starters, the BAC is a guideline for drivers over the age of 21 years old which is the legal drinking age in Alabama. If a person is under the legal drinking age, registering well below the BAC guideline of 0.8 is still grounds for being arrested under Alabama DUI laws. In addition, the BAC may not register all types of substances that may impair the ability to drive in the expected safe manner. For example, marijuana impairs safe driving, and while it does not register on a breathalyzer in the same manner as alcohol, you can still be arrested under Alabama DUI laws while under the influence of marijuana. If the police officer smells marijuana and you present signs of impairment (stumbling, slurred speech, lack of coordination, etc.), that may be enough for a DUI arrest.
How Can a DUI Lawyer Help?
A DUI defense lawyer may be able to help in a variety of ways throughout the legal process. From arrest and arraignment to the final hearing with sentencing, an experienced DUI lawyer will act as your guide and advocate to ensure your case is given the best chance possible to avoid a conviction. It is important to remember that a DUI arrest does not always mean a conviction is inevitable. A DUI defense lawyer will often try to argue for the charges to be dismissed due to a violation of rights or lack of evidence during the arrest. If it is not possible to have the charges dismissed, your DUI lawyer will work on reducing the possible penalties of a conviction as much as possible, such as asking for the minimum jail sentence for the offense or advocating for community service in place of jail for a first-time offender. Whatever the circumstances may be surrounding your DUI case, a DUI lawyer will be able to answer questions and prepare you for the possible outcomes to expect. A DUI lawyer will also act as your representative before the judge and be able to present the facts of the case in a straightforward, professional manner.
What are the Consequences of a DUI Conviction?
Being convicted of an Alabama DUI brings certain negative consequences. The state uses the number of DUI offenses to determine the standards of punishment. While the consequences of a DUI are the same, the severity of these consequences will depend on how many DUI offenses you have within a 10-year period. The consequences include fines, jail, loss of driving privileges, community service, and court-ordered treatment for alcohol abuse and addiction.
The first DUI conviction results in a minimum fine of $600 to a maximum fine of $2100 and up to a year in jail. The first conviction also results in a suspension of driving privileges wherein the length of the suspension is determined based on how far over the BAC limit the person was at the time of their arrest.
A second DUI conviction within 10 years of the first DUI conviction results in up to a year in jail, fines increased up to $5,100, probation once released from jail, and a longer suspension of driving privileges. The consequences increase with each subsequent DUI conviction.
Should You Fight a DUI Charge?
It is almost always worth fighting DUI charges, even if it is not your first time. It is entirely possible to fight a DUI conviction under certain instruments. Many DUI charges are dismissed due to errors in procedure and documentation from the arresting police officer during the arrest itself. In a DUI case where the charges are not dismissed in this manner, it is still worth putting up a legal fight. Even if a conviction is unavoidable, your DUI lawyer will still be able to argue for the maximum allowable leniency in your favor. You may even avoid heavy fines or longer jail time as a result. This is why it is always a smart move to speak with a DUI lawyer following an arrest for driving under the influence.
Find Legal Help Now
It is important to seek legal counsel when facing a DUI charge to ensure a fighting chance for your future. Whether this is your first offense or you are a repeat offender, you deserve compassionate legal advice and guidance from a DUI lawyer. We are here to help during this difficult time. Contact us today at (205) 521-7378(205) 521-7378 for a consultation.
