- Anniston
- Athens
- Croomes, Steven:
criminal law, business law, and commercial litigation matters
- Auburn
- Alley, John:
Alabama Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence, as well as driving while intoxicated can have disastrous results on our roads nowadays. In fact, in the year 2007 alone, about 12,998 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes (www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811016.PDF).
Driving is considered a privilege, not a right. Getting caught driving under the influence or drunk driving can have severe consequences, such as getting your driving privileges revoked (temporarily or permanently), and causing your insurance rates to dramatically increase. In addition to this, you will most likely have to serve time in jail, as well as possibly perform some type of community service.
Drunk driving usually pertains to when someone has consumed enough alcohol to impair his or her judgment and abilities while operating a motor vehicle. This is also known as driving while intoxicated (DWI).
In the case of driving under the influence however, one can become impaired due to consuming alcohol and/or other types of drugs. Whether they are prescription drugs (such as painkillers), or illegal drugs, (such as marijuana), either can have side effects which can impair even the best drivers out there.
Since these types of drugs impair one’s judgment, it’s no surprise that a lot of people get caught driving on our roadways under the influence, and are incarcerated. Checkpoints are often setup on major roadways in order to detect people that are driving under the influence or intoxicated. During these checkpoints, if the officers suspect one is impaired, he or she will most likely have to take a sobriety test. Upon failing that test, he or she will be arrested, and have his or her car confiscated and taken to an impound lot.
While both of these types of drug and alcohol abuse are major crimes, the DUI offense is usually considered to be a lesser charge. However after four offenses, a DUI becomes a felony, which will result in the most severe penalties. Jail time is significantly increased (as much as ten year terms), and there’s the possibility of permanent loss of driving privileges.
No one out there ever thinks he or she will be arrested for such a crime. Unfortunately though, it can happen to anyone, since drugs impair judgment and rational thought. If you are ever arrested and charged with DUI or DWI, you will need a lawyer who has experience in defending people who are charged with such offenses.
- Collier Swecker:
Our firm represents and advises clients who have been charged with
driving under the influence. Such charges can have serious
consequences. A conviction will result in fines and possibly land you
in jail. In addition, your insurance company may increase your rates to
an unmanageable level. In defending against an under the influence or
impaired driving charge, you have many rights as a criminal defendant,
including the right to cross-examine the witnesses against you, even if
they are police officers. An experienced attorney can make all the
difference.
- Walton Law Firm:
The penalties for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) are serious. If you or a loved one has been arrested, you need an experienced attorney as soon as possible to keep you out of jail and help protect your rights.
In addition to mandatory jail time and loss of your driving privileges, a DUI can have other devastating consequences. Conviction can mean the loss or suspension of your professional license, loss of your commercial driver’s license, loss of your pilot’s license, loss of your job, dramatic increases in automobile insurance premiums, cancellation of automobile insurance, downgrades to your credit rating, loss of qualification for a student loan, loss of your ability to enter the military, even loss of your right to vote.
The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that criminal
defendants have a right to the assistance of counsel. Courts have
interpreted this to mean that criminal defendants have a right to an
attorney during all critical stages throughout the criminal process.
- Bay Minette
- Ball, Koons & Watson:
If you have been charged with a crime, it is surely the most urgent concern in your life. A criminal conviction has far-reaching effects on your life that include an impact on your family life and employment. You need an experienced criminal defense lawyer looking out for your rights.
- Doerr Law Firm:
Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI)
laws make it unlawful to operate a vehicle while 1) impaired by the
effects of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medication, or 2)
intoxicated at a level beyond set DUI/DWI standards, such as
blood-alcohol count (BAC). Many states carry "implied consent" laws
requiring that licensed drivers submit to a chemical test if suspected
of DUI or DWI. Costs and criminal penalties associated with DUI/DWI
vary according to the circumstances of the offense, but license
suspension, fines, and jail time are typical consequences.
- Birmingham
Birmingham
Birmingham
Birmingham
Birmingham
Birmingham
- Childersburg
- Copeland, Jordan:
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, you may need to speak with an attorney before you speak to law enforcement to protect your best interests.
- Mitchell & Graham:
No representation has been made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services to be performed by other lawyers.
