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Last Modified on Jan 06, 2026
Facing charges for driving under the influence of substances can come with extreme stress and severe, life-altering consequences. When you are trying to understand challenging Alabama DUI laws, it can be helpful to seek out the help of a reputable law firm such as The Law Office of Brad Phillips, LLC, to handle your DUI case. Our team can help you understand how long a DUI stays on your record in Alabama to better prepare for the future.
What Is a DUI?
A DUI charge means driving under the influence, referring to the operation of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medications, or even over-the-counter drugs, making it dangerous to drive. It is also important to stay informed about Alabama drug laws and penalties as they relate to impaired driving. It is a serious criminal offense, and trying to navigate DUI charges on your own can be difficult.
Alabama DUI laws exist to increase traffic safety. Being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other impairing substance can render you incapable of safely driving a vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly one-third of car crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. As a result, prosecutors do not treat DUI cases lightly. A DUI can come with a variety of impairments, not just alcohol. If your charges involve other allegations, you may also need a skilled criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights.
In general, a DUI charge means:
- There is impairment. Your ability to drive safely is compromised by substances.
- There are substances. This includes alcohol or any drug (legal or illegal) that affects your coordination or judgment.
- There is a BAC. Often associated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit, but impairment can occur below that.
Essentially, being charged with a DUI means that your ability to control a vehicle was impaired by substances. Understanding what a DUI means for you can be stressful, but the more you know, the better it is for your case. Alabama treats DUIs very seriously and has state-specific laws and limits that apply to impaired driving.
Alabama DUI Laws
Alabama DUI laws, under Code §32-5A-191, prohibit operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08% or higher, or while under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or any impairing substance. Legal limits are even more strict for commercial drivers, with a BAC of .04% permitted. For drivers under the age of 21, the BAC limit is .02%. In these sensitive cases, families often search for an experienced juvenile delinquency lawyer to assist their children.
In Alabama, a person can be charged with a DUI even if not actively driving. The key is whether a person is in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired. The vehicle may not be moving or even turned on. Furthermore, Alabama has implied consent laws, which means you consent to chemical testing if arrested for a DUI. Refusal can result in a 90-day license suspension.
Alabama DUI Penalties
Alabama DUI penalties are severe, featuring mandatory jail time, heavy fines ($600-$10,100+), license suspension (90 days to 5 years), and mandatory ignition interlock devices (IIDs). Penalties increase for subsequent offenses within 10 years, with a fourth offense classified as a Class C felony, potentially leading to one to 10 years in prison.
A DUI case comes with severe penalties because the damages can be so costly. Around 34 people die each day in the U.S. in drunk-driving crashes, or roughly one person every 42 minutes. To reduce the number of roadside fatalities, lawmakers and courts have taken a strong stance against driving under the influence. Legal representation for DUI charges is highly recommended.
Hire an Alabama DUI Lawyer
When you need to hire a DUI lawyer to handle your case, The Law Office of Brad Phillips, LLC, has years of dedicated legal experience defend you. In addition to helping you navigate a complex legal system and protect your rights, our knowledgeable Alabama DUI attorney can also help minimize severe penalties, such as jail time, heavy fines, and license suspension.
Working with our law firm is also beneficial because we know the ins and outs of the court system. Even if you have never been to the local Muscle Shoals Municipal Court, where DUI court proceedings occur, our reliable DUI lawyer has the skills and knowledge to guide you through the entire process while meeting all requirements and deadlines.
Facing DUI charges can be a difficult experience. It can also be isolating. Do not try to take on your charges alone. You could end up hurting your case without legal representation. Instead, allow a reputable law firm like ours to lift a significant stress burden off your shoulders by handling all of the legal complexities surrounding your DUI charge. We are here to answer your questions.
FAQs
What Is the Penalty for a First-Time DUI in Alabama?
A first-time DUI in Alabama carries penalties including up to one year in jail, fines from $600-$2,100, substance abuse evaluation or mandatory DUI program, and a license suspension of 90 days, with stricter penalties for BACs of .15 or higher, plus potential probation and last criminal and driving record consequences.
Will I Lose My Driver’s License if Convicted of a DUI?
Yes, a DUI conviction in Alabama may result in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. A first-time conviction typically results in a 90-day suspension, while second, third, or subsequent offenses lead to 1-year, 3-year, or 5-year revocations, respectively. With that said, you may be able to avoid total loss of driving privileges by installing an IID.
What Happens After You Get a DUI in Alabama?
Getting a DUI charge and conviction in Alabama leads to penalties such as fines, jail time, license suspension, and an IID, with severity increasing for repeat offenses or high BAC, potentially including felony charges. First-timers might get probation, community service, or a diversion program instead, though the conviction may stay on their record permanently.
What Is the Most Common Plea for DUI?
In Alabama, a common plea for a DUI, when a trial is not pursued, is a guilty plea as part of a negotiated plea bargain. This often involves pleading to the original charge in exchange for reduced penalties, such as probation or mandatory alcohol education instead of jail time. A wet reckless plea is also a potential alternative, though less common.
Speak With an Experienced DUI Lawyer Today
When you need an Alabama DUI attorney to help you understand complex Alabama DUI laws and handle your DUI case, look no further than The Law Office of Brad Phillips, LLC. With extensive DUI experience and the legal background to support our work, we can advocate for you in court. Contact us to request an initial consultation today.
