Were you charged with driving under the influence in Alabama? A conviction can disrupt your future substantially, but it’s not too late to fight back with help from the Alabama DUI attorneys at Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. Contact us today at (205) 930-9800.
Our award-winning defense lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience representing clients facing a wide range of criminal charges, including driving under the influence. We are a respected Alabama criminal defense law firm with a longstanding track record of success that you can depend on.
Contact our law office for a complimentary initial consultation.
How Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight Can Help if You Were Arrested for DUI in Alabama
When the police arrest you for DUI in Alabama, it may feel like the state has already decided the outcome and assumed your culpability. However, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and retain numerous other legal rights.
Some of the ways our Alabama criminal defense lawyers can help include:
- Reviewing the stop, arrest, and chemical testing procedures
- Evaluating whether the officer had lawful grounds to pull you over
- Filing motions to suppress evidence that was gathered improperly
- Searching for any available evidence that weakens the prosecution’s claims
- Working to have your DUI charge reduced or dismissed
- Representing you in all hearings and at trial when needed
Our Alabama DUI lawyers will take the time to thoroughly analyze the evidence the prosecution plans to use against you and what issues may work in your favor from there.
Call Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight today to schedule your free case review.
An Overview of Alabama’s DUI Laws
Alabama Code § 32-5A-191 outlines the offense of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Under this statute, a person commits DUI when they drive or are in actual physical control of a vehicle while:
- Their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher, or
- They are under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance to a degree that renders them incapable of safely operating a vehicle.
Drivers under 21 face Alabama’s “zero tolerance” standard, which applies at BAC levels of 0.02 percent or greater. Commercial drivers can be charged with DUI at 0.04 percent.
Aggravated DUI Circumstances
Some DUI cases can result in harsher penalties due to aggravating factors. Examples include:
- Extremely high BAC levels
- A DUI involving an accident that causes injury
- A minor in the vehicle
- Prior DUI convictions within the lookback period
These circumstances can result in enhanced jail time, higher fines, and longer license suspensions. In some situations, prosecutors may pursue felony charges, particularly when serious injuries and/or repeated offenses are involved.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Alabama?
The consequences for a DUI conviction depend on various factors, including your prior criminal record (if applicable), the level of your impairment, and other circumstances surrounding the arrest.
For a first DUI conviction, potential penalties may include:
- Up to one year in jail
- Fines ranging from several hundred dollars to over $1000
- Driver’s license suspension
- Mandatory substance abuse evaluation
A second DUI conviction within ten years can also lead to:
- A minimum of five days in jail, up to one year
- Higher community service requirement
- Increased fines
- A longer license suspension
- Ignition interlock requirement
Felony DUI convictions, such as a fourth offense within the statutory period, can bring much more severe consequences, including longer prison sentences of up to ten years.
Note that these charges can also lead to serious collateral consequences, such as difficulty finding housing or employment. These can stay with you long after you’ve served your penalties imposed by the criminal court.
What Defenses Can I Raise in an Alabama DUI Case?
Since the burden of proof standard is so high in a criminal case, there are many potential ways you can respond to the charges against you appropriately.
Possible defenses in Alabama DUI cases include:
- The officer lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause.
- The breath or blood test was administered incorrectly.
- The testing equipment was not maintained or calibrated properly.
- You were not impaired, and the signs of impairment had another cause.
- Your constitutional rights were violated.
- There is a reasonable doubt due to insufficient evidence.
Some of these options may require supporting evidence, such as surveillance footage and witness testimony, which your criminal defense attorney can help gather on your behalf.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With an Experienced Alabama DUI Attorney
A DUI charge in Alabama should never be taken lightly. The consequences of a conviction can be severe and long-lasting, but you may still have time to fight back.
Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight has 100 years of combined experience defending clients across the State of Alabama. Our team understands how DUI cases are prosecuted and will work to have your charges reduced or dismissed, if possible.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced Alabama DUI lawyers.