- Cullman
- Fuller & Willingham:
* DUI: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
* White collar crimes: Fraud/embezzlement/mortgage fraud/other
* Drug charges: Possession/trafficking/distribution/manufacture/other
* Violent crimes: Murder/assault/domestic violence/weapons charges/other
* Juvenile delinquency offenses: Drugs/burglary/theft/assault/DUI/other
- Smith & Smith:
misdemeanors and felonies, including homicide offenses, drug charges, domestic assault, DUI, and white collar crimes, such as forgery, embezzlement, and fraud
- Crocker, Champ:
# DUI, or drunk driving
# Homicide
# Domestic Assault
# Robbery
# White collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, forgery)
# Identity theft
- Daleville
- Urech and Livaudais:
Criminal Defense
* DUI / DWI
* Speeding tickets
* Traffic violations
* Homicide
* Sex crimes
* Drug offenses
* Firearms offenses
A criminal charge can be life-changing, depending on the circumstances. You need an experienced criminal defense lawyer that will guide you through the process from beginning to end, negotiating with the government on your behalf to effect the best possible outcome in your case.
- Daphne
- Dasinger, Thomas:
A drunk driving arrest can happen to anyone who has consumed alcohol and then gotten behind the wheel of a car. No one is immune.
- Dasinger, Brian:
If you have been arrested for drunk driving (DUI or DWI) it is important to remember that sometimes good people make poor choices. It can happen to anyone, whether you are a public motorist or commercial driver. You may be worried about losing your license, fines and about having to spend time in jail.
Time is of the Essence
If you have been arrested for Driving Under the Influence, it is highly important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and leave all possibilities for defense accessible. If convicted you could lose your license for a period of time, face possible fines or jail time and be subject to high increases in your auto insurance rates.
Time is of the essence. You have ten days, from the day you are charged with DUI, to request a hearing to keep your license from being suspended. After the ten day period expires, your opportunity for a driver's license "administrative" hearing is waived.
- Harbinson & Hoyt:
If you are charged with an alcohol related charge in
Alabama it is important that you speak with an attorney
immediately to protect your rights and your future
-
- Decatur
- James Family Law Center:
A felony or misdemeanor conviction could affect the rest of your life. You may not be able to get certain jobs, credit or a place to stay. Employers are increasingly using criminal background checks before deciding who to offer a job. If you have a criminal matter, our experienced and aggressive attorney can help clear your name.
- Dothan
- Fairhope
- McGriff, Daniel:
From traffic tickets and public intoxication to DUI, drug possession and domestic violence charges, a conviction for a municipal offense can come with serious potential consequences. You need an attorney who understands the challenges you face and will do everything possible to protect your rights.
Do not make any statements to law enforcement before you have talked to a lawyer.
- York, David:
* Assault
* Burglary
* Disorderly conduct
* Drug possession
* Drug trafficing
* Drunk driving
* Fraud
* Juvenile offenses
* Theft
* Manslaughter
* Murder
* Traffic offenses
* White collar crimes
- Ham & Associates:
Serious Consequences
Being charged with a DWI brings a lot of uncertainly. You may ask yourself:
* Will I lose my license?
* How much will I have to pay in fines?
* Will I face jail time?
* How will I get to work?
* How will I keep my job?
* Will I be able to get a job in the future?
- Florence
- Odem, David:
Why Were You Stopped?
In order to be pulled over by the police, they must have a reason to do so. They may see an abnormal driving behavior such as weaving, a mechanical problem with your vehicle such as a broken head light, or a driving infraction such as an illegal turn. Swerving for a reason, operating a motor vehicle that has a broken taillight, or making an improper lane change is a driving infraction - it is not a crime. However, the police have been trained to equate abnormal driving behavior with alcohol and/or drug impairment and will probably already have concluded (in their own mind) that you are driving under the influence . Pull over when requested, show your proper documentation and do not volunteer any other information. An experienced DUI lawyer will be able to sort through all the red tape and will have a better chance of defending you if you leave the legalities to them. The police may pull your vehicle for a number of reasons including broken lights, expired plates, etc. and may, when they pull you over suspect that you are driving under the influence . They may also suspect that you are driving your vehicle while under the influence if you demonstrate "abnormal" driving behavior. NHTSA (the National Highway Transportation Safety Association), in conjunction with various law enforcement agencies have come up with a set of "clues" that they say may determine that you are DUI. They are as follows:
Problems Maintaining Proper Lane Position: Weaving, Weaving across lane lines, Straddling a lane line, Swerving, Turning with a wide radius, Drifting, Almost striking a vehicle or other object.
