Florence DUI Lawyer

DUI Attorney in Florence, AL

Being charged with a DUI can be intimidating, especially if you do not have a criminal record. They can also have severe consequences if you are convicted; in many cases, your vehicle can be impounded, your license can be suspended, and you can even receive jail time. To get a better understanding of what your DUI case might look like, contact a dedicated Florence criminal defense lawyer and a skilled Florence DUI lawyer today.

A DUI charge is not just about what happened during the stop; it is about how the case is crafted, how the evidence is handled, and whether the law was properly followed. Having the right legal guidance can help you traverse each step with clarity and work toward an optimal outcome. That is the impact The Law Office of Brad Phillips, LLC can make.

Find Peace of Mind

When considering a DUI attorney, it is important to look for someone with experience in cases similar to yours. The Law Office of Brad Phillips, LLC, has extensive experience with a variety of criminal law cases, including DUIs. We can examine your options and craft a detailed plan to have your case dismissed or reduce the negative penalties associated with your DUI charges. As a former police officer, our founding attorney, Brad Phillips, has a unique advantage in knowing how the prosecution builds a case.

What Is a DUI?

In Alabama, a driver cannot drive with a blood alcohol content level over the legal limit. If they are found to be in violation of this law, they are charged with a DUI. For most drivers, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher can lead to a DUI charge. It is essential to understand Alabama DUI laws and penalties to recognize how the state treats even a first-time offense.However, impairment can still be alleged even below that threshold, depending on the circumstances.

DUI cases may involve:

• Alcohol-related impairment
• Prescription medication
• Illegal substances
• Combination of substances

Alabama has additional rules and considers “actual physical control” of the vehicle when determining DUI charges. This means that even if the vehicle isn’t in motion, an intoxicated person still might be liable for a DUI if the car is in park, has no gas, or the steering wheel is held.

What Penalties Come With a DUI in Florence, Alabama?

The specific punishments for a DUI depend on how many other DUI convictions someone has on their record and the factors involved in the case. First-time offenders can receive up to a year in jail and steep fines, while people receiving their third DUI can be forced to pay even more money in fines and sentenced to longer periods of time in jail.

All DUI convictions also typically come with a suspension of one’s license. In Florence, first-time offenders receive a shorter suspension, with the length of time increasing significantly if more DUIs are received. Possible DUI penalties also include court costs, driver’s license suspension, required alcohol education programs, and increased insurance rates.

Even a first offense can carry life-altering consequences, which is why it is so important to take your case on with a clear, calculated strategy.

Impaired Driving Statistics

In 2023, the United States had 12,429 people die from alcohol-impaired car crashes. Every day, over 30 people die from such accidents. According to data from 2024, Alabama reported 4,630 drivers cited for alcohol or drug impairment.

With high stakes, understanding how these laws are applied is crucial in evaluating your case and developing a solid defense strategy. The prosecution will seek to penalize alleged offenders to decrease the incidents of residents driving while impaired.

Take the Next Steps and Hire a DUI Lawyer

If you are deciding whether to hire a DUI lawyer, acting in a timely manner can be one of the most important decisions you make. The sooner an attorney is involved, the greater the chances there may be to examine the evidence, discover issues, and avoid mistakes that could affect your case.

A Florence DUI attorney can help: 

• Evaluate the specific circumstances of your traffic stop
• Examine breath or blood test results
• Identify procedural errors
• Communicate with the prosecution
• Create a defense strategy tailored exactly to your circumstances

Typically, DUI cases involve technical details that can affect the outcome, which is why early legal guidance is so important.

The Common Defenses for DUI Cases in Alabama

Every DUI case is different, and the effectiveness of a defense can depend on the specific circumstances. From identifying errors in testing to addressing Alabama drug laws and penalties, our goal is to weaken the state’s narrative. A seasoned Florence DUI lawyer may use multiple approaches to dispute the charges.

Common DUI defenses include:

• Unlawful traffic stop. If law enforcement did not have a legitimate reason to stop your vehicle, evidence may be disputed.
• Improper testing procedures. Breath or blood tests must follow strict guidelines. Errors in testing or calibration can impact results.
• Inaccurate field sobriety tests. These tests are subjective and can be affected by factors such as medical conditions, fatigue, or weather.
• Lack of probable cause. Officers must have adequate evidence to make an arrest.
• Chain of custody issues. Mistakes in how evidence is handled can raise questions about its reliability.

A solid defense involves reviewing every detail of the stop, arrest, and testing process. When necessary, cases are held in the Florence Municipal Court, located at 651 S. Seminary Street, Florence, Alabama, 35630.

FAQs

Should I Get a Lawyer for a DUI in Alabama?

It is a wise idea to obtain assistance from a lawyer for a DUI in Alabama. A DUI can come with serious repercussions, including felony charges, fines, prison time, and a suspension of your driver’s license. Seeking legal counsel can help you educate yourself on all your options that can result in a more positive outcome. A lawyer might be able to reduce your sentence or even have your charges dismissed completely in certain circumstances.

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Alabama?

The cost of a DUI lawyer in Alabama can vary. The exact cost depends on how experienced the lawyer is with DUI cases, how many other DUI convictions you have, and whether your case needs to go to trial or can be settled out of court. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for DUIs, while others charge an hourly rate, depending on how long it takes to resolve the case.

What Are the Odds of a DUI Being Dismissed?

The odds of a DUI case getting dismissed depend on the specific facts of the case. Issues such as lack of evidence, procedural errors, or constitutional violations can impact whether charges are decreased or dismissed. This is the difference experienced legal counsel from The Law Office of Brad Phillips, LLC can make.

Can I Get My First DUI Dismissed?

It is possible in some cases to get a first DUI dismissed, but it depends on the evidence and how the case is handled. Factors such as a previously clean record, mistakes in the arrest process, or weak evidence can influence the outcome of the case. Experienced and skilled legal representation can safeguard your constitutional rights from the start, as well as investigate whether or not there were mistakes made by law enforcement.

Florence, AL DUI Resources

• How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Alabama?

Contact The Law Office of Brad Phillips, LLC, to Obtain an Effective DUI Defense

An attorney can help minimize the stress of navigating DUI charges. To learn more about how you might benefit from a criminal defense attorney for your DUI, schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Brad Phillips, LLC, today.