Consequences of a St. Patty’s Day DUI in Alabama | What You Must Know

If you face DUI charges, please read on, then contact an experienced Pensacola DUI defense lawyer to learn what you must know about the consequences of a St. Patty’s Day DUI in Alabama.

What happens when you get a DUI on St. Patrick’s Day in Alabama?

It does not matter what day you are caught driving under the influence. The consequences are as follows:

1st Offense:

  • Up to 1 year in jail, probation is possible if you qualify
  • Fine between $600 and $2,100, plus court costs
  • 90-day driver license suspension OR install an ignition interlock device for a period of 3 months
  • Ignition Interlock Required on your vehicle for 1 year if convicted under “Aggravating Circumstances”

2nd Offense Within Ten Years:

  • 5 days to up to 1 year in jail
  • Fine between  $1,100 and $5,100, plus court costs
  • 1-year driver license revocation OR install an ignition interlock device for a period of 2 years
  • 2-Year Ignition Interlock on your vehicle starts after mandatory 45-day driver license revocation period

3rd Offense Within Ten Years:

  • 60 days to up to 1 year in jail
  • Fine between $2,100 and $10,100, plus court costs
  • 3-year driver license revocation OR install an ignition interlock device for a period of 3 years
  • 3-Year Ignition Interlock on your vehicle starts after mandatory 60-day driver license revocation period

4th or Subsequent Offense Within Ten Years: (Class C felony)

  • 1 year and a day to up to 10 years in state prison
  • Fine between $4,100 and $10,100, plus court costs
  • 5-year driver license revocation OR install an ignition interlock device for a period of 4 years
  • 4-Year Ignition Interlock on your vehicle starts after mandatory 1-year driver license revocation period

Regardless of the circumstances, you should reach out to a skilled Baldwin County criminal defense lawyer.

How can a Baldwin County, Alabama criminal defense attorney help fight a DUI charge?

A seasoned legal representative will likely employ one of the following arguments and strategies:

  • Illegal stop: Police officers must adhere to certain rules and laws when pulling you over. If they fail to do that, then they may have to void your charges.
  • Medical or health issues: Certain medical problems can cause you to fail a sobriety test, even if you are not intoxicated. Additionally, medicine can make it difficult to ascertain your Blood Alcohol Content.
  • Unreliable testing: Standardized field sobriety tests are not always accurate or reliable. Your lawyer will evaluate the accuracy of said tests.
  • Request evidence: Some police departments require officers to video traffic stops. If your lawyer can obtain this evidence, he or she can determine how bad the sobriety test was and whether the case really hinges on the police officer’s word against the defendant.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED PENSACOLA FIRM

For decades, the Law Office of James M. Burns has helped countless people through a wide array of legal issues, including those involving criminal law, family law, personal injury law, and will & probate law. If require the assistance of a competent legal team that can effectively guide you through each phase of your legal matter, you’ve come to the right place. Contact the Law Office of James M. Burns today to schedule your initial consultation.