Speed and Braking Problems: Stopping problems (too far, too short, or too jerky), Accelerating or decelerating for no apparent reason, Varying speed, Slow speed (10+ mph under limit).
Vigilance Problems: Driving in opposing lanes or wrong way on one-way, Slow response to traffic signals, Slow or failure to respond to officer's signals, Stopping in lane for no apparent reason, Driving without headlights at night, Failure to signal or signal inconsistent with action.
Judgment Problems: Following too closely, Improper unsafe lane change, Illegal or improper turn (too fast, jerky, sharp, etc.), Driving on other than the designated roadway, Stopping inappropriately in response to officer, Inappropriate or unusual behavior (throwing, arguing, etc.), Appearing to be impaired.
Once they have stopped your vehicle, there are several additional "clues" that they will look for. They are as follows:
* Difficulty with motor vehicle controls
* Difficulty exiting the vehicle
* Fumbling with driver's license or registration
* Repeating questions or comments
* Swaying, unsteady, or balance problems
* Leaning on the vehicle or other object
* Slurred speech
* Slow to respond to officer or officer must repeat
* Provides incorrect information, changes answers
* Odor of alcoholic beverage from the driver
There are hundreds of reasons why you may exhibit any of the above signs and none of them can be proof that you are, in fact, driving under the influence .
- Foley
- Walker, Angela:
all manner of violations, misdemeanors and felonies, including:
Driving under the Influence
Drug Offenses
Assault
Theft of Property/Burglary . . .
And many more.
- Pfeifer, William:
Criminal Defense.
If you have been arrested in Alabama for a crime, it is absolutely essential that you obtain the services of an experienced attorney.
- Gadsen
- Shelnutt Law Firm:
A criminal charge of driving under the influence (DUI) is no easy thing to beat, but the consequences of conviction are dire. You could face a number of penalties that may alter your lifestyle, restrict your freedom, and cause financial difficulties.
Alabama laws concerning DUI are extremely stringent:
* Drivers may not have a blood alcohol level of .08% or more.
* Commercial drivers may not exceed 0.04%.
* Drivers under age 21 who operate a school bus or day care van have a limit of 0.02%.
* First offenses carry maximum fines of $2,100 and/or 1 year in jail, loss of license for 90 days, and completion of a mandatory substance abuse program.
* Second offenses (if occurring within 5 years of the first) carry maximum fines of $5,100 and/or one year in jail, mandatory 48 hours in jail or 20 days community service, loss of license for one year, and completion of a substance abuse program.
* Third offenses carry maximum fines of $10,100, a jail sentence of up to 1 year, loss of license for three years, and completion of a substance abuse program.
* Fourth (or subsequent) offenses carry maximum fines of $10,100, a jail sentence of up to 10 years, license suspension for 5 years, and mandatory substance abuse program.
* A refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test carries an automatic 90-day license suspension.
* The law allows for a DUI arrest to be made even if the driver is sitting behind the wheel of a parked car, or even sleeping in the driver’s seat.
If you are arrested for DUI in Alabama, you must answer to separate charges by the state of Alabama and the Alabama Department of Public Safety. Concerning your driving privilege, you have only 10 days to request a Department of Public Safety hearing. An experienced Birmingham DUI attorney can fill you in on all the information you should know when facing DUI charges, file a request for a license revocation hearing, and start putting together a strategic defense.
- Clark Hall:
When the police tell you that you have the right to remain silent,
exercise that right until you have the opportunity to speak with a
lawyer.
- Gulf Shores:
- Hornsby, Bobby:
From Out of Town and Arrested for DUI?
The Pleasure Island area of Alabama is a hot vacation destination for many. Unfortunately, some individuals vacationing in the area get caught up in criminal matters and need assistance from an attorney but does not know the community and does not know where to turn for help.
As a result of my strong ties to the community and extensive experience, I regularly assist out of town clients facing a variety of criminal charges including:
* DUI (drunk driving)
* Driving while license revoked
* Speeding, reckless driving or endangerment
* Drug related offenses (drug possession, conspiracy)
* Assault
- Craven, Daniel:
The state of Alabama places strict, steep consequences on drunk driving charges. If you are charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or another drug (DUI), also called DWI, you could face:
* A suspended driver's license — the minimum suspension is 90 days
* Harsh fines — the minimum fine is more than $500
* Lost wages — without your car, you could lose your job
* Long jail time —the minimum sentence can be up to a year
The sobriety test of choice for most police agencies throughout the United States is the Intoxilyzer
5000. Most people probably agree with the law enforcement's enthusiasm towards this device. More
than likely it's because they have the misconception that this device measures your blood alcohol level.
