Alabama DUI Consequences
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There’s no way to dispute the evidence: driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most reckless acts a person can commit. Thousands of motorists are injured in alcohol-related collisions, and impaired drivers are responsible for a large number of the traffic fatalities that occur on U.S. highways each year. Given these statistics, it’s easy to see why DUI is considered a serious crime in all fifty states. However, when it comes to the penalties for drunk driving, DUI laws vary greatly from one state to another. Alabama drivers, for example, face some of the harshest DUI laws in the nation—and a single DUI conviction can often wreak havoc on a person’s future. Here are just a few of the Alabama DUI consequences you can expect to encounter if you are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol in Alabama.
Under state law, the punishment for a first-time DUI offender will include a mandatory 90-day license suspension, $600 fine, and up to a one-year jail sentence. If you have been convicted of drunk driving in the past, these penalties only increase—with a second offense carrying up to $5,100 in fines and 30 days of community service.
Habitual drunk drivers face even harsher guidelines. For example, the minimum sentence for a third DUI conviction includes a 60-day jail sentence, $2,100 fine, and 3-year license suspension. For a fourth offense, you can expect to pay up to $10,1000 in fines and lose your driving privileges for at least five years, as well as spend up to one year behind bars.
Of course, the consequences of a DUI conviction don’t end once you’ve completed the terms of your sentence. As a criminal offense, your actions will forever be reflected on your criminal record, where it can be easily found by prospective employers, landlords, and anyone who checks your background. Unfortunately, this can jeopardize many opportunities in the future.
A DUI conviction can also have a significant impact on your wallet. Once your insurance provider finds out that you were found guilty of driving under the influence, you can expect your rates to skyrocket. In fact, it’s not uncommon for companies to charge DUI offenders two to three times more for coverage than other drivers—and some may even refuse to insure them at all.
Fortunately, you can avoid many of the DUI consequences listed above—you just have to avoid being convicted. In order to do this, however, most drivers must obtain legal counsel and create a strong argument that supports their defense. To determine the best strategy for your case, submit your information online today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled DUI defense attorney in your area.
Remember, with all of the penalties you face if convicted of driving under the influence, deciding to hire an attorney just may be the best investment you’ll ever make. Protect your future and start planning your defense today.
