Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal in Alabama, and those convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) can face a host of penalties. DUI is a very serious offense, and a conviction can have profound personal and legal consequences for an individual.
If you are presently facing DUI charges, it is normal to feel frightened and confused, especially if you have not retained a dedicated criminal attorney. If you want an experienced ally in your corner who could guide you through the criminal process and help you seek a positive resolution to your case, you may need to seek the services of a Jefferson County DUI lawyer.
Proving DUI Charges in Jefferson CountyWhen most people think about DUIs, they automatically think about drunk driving. In reality, though, individuals can also be charged with DUI if a member of law enforcement believes they are operating a vehicle under the influence of legal or illegal drugs, in addition to traditional intoxication from alcohol. It is also important to note that drivers may face harsher penalties if they refuse to take a breath test.
Contrary to popular belief, however, it is possible to fight back against DUI charges. During a DUI trial, prosecutors typically attempt to use evidence such as blood tests, breath tests, police reports, and field sobriety tests, but a skilled DUI attorney in Jefferson County may be able to attack the integrity of the evidence presented and point out flaws in the investigation process.
Legal, Social, and Financial Consequences of a DUI ConvictionIn Alabama, courts aggressively prosecute individuals charged with DUI, and individuals with prior convictions often face harsher sentences. Legal penalties can also be far more severe for a driver if they cause bodily harm or kill someone else while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Further penalties may be factored in if the driver fled the scene of the DUI accident.
Depending on the nature of the accident, individuals convicted of DUI may face the following punishments:
If a person is convicted of felony DUI, they can also lose their right to vote or own firearms, and a criminal conviction can make it difficult to find employment or housing. Individuals with DUI convictions also often have to pay significantly more for their car insurance, and many insurance companies refuse to cover high-risk drivers. The consequences of a DUI conviction is why someone facing such charges should reach out to an experienced defense attorney right away.
Aggravating CircumstancesIndividuals with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 percent or higher can face harsher penalties for DUI, regardless of the circumstances. In most cases, a driver with an exceptionally high BAC would have their license revoked for a year—even if it is their first offense—and the length of the potential jail sentence and/or monetary fine they may face would be doubled.
Also, individuals who have a person under the age of 14 in the vehicle at the time of a DUI arrest may be forced to install an ignition interlock device, even if it is their first offense. This requirement also often applies to those who cause bodily harm (not death) to others as a result of driving while intoxicated. To learn more about the aggravating factors in a DUI case, speak with a Jefferson County DUI lawyer.
Talk to a Jefferson County DUI Attorney TodayIf you are currently awaiting trial for DUI, you still have time to act and find a lawyer who is capable of protecting your rights. Everyone arrested for DUI is not necessarily guilty, and it is possible for law enforcement officers to make serious mistakes. Contact a Jefferson County DUI lawyer to see how a legal professional could help you.