In fact, it merely measures breath alcohol levels.
- Huntsville
- Jasper
- Gustin & Royster:
The consequences of a DUI conviction are severe, and they can stay with you for the rest of your life. Even a first offense can mean up to 12 months in jail, up to $2,000 in fines, loss of your driving privileges probation or jail time, and DUI schools.
Take DUI and Traffic Charges Seriously Now or You Could Face Serious Consequences Later
Too many people make the mistake of thinking that they have no defense if they have been pulled over and charged with drunk driving, speeding, or another traffic offense. That is not always the case.
Sometimes police make mistakes.
Just because you have been charged with a crime does not mean that you are guilty—or that the prosecutor has the evidence to back up their case. Don't plead guilty only to learn later that you could have defended yourself and avoided the serious and long-term consequences or a drunk-driving conviction.
- Lisa Ivey:
If you have been arrested or charged with drunk driving or another
serious crime in Alabama, you need a serious criminal defense. Not only
will this protect your rights, but it may also prevent an unnecessary
driver license suspension or license revocation that will affect your
driving ability and insurance rates far into the future.
- Loxley
- John Cowling:
If the driver opts to proceed to trial to challenge his speeding ticket
both the driver and the prosecutor will present their evidence and case
to the judge. The prosecutor will present the officer's testimony
regarding the incident in question. The officer will be asked if he is
certified in using the radar gun, if he tested the radar gun on the day
in question, and if he calibrated the gun prior to its usage. If the
officer is not certified or did not test the gun as generally required
in most states, the radar gun evidence may be deemed inadmissible.
However, even if the evidence is deemed inadmissible, the officer may
be able to testify as to different methods that he also used to
determine the driver's speed prior to issuing him a ticket.
- Mobile
- Montgomery
- Opelika
- Hand, Ben:
Mention DUI Defenders
and get up to
10% discount.
(Some firms may not honor this offer)
- Lauderdale & Lauderdale:
...aggressively defends your rights in all areas of criminal law, including sex crimes, drug offenses, and DUI / DWI charges.
- Dean & Barrett:
The firm handles all types of criminal cases, from misdemeanors, including DWI/DUI, to the most serious felony charges, including murder, manslaughter, assault, drug/narcotics possession and sales, theft and grand larceny, white collar fraud, embezzlement, and sex offenses.
- Swecker & Sparks:
Such charges can have serious consequences. A conviction will result in
fines and possibly land you in jail. In addition, your insurance
company may increase your rates to an unmanageable level.
In defending against an under-the-influence or impaired-driving charge,
you have many rights as a criminal defendant, including the right to
cross-examine the witnesses against you, even if they are police
officers. An experienced Alabama DUI attorney can make all the
difference.
- Pelham
- Pell City
- Prattville
- Clark, David:
DEFINITIONS:
"Per Se" Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Level
As of August 2005, all states have DUI laws that deem "per se intoxicated" any driver with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above .08 percent. This means that drivers with a BAC at or above .08 are intoxicated in the eyes of the law, and no additional proof of driving impairment is necessary.
"Zero Tolerance" Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Level
All states carry "zero tolerance" laws that target drivers under the legal drinking age. These laws penalize persons under 21 for operating a vehicle with any trace of alcohol in their systems (a BAC above 0.0), or with negligible BAC levels such as .01 or .02 percent.
"Enhanced Penalty" Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Level
Many states impose harsher penalties on DUI offenders with a particularly high BAC at the time of the offense, typically .15 to .20 percent. DUI offenders with a BAC at or above their state's enhanced penalty standards will likely face additional jail time, harsher fines, and more severe driver's license sanctions.
"Implied Consent" Laws
"Implied consent" laws require vehicle drivers to submit to some form of chemical test, such as breath, blood, or urine testing, if suspected of DUI. If a driver refuses to submit to such testing, implied consent laws carry penalties such as mandatory suspension of a driver's license, usually for six months to a year.
Alabama DUI Law Highlights: Selected Penalties (Table 2)
State
Administrative License Suspension/Revocation (1st/2nd/3rd Offense)
Mandatory Alcohol Education and Treatment/Assessment
Vehicle Confiscation Possible?
Ignition Interlock Device Possible?
