- Anniston
- Fite Law Firm:
from estate planning to DUI defense
- Turner, Charles:
Driving Under the Influence
It is not uncommon for the police to be on the lookout for drunk drivers at the Talladega Superspeedway or on Interstate 20. Make sure that you hire a local attorney that is familiar with the court in which your case is pending. Driving under the influence is a highly technical area of the law. The burden on the state is high to establish intoxication. Hire a lawyer that is thoroughly checked out on all aspects of drunk driving law.
Prior DUIs can enhance the punishments for later arrests.
- Payne & Crow:
Defending the Accused
- Turner & Miller:
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Alabama?
A: The “legal ” blood alcohol limit in Alabama (and most other states) is .08%.
Therefore, if your blood alcohol content is .08% or greater while
operating a motor vehicle you can be charged with “Driving Under the
Influence” (“DUI”) (Alabama Code Section 32-5A-191).
Q: Will I lose my license if I am convicted of “DUI”?
A: If you are convicted, you will lose your
license. On a first conviction it is a 90 day suspension. On a second
conviction it is a 1 year revocation. On a third conviction it is a
three year revocation!
Q: What are the penalties for DUI conviction?
A:If you are charged with a First Offense DUI in Alabama, you are facing the following maximum penalties:
- Up to ONE YEAR IN JAIL
- 90 day license suspension
- Up to a $2,100 fine
- Court Costs
- Mandatory completion of DUI school
For a Second Offense DUI in Alabama, you are facing the following maximum penalties:
- Mandatory Minimum 5 days in jail, up to ONE YEAR IN JAIL
- 1 year license revocation
- Fine from $1,100.00 and up to a maximum fine of $5,100.00
- Court Costs
- Mandatory completion of DUI school
For a Third Offense DUI in Alabama, you are facing the following penalties:
- Mandatory Minimum 60 days in jail up to ONE YEAR IN JAIL
- 3 year license revocation
- Minimum$2,100.00 fine up to a maximum fine of $10,100
- Court Costs
- Mandatory completion of DUI school.
The Fourth Conviction and all Subsequent Convictionsfor DUI are Class C Felonies, punishable by a term of imprisonment of at least ONE YEAR AND ONE DAY AND UP TO TEN YEARS! The minimum fine is $4,100 up to a maximum of $10,100. A fourth time offender shall have his license revoked for five full years!
Q: If I lose my license, can I get a license to go to work?
A: Unfortunately, Alabama does not have what are sometimes known as “work licenses ”. If you lose your license you cannot drive for any reason. That’s why it’s important to fight the DUI charge aggressively.
Q: Do I have to take the Breath Test?
A: Yes. In Alabama we have what is known as the 'Implied Consent Law.'
That means that if you operate a motor vehicle in the State of Alabama
you automatically consent to giving a breath test if specifically
requested to do so by a Police Officer.
Q: What happens if I refuse to take a breath test?
A: Under Alabama’s implied consent law, if you
refuse to take the breath test after being asked to do so by a Police
Officer, your license will suspended for 90 days, in addition to any
time that it is suspended for the DUI conviction.
Q: How can I “beat” a DUI charge?
A: Actually, there are many ways to “attack” a DUI or Refusal charge. The first is to challenge the “stop ” of your motor vehicle. To do this your attorney must thoroughly
examine the details of the circumstances surrounding the “stop” of your
car to determine whether the police officer followed all “constitutional guidelines” as set forth in the United States (federal) and Alabama (state) Constitutions and all “case law ” or prior cases similar to your particular case.
Next, your attorney should examine what “observations ” the
police officer made of you at the scene of the traffic stop. Did he
smell the odor of alcohol? Did he note that your eyes were bloodshot
and watery? Did you perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Test okay?
Then, if you submitted to a breath test, your attorney must thoroughly examine the police paperwork or “Discovery
” to see if the Breathalyzer was working properly, if the police
officer operating the machine was certified to do so, and if he/she
operated the machine appropriately when you blew into it.
These are only some of the many ways to challenge a DUI charge.
Q: Should I retain an attorney for my DUI charge?
A: Yes. Due to the severe penalties you are facing
and the numerous and complicated laws relating to motor vehicles and
DUI charges you should always retain an attorney. If you don’t, it will
be very difficult and almost impossible to beat a DUI charge. The
attorney should be experienced DUI law. Again, this is because laws
relating to a DUI charge are many and are complicated. An experienced
and knowledgeable attorney can present both legal and factual arguments
to the court to help you win your case!
- Athens
- Croomes, Steven:
criminal law, business law, and commercial litigation matters
- Auburn
- 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
- 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
- Smith & Mcghee:
DUI and other serious traffic offense charges can result in long-term consequences physically, financially, socially and emotionally. It is crucial that you obtain legal counsel from an experienced attorney.
