Have you been charged with a marijuana DUI in Birmingham, Alabama? Call Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., at (205) 930-9800 to schedule a free case review. A conviction can have serious consequences, but our experienced Birmingham marijuana DUI lawyers can help defendants understand their options.
Getting charged with a marijuana DUI in Alabama can put your future at risk and leave you feeling uncertain about what to do next. The rules surrounding drug-related DUI charges in Alabama are strict, and anything you say during a traffic stop can be used against you. You may also be worried about your license, your job, and the possibility of jail time.
These are all common concerns. When facing charges for marijuana crimes, seeking legal guidance as soon as possible can make a difference in your case.
Why Choose Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. If You’re Arrested for a Marijuana DUI in Birmingham, AL?
When you’re arrested for a marijuana DUI in Birmingham, AL, the future can feel overwhelming. Your first step should be to seek experienced Birmingham DUI lawyers to protect your rights and build your defense.
Here’s why people continue to choose Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C.:
- Our attorneys bring 100 years of combined experience to every case.
- Members of our team have been named among The National Trial Lawyers and by Super Lawyers, honors given to respected and influential defense attorneys.
- Our firm has a 10.0 Avvo rating.
- Both senior partners are Past Presidents of the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
- We provide aggressive advocacy from the very start of your case. We are known for taking the battle to the prosecution well before trial and at every stage of our clients’ cases.
Every criminal defense case we handle is backed by genuine care and significant experience. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Birmingham criminal defense lawyer.
Overview of Marijuana DUI in Alabama
A marijuana DUI in Alabama is a serious offense, and it is treated similarly to driving under the influence of alcohol. Unlike some states that have a “per se” limit that makes a person guilty without proving impairment, Alabama doesn’t have this.
Prosecutors must prove that you were actually impaired by marijuana and that you were unable to safely operate a vehicle, not just that it was in your system. This means cases often rely on observations of behavior, field sobriety tests, witness statements, body cam footage, or other signs of possible impairment.
What Are the Penalties for a Conviction of a Marijuana DUI in Birmingham, Alabama?
Penalties for a first-time DUI in Birmingham are strict and can disrupt most areas of your daily life.
Even a single conviction can bring both criminal and driving consequences.
- Jail time: You could face up to one year in jail.
- Fines: Typical fines range from $600 to $2,100.
- License suspension: Your driver’s license will likely be suspended for 90 days.
- Other penalties: Courts may order you to attend DUI school, take substance abuse classes, or report to a probation officer.
Subsequent DUIs will lead to harsher penalties. The law treats these cases seriously. Our Birmingham DUI attorneys can help you understand the specific legal ramifications and explore all available defense options. We are dedicated to helping you protect your rights and minimize the impact a marijuana DUI may have on your future.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested for a Marijuana DUI?
If you’re facing a marijuana DUI charge in Alabama, there are several defenses that may lead to an acquittal or dismissal.
Improper Traffic Stop
Police must have a valid reason to pull you over. If an officer stopped you without probable cause, such as a traffic violation or actual suspicion of a crime, any evidence collected during the stop could be suppressed in court. This can lead to charges being reduced or dropped altogether.
No Proof of Impairment
Alabama’s DUI laws focus on whether marijuana truly affected your ability to drive. If there’s no real evidence that you were actually impaired, the prosecution’s case may get much weaker. This can be true even if there was marijuana in your bloodstream. For example, if you have witnesses who can testify to safe driving and you appear to be coherent and sober on the officer’s body camera footage, this could help your case.
No Evidence of Recent Marijuana Use
Officers often rely on the smell of marijuana or old residue, but that doesn’t always mean you were recently under the influence. If chemical testing shows that there isn’t actually marijuana in your system, or there’s a very small amount, this could lead to the charges being dropped.
Every case is different, and the defense used will depend on what happened in your specific case. A Birmingham criminal defense attorney can help you build a strong defense.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Birmingham Marijuana DUI Lawyers Today
When you’re facing DUI charges, a lawyer can be immensely helpful. Our team will examine your traffic stop and testing process for mistakes and provide you with an overview of your options moving forward. With Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., you don’t have to feel backed into a corner.
With the right legal support, you can improve your chances of protecting your record and moving forward with your life. Contact us today to schedule a free case review with a Birmingham marijuana DUI attorney.