Just like every other state, any driver
found to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is liable to be
punished. For the most part, DUI is a criminal offense that attracts numerous
fines and penalties. According to Huntsville, AL DUI lawyers, if you are 21 or
over, and are found to be driving with a blood alcohol content level or BAC of
0.08% or more, you can be convicted of DUI.
The limit is only 0.02% for drivers
under 21 years while commercial drivers can be charged if found with a BAC
0.04%.
If you are about to have the law book
tossed at you in the Huntsville region you need legal help. There is no better
law firm in the business in this domain than the Morgan Law Firm, P.C.
This law firm does not have to go to great lengths to impress anyone since
their track record does that for them.
Implied
Consent
Alabama is among the states with an
implied consent law that maintains that any driver has already consented to a
chemical test if the police have reason to believe he or she is driving under
the influence. If you go by the word of legal professionals, refusal to take a
breath, urine or blood test will result in automatic suspension of the driver’s
license for 90 days in addition to a fine.
A second refusal within a span of five
years can lead to a one year suspension of your driver’s license. Even if you
are rendered unconscious in an accident, the law does not protect you from
having to undergo chemical tests.
Alabama DUI lawyers reiterate that in
the event of your license being suspended the state is required to inform you
about your right to a hearing. At this hearing, it would be prudent to have a
legal representative argue whether the arresting officer had reasonable grounds
to suspect you were driving under the influence. Following the hearing, the
state may go ahead and suspend your license or have it reinstated. If your
license is suspended you have the right to file a review petition in court.
If you happen to be from out of state
your driving privileges in Alabama will be revoked while the authorities will
notify your state about the incident and the action taken against you.
Refusal
– not always a Sensible Choice
Since the state follows the implied
consent law, most Alabama DUI lawyers recommend that you take the test. While
you may be tempted to refuse it won’t guarantee that you won’t be convicted. On
the contrary, this gives the prosecution the opportunity to argue that refusal
is a clear indication that you were intoxicated and guilty of driving under the
influence.
Consequences
of a DUI Conviction
Suspension of your driving license isn’t
the only punishment you face if convicted of DUI. Over the years, Alabama’s DUI
laws have become increasingly tougher. Since 2012, the state laws mandate the
installation of an ignition interlock device in the offender’s vehicle. Other
punishments for a first time DUI offender include a fine between $500 and
$2,000, and up to a year in jail.
If you have been arrested on a DUI
charge make sure to get help from a salient and monumental Alabama DUI
lawyer. Remember, a DUI conviction leads to serious consequences that can have
an impact on your finances, career, social, and family life. Therefore, your
best bet is a lawyer who can put up the best possible defense to totally avoid
(this is rare but it could happen) or reduce the consequences.
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