- Matthew Lamere:
Criminal law includes the entire criminal process beginning with
investigation and arrest leading to conviction and sentencing. Several
parties are involved in this process such as the accused, prosecuting
attorneys, defense attorneys, judges, police officers, and witnesses.
Persons suspected of or charged with a crime are granted fundamental
rightsunder the Constitution, including the right to an attorney and
a speedy jury trial. These rights protect the government's interest in
punishing criminal behavior, while preserving individual freedoms
characteristic of a free society.
- Valerie Judah: If
you are charged with Driving Under the Influence, your license will be
suspended at the end of a 45 day period if you do not appeal within ten
(10) days to the Alabama Department of Public Safety to request an
Administrative Hearing.
- Brian Blackwell:
Failure to Appear: If you are not in Court on time, the Judge may issue
a warrant for your arrest and you could be charged with another
offense; (failure to appear). On late arrival you may be arrested and
jailed until your next court date.
- 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
- 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:
- Daniel Craven:
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
- Key, Greer, Frawley, Key & Harrison:
Are you or someone you love under investigation or facing criminal charges in Alabama?
You need a lawyer who has the experience and knowledge required to aggressively protect your rights. No matter what the situation, your future and your freedom may be at risk. Even misdemeanors can tarnish a person’s record.
- Hester, Jeffrey:
If you have been arrested for drunk driving, you have no time to waste
in protecting your rights. You must act swiftly by hiring an experienced
drunk driving lawyer to represent you.
Being convicted of DUI/DWI in Alabama has serious consequences that can
impact the rest of your life. A convicted drunk driver faces serious
penalties, possibly including incarceration. Act Quickly
After your arrest, you have 10 days to file for an administrative
hearing or your license will automatically be suspended, regardless of
the outcome of the criminal proceeding. There is much work to be done in
the hours and days after a drunk driving arrest. You need an attorney
right away to contact witnesses, gather evidence, review police reports
and evaluate testing equipment and other evidence of the case.
Don't forfeit your rights by pleading guilty!
- Jim Pino: If you
are arrested on Alabama DUI charges, there are two areas of concern.
First, you need solid legal counsel to defend your rights and minimize
the legal consequences, which can include jail, fines and a criminal
record. Second, Mr. Pino can represent you in the administrative law
proceedings to retain limited driving privileges.
Criminal and Civil Components to a DUI
There are both civil and criminal components to DUI charges in Alabama.
The first step in handling your DUI/DWI case is to preserve your right
to drive while your case is working its way through the criminal court
system. The Alabama Department of Public Safety handles administrative
hearings after a DUI arrest. You have only 10 days from the date of your
arrest to request a hearing with the Department of Public Safety to hold
onto your driver's license. There is no presumption of innocence on the
civil side and usually your license will be automatically suspended
beginning 45 days after your arrest unless a hearing is scheduled.
Your driver's license is at stake. Contact a DUI lawyer ...
Of course, there is also the criminal side to DUI. If you are convicted
of DUI, and it is your first offense, you could spend up to 365 days in
jail and be fined $600.-2,100. You must enter a court-supervised
substance abuse program, and your driver's license will be suspended for
90 days. The first three DUI/DWI offenses are misdemeanors. A fourth
DUI/DWI offense can be Class C felony with steeper penalties, including
jail time ranging from one to ten years, and fines ranging from
$4,100.-10,100.
In a DUI/DWI case, there are a number of technical defenses ... Sometimes, the
breathalyzer used was not properly calibrated. The arresting officer who
used the machine may not have been qualified, or may not have been
properly trained. The way in which the field sobriety test was
administered may not have been according to standard procedure. The
arresting offices may not have had a legitimate reason for stopping your
vehicle.
Many times, we have gotten deferred prosecution for first-time offenders, wiping their record clean if they stay out of trouble. Pretrial diversion involves attending treatment and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and sometimes participating in community service. After one year, your DUI/DWI charge could be dismissed.
- John McBrayer:
Under Alabama law, the consequences of Driving Under the Influence
(DUI) of alcohol or other substances has dramatically increased in the
past few years. A fourth DUI offence is now punishable as a felony and
usually carries with it a minimum sentence in the penitentiary. Even a
first DUI offence has dire consequences, in that an individual will
lose their driving privilege for ninety (90) days and their insurance
will dramatically increase. Therefore, I recommend fighting any DUI
charge to the best of your ability, which usually means hiring an
attorney who has experience in this area.
- Pell City
- Stephanie Bain:
If you have been charged with a DUI offense, you face loss of license,
steep fines, sky-rocketing insurance rates, community service and even
jail time.