Alabama
90d/ 1y/ 3ys
Both
No
No
Note: Persons arrested for DUI will be subject to additional criminal law penalties not addressed here -- including jail time, fines, and community service. Such criminal penalties are typically more discretionary than those identified in this chart, and are therefore more difficult to accurately predict. Generally speaking, first-time DUI offenders can expect to incur a fine, and face the possibility of jail time. Repeat DUI offenders will incur harsher fines, and will almost certainly be sentenced to a number of days in jail. Penalties will be harsher still if the DUI offender was involved in an accident in which someone else was injured or killed.
DEFINITIONS:
Administrative License Suspension/Revocation
The Administrative License Suspension/Revocation penalties indicated here refer to minimum mandatory penalties imposed on drivers whose BAC is above the state limit for intoxication, or drivers who refuse to submit to BAC testing. Administrative suspension or revocation of a driver's license is usually carried out by a state agency (such as a Department of Motor Vehicles), distinct from any criminal court penalties. Most states impose harsher penalties for second or third DUI offenses, typically defined as those that occur within five years of a prior DUI offense.
Note: the penalties identified here do not include variations for DUI offenders operating commercial vehicles, or drivers who have violated "zero tolerance" and "enhanced penalty" DUI laws (see Table 1). Most states recognize different sanctions for these types of DUI offenses.
Mandatory Alcohol Education and Assessment/Treatment
Alcohol education and treatment/assessment penalties for DUI offenders can include mandatory attendance at DUI prevention programs, and assessment of potential alcohol dependency problems. Such programs are often made "conditions" of a suspended sentence or probation, meaning that a DUI offender can avoid jail time and payment of hefty fines if he or she completes participation in the program. This chart indicates each state's utilization of alcohol education and treatment/assessment programs.
Vehicle Confiscation
Vehicle confiscation penalties allow a motor vehicle department or law enforcement agency to seize a DUI offender's vehicle, either permanently or for a set period of time. Such penalties typically apply only to repeat DUI offenders, and often the return of the vehicle requires payment of fines and significant administrative costs. This chart indicates each state's utilization of vehicle confiscation as a penalty for DUI.
Ignition Interlock
A vehicle ignition interlock breath-testing device measures a vehicle operator's BAC, and will prevent operation of the vehicle if more than a minimal amount of alcohol is detected (i.e. BAC level of .02). DUI offenders will usually be required to pay the costs of installation, rental, and maintenance of an ignition interlock device. This chart indicates each state's utilization of ignition interlock devices as a penalty for DUI.
- Kristel Gibbons :
Statutory DUI .08 or higher for non-CDL or bus drivers. Can be charged
with DUI if under .08 if shown/proven alcohol/drugs so impaired
driving. Can be felony if 4 or more DUIs are on record.
- Scottsboro
- Patricia Lackey:
If you are accused of DUI (Driving Under the Influence), the consequences may include fines, driver license suspension or revocation and jail time. Your rights need to be protected! In this type of case experience can make the difference.
- Slyacauga
- Carlton, Joe:
criminal defense, family law, and personal injury
- Summerdale
- Johnson-Theodoro, Mitzi:
* Misdemeanors
* Felonies
* Forgery
* Traffic Crimes
* Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
* Drug Crimes
* Marijuana
* Methamphetamine
* Controlled Substances
* Robbery
* Rape
* Sex Crimes
* Murder
- Tallassee
- Harper, Michael:
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Business & Commercial Law
Business Organizations
Child Support
Civil Rights
Construction Law
Consumer Protection
Contracts
DUI/DWI
Divorce30%
Employment Law -- Employee
Employment Law -- Employer
Family Law
Insurance Law
Lemon Law
Litigation & Appeals
Medical Malpractice20%
Motor Vehicle Accidents -- Plaintiff
Nursing Home
Personal Injury -- Plaintiff40%
Probate & Estate Administration
Products Liability Law
State, Local & Municipal Law
Wills
Workers' Compensation Law
- Tarrant
- Carlisle &
Carlisle:
Never go to court without an attorney on a driving under the influence charge.
- Tussville
- Amari, John:
* What motive did the police officer have for pulling you over?
* Was the breathalyzer test administered properly and was the equipment appropriately maintained at the time of your arrest?
* Were the police cooperative (cases have been dismissed before when police did not cooperate with the investigation) before the judge?
- Tuscaloosa
- Unknown
Brought to you by Colorado DUI Drunk Driving Defense
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