DUI-Driving Under the Influence Lawyer

DRUNK DRIVING LAWYER REPRESENTING CLIENTS FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS

If you are arrested for impaired driving, our Gadsden DUI lawyer Clark Hall will pull from over 30 years’ experience to help you with your defense. Clark Hall Law has handled thousands of cases and have a history of obtaining positive results on behalf of our clients. We understand that facing DUI charges may be overwhelming and frightening. Clark Hall will work alongside you throughout the entire legal process.

10 DAY RULE FOR DUIS IN ALABAMA

Those who are arrested must request a hearing within 10 days or their driver’s license will be automatically suspended. This administrative hearing is separate from the actual drunk driving charges, and for both situations, you will need an attorney who can present your case intelligently and assertively. Clark Hall is well-versed in all types of impaired driving cases and charges and is known for his dedication to these matters.

Attorney Clark Hall will look at all aspects of your arrest, including:

  • Was there probable cause to stop your vehicle?

  • Was there reason to believe you were impaired?

  • Did the police officer conduct themselves in an appropriate manner?

  • Were you taking any prescription medications that cause visual symptoms of alcohol use without causing actual impairment?

  • Were field sobriety tests administered correctly?

  • Are there passengers or other witnesses who can attest you were sober?

Whether you are a first-time or repeat offender, Attorney Clark Hall will work to form a successful defense on your behalf. We will also negotiate for you regarding sentencing and license suspensions.

DUI PENALTIES IN ALABAMA

In Alabama, the judge has discretion to impose jail time, fines, or both penalties on an individual convicted of a DUI. One of the most significant factors that determines the penalties for a DUI is whether or not it is a repeated offense.

1st DUI Offense Penalties

  • Jail time for up to 1 year

  • A fine of $600-$2,100

  • License Suspension for 90 days

  • Must have Ignition Interlock Device installed for 6 months (or 2 years with aggravated circumstances)

2nd DUI Offense Penalties

  • Jail time of 5 days to 1 year

  • A fine of $1,100-$5,100

  • License revoked for 1 year

  • Must have Ignition Interlock Device installed for 2 years (or 4 years with aggravated circumstances)

3rd DUI Offense Penalties

  • Jail time of 60 days to 1 year

  • A fine of $2,100-$10,100

  • License revoked for 3 years

  • Must have Ignition Interlock Device installed for 3 years (or 6 years with aggravated circumstances)

A convicted person might be allowed to serve a period of community service instead of jail time and might also be granted a restricted license during the period of his or her driver's license suspension.

FELONY DUI & VEHICULAR HOMICIDE IN ALABAMA

Certain circumstances can lead to felony DUI charges, including prior DUI convictions, being arrested in a school zone, and impaired driving with a suspended license or no insurance. If someone is killed in a drunk-driving accident, the driver can also face serious charges such as vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter, and criminal negligence.

In these circumstances, we will explore every possible option, including reduced charges, plea bargains, and alternatives to jail time. You can count on Clark Hall’s counsel and representation for the help you need.

WHAT CAN A DUI LAWYER DO FOR YOU?

Contacting a DUI lawyer is essential when facing a drunk driving charge in Alabama. A DUI Lawyer will have awareness of the legal system, knowledge of specific DUI laws, and ability to craft a successful defense on your behalf will prove crucial in the weeks or months after a DUI arrest. 

An experienced DUI lawyer can evaluate all aspects of your case, provide insight into the potential consequences of a conviction, and develop a strategy to minimize the possible adverse outcomes. The right DUI attorney can offer experienced legal advice and guidance and should be consulted immediately if you have been charged with drunk driving in Alabama. Call Attorney Clark Hall at (256) 549- HELP.

SHOULD YOU BLOW IF PULLED OVER ALABAMA DUI?

In the state of Alabama, this question is not so easily answered.  On the one hand, refusing to blow makes your attorney's job a bit easier when it comes to trial because the state (or city) will have no indisputable evidence that your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was above the legal limit at the time you were pulled over.  

But, on the other hand, thanks to Alabama Code Section 32-5-192, refusing to blow will get you:

1. an automatic 90 day suspension of your license;

2. a more difficult case for your attorney to negotiate with the prosecutor before trial; and,

3. can get you double the minimum days of suspension and an interlock device (device installed on a car's dashboard that tests the driver's BAC level and can prevent the engine from being started if the BAC level is above the limit set on the device) if convicted of a DUI after a refusal to blow.

4.  If you refuse to blow, the officer will confiscate your license and give you a form stating the reason for suspension and how to proceed from there.  

5.  You will also spend 24 hours in a holding cell. You have 10 days from the date of arrest, if you refuse to blow, to request a “pre-suspension” hearing with the Department of Public Safety. Your attorney can file for a stay of suspension pending the prosecution of the DUI.

Frequently Asked Questions about DUI in the State of Alabama

  • In Alabama, DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence.” It is a criminal offense that occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substance that impairs their ability to drive.

  • After your arrest, the state will order your license to be suspended for 90 days, regardless of the fact that you have not yet had the chance to be defended in court. However, you have 10 days to request an administrative hearing. During this hearing, a hearing officer will examine the evidence and determine if your driving privileges can be reinstated.

    By hiring Clark Hall Law to represent you, you improve your chances of receiving a restricted license that will allow you to drive while your case is being tried. Don’t hesitate—call us today! (256) 549-HELP

  • First-time offenders could face up to one year of imprisonment, a $600–$2,100 fine plus court costs, or both. They may also face a 90-day license suspension and/or be required to install an ignition interlock device in their car. Fines, jail or prison time, and other penalties increase as the number of DUI charges goes up.

    There are also enhanced penalties for aggravating circumstances, such as:

    Driving while a child under 14 is in the vehicle.

    Driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 percent or more

    Refusing to submit to a breath test.

    Being involved in a traffic accident where someone other than the offender was injured.

    At Clark Hall Law, we have successfully negotiated all types of DUI charges, including those involving aggravating circumstances. We will fight for the best possible outcome no matter the charges are.

  • In Alabama, a DUI conviction will remain on your record for a minimum of five years. During this time, your future could be seriously impacted. DUI convictions can negatively affect your auto insurance, credit score, job opportunities, ability to travel, and more. Don’t simply plead guilty to a DUI charge—contact Clark Hall Law to advocate for your future.

  • A DUI attorney can help you understand the charges against you, explore legal options and defenses, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court. An experienced DUI attorney can also help minimize the impact of a DUI conviction on your life and future.

    Call Attorney Clark Hall at 256 -549 -HELP (4357)

  • DUI convictions cannot be expunged in Alabama. However, if your DUI case was resolved in your favor, the arrest records can be expunged.

 If you are facing DUI charges and are in need of defense, now is the time to contact the Law Offices of Clark Hall.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to serious criminal consequences. Following an arrest, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended for several months, and you have only a limited amount of time to challenge the suspension. You could also face jail time, probation, fines and other penalties. Call Attorney Clark Hall at 256-549-HELP (4357).