If you have been charged with a DUI offense, you have only days to file
with the courts to keep your license from being suspended from the
Alabama Department of Public Safety. If you have been found to be
driving over the legal blood-alcohol limit, your license will be
automatically suspended unless a lawsuit is filed in Circuit Courty to
stop the suspension of your license.
- Joseph Kemp:
If you have been charged with DUI, you may need legal representation in order to protect your constitutional rights.
- Prattville
- 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
- Richardson Law Offices:
The statistics range from the past three fiscal years, which run from July 1 to June 30. In each fiscal year, total arrests, including DUI arrests, have increased, while motor vehicle accidents have gone down. While 183 total accidents were recorded in year one, only 116 were recorded in year three, a 37 percent difference. During that same time, 154 DUI arrests were recorded in year one, contrasted to 235 in year three, a difference of 34 percent.
- Spence Singleton:
The Dirty Dozen 12 Common Mistakes You Might Make in Your DUI Case in Alabama 1. People
have a natural tendency avoid dealing with anything unpleasant. Getting
a DUI charge is unpleasant. Dont make the mistake of putting off
getting professional help in handling the defense of your case! 2.
Being thrust into the criminal court system for a DUI Offense is very
nerve-racking and uncomfortable situation. A DUI can negatively affect
your life for a very long time. A DUI will definitely cause your
automobile insurance to either be canceled or to be increased
dramatically. Many people do not realize that a DUI Conviction
can affect your ability to obtain life insurance, your credit, your
employment and lets not forget the obvious life change of being sent
to jail, paying heavy fines and suffering other penalties...like the
loss of your job.. Dont make the mistake of not taking the DUI
charge seriously! 3. Every
case is different and must be treated as such. There is no such
thing a standard DUI defense or for any criminal charge. A lawyer
can not adequately prepare to defend a DUI case with little time to
prepare a defense based upon the specific facts in your case. The
DUI charge must be examined and evaluated for the case strengths and
weaknesses. A defense must be well thought out and built piece by
piece, not thrown together. Dont make the mistake of waiting to hire
a lawyer to help you in your DUI case. 4. Please
do not think of a DUI as just a traffic offense that can be worked out
when you get to Court. A DUI is a criminal offense with mandatory
sentencing requirements passed by the Alabama State Legislator. A
charge of DUI can not be reduced down to any other charge. The
prosecutor is going to use all of the legal tools allowed to convict
you. Dont make the mistake of thinking the DUI charge is not serious! 5. A
wise man once said that, He whom represents himself has a fool for a
client. Do not make the mistake of trying to represent yourself. 6. The
State of Alabama rules allow only ten (10) days after your arrest in
which you can request an administrative hearing in order to keep your
license until the case goes to Court. The time allowed under this
administrative rule is strict and the procedures must be
followed. Dont make the mistake of allowing the time to pass to
keep your license until your trial. 7. This
mistake is the one most often made. Do not seek legal advise from
anyone unless he or she is a lawyer trained in criminal defense and
with extensive experience in handling DUI cases! 8. Do
not miss a Court date for any reason. Your failure to appear when
ordered will result in a warrant being issued for your arrest and you
will be held without bail until your next trial date. Dont make the
mistake of not hiring a lawyer to protect your interests and keeping
you advised of each step in the process! 9. Do
not think that a friend of a friend knows someone in the system who can
make the DUI go away. Dont make the mistake of believing
that any criminal case, and a DUI in particular, is a good ole boy
matter...it isnt! 10. When
pulled over by a law enforcement officer anything you say can and will
be held against you when you go to Court. The law only requires
you to state your name, produce a drivers license, proof of insurance
and the vehicles registration. You are not required to take any
roadside tests. The heel-to toe and the finger-to-nose or
any other test like them are not required to be taken. You cannot
pass these tests and anything that you attempt to do will only
be used as evidence against you. The only test required by Alabama Law
is a test of your blood, breath or urine....after you have been
arrested and advised of your rights under the Implied Consent
Law. Dont make the mistake of attempting to perform any
tests on the side of the road or answering any questions about
where you have been or how much you have had to drink! 11. If
you are in an accident, do not think that any report to the insurance
company is private. What ever you tell the insurance agent may be
used against you in Court. Dont make the mistake of filling out any
reports or insurance claim form until you have contacted a lawyer! 12. There
are very real legal dangers involved when you speak to anyone about
your case except your lawyer. Anything you tell your lawyer is
private and the lawyer cannot and will not break your confidence.
Dont make the mistake of talking with anyone except your lawyer about
your case!
Brought to you by Colorado DUI Drunk Driving Defense
|