Alabama DUIs and DWIs
Motorists receive DUI charges in Alabama as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs on public roads. DUI laws in Alabama determine the penalties that offenders may receive for drunk driving.
For instance, some consequences include certain amounts of penalty points being added to a driving record, driver’s license suspension or revocation, high fines and possible imprisonment. If you want to find out more Alabama drunk driving information, continue reading the sections below.
DUI Citations and Convictions in Alabama
Drivers may get Alabama DUI charges on their driving records when they are pulled over by a law enforcement official and found to be drinking and driving on public roads.
DWI convictions are considered the most serious driving-related crime and will incur various penalties, depending on the number of previous offenses you have committed. For example, a fourth DUI violation is considered a Class C felony and will bring you the most severe penalties.
Alabama DUI Violations and Penalties
DUI penalties in Alabama may vary depending on the age and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of the motorist. The number of previous offenses a motorist has committed while driving on public roads within the state will also be considered. Therefore, drivers may get more severe penalties for violating the state laws several times in a row.
First DUI Offense
Committing a DUI violation in Alabama for the first time will get you penalties such as: a driver’s license suspension for 90 days, a driving fine of $600 up to $2,100 or jail time for a period of up to one year. Drivers are encouraged to hire a professional DUI defense attorney to help them reduce or avoid the penalties that result from driving under the influence.
Second DUI Offense
The penalties for a second DUI offense in Alabama include more severe consequences, such as: a driver’s license revocation of one year, a traffic fine of $1,100 to $5,100 or imprisonment for a period of up to one year. In addition, drivers may be required to spend a jail sentence of 48 hours or do community service for 20 days.
Third DUI Offense
Committing the same DUI offense for a third time will bring you the following penalties: a driver’s license revocation for three years and a driving fine of $2,100 to $100,000. In addition to the previous penalties, a third DUI offense may also bring you a prison sentence of up to one year with a 60-day mandatory sentence, which may not be suspended or probated.
Fourth DUI Offense
A fourth DUI conviction in Alabama will bring you the harshest penalties because this offense is considered a Class C felony. Moreover, the penalties include:
- A revoked driver’s license for a period of five years.
- Traffic fines that range from $4,100 to $10,100.
- A prison sentence that may vary from a minimum of one year and one day up to 10 years or more.
Alabama DUI Attorneys
An Alabama drunk driving attorney is a legal representative who specializes in state legislation and DUI citation laws. Drivers charged with a DUI are recommended to contact a defense attorney in order to get their charges minimized or to make sure they win the case in court and avoid heavy penalties. Prior to choosing a DUI attorney, motorists are recommended to conduct background checks.
Reinstating a Suspended Drivers License in Alabama
If you receive a DUI, you will have your license suspended for an extended period of time. The steps for reinstating a suspended driver’s license may vary, depending on the severity of the offense and on the number of previous traffic violations you have committed. In some instances, drivers may also enroll in traffic school, if required by a state court.
Alabama Alcohol Awareness Classes
Drivers who are faced with drunk driving charges in Alabama may be required by the state court to participate in one of the several driving education courses under the Alabama Court Referral Program. The court might require you to complete an educational DUI program which is available in 29 locations throughout the state.
Moreover, drivers are also recommended to enroll in a regular traffic school course in order to learn about driving laws and all the potential consequences that result from driving under the influence.
SR-22 Insurance in Alabama
Alabama auto insurance for DUI offenders, also known as SR-22 insurance, is a document that certifies that high-risk drivers are in compliance with state laws. Drivers who want to reinstate their suspended license will be required to provide proof of SR-22 insurance as part of the reinstatement process.
Alabama Laws That Pertain to DUI/DWI
Severe DUI penalties will be given to drivers who violet the Implied Consent Law and refuse to take a BAC test. In addition, drunk driving charges will be added to a driver’s record when an adult driver operated a vehicle with a BAC level greater than 0.08 percent, or when a minor drivers with more than 0.02 percent BAC.
Note: Unlike other states, Alabama does not have an Open Container Law.
Alabama Hardship License
Motorists who have a suspended license as a result of a DUI charge may be eligible to apply for a hardship license, which will allow them to operate a motor vehicle with limited privileges.
Drivers who are charged with a DUI must contact a local AL DPS office in order to check their eligibility for a provisional license. If your DUI violation makes you ineligible for a hardship license, then you will have to wait for the suspension or revocation period to be over before reinstating your driving privileges.