Alabama DUI Second Offense

In Alabama, the penalties for even a first-time driving under the influence (DUI) offender are quite serious; however, for a habitual offender, the consequences are even more severe. With the possibility of jail time, a driver’s license suspension, and expensive fines for a DUI conviction, hiring an experienced DUI defense attorney is quite important if facing a second Alabama DUI offense.

You may be considered “per se” intoxicated in Alabama if you operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher. When pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving, the arresting officer may ask you to take a breath, blood, or urine test in order to determine your BAC. If you refuse to take the test, you may face administrative penalties, such as a lengthy driver’s license suspension, for violating Alabama’s Implied Consent laws.

If convicted of a second DUI offense, you may be sentenced to up to one year in prison, which includes performing hard labor. The judge may order you to spend a mandatory minimum of five days in prison or complete 30 days of community service. Your fines could range from $1,100-$5,100, and your license may be revoked for one year. In some cases, you may be ordered to attend alcohol education classes, and your vehicle registration may be suspended during the period of your license revocation.

Other sentence enhancements may increase the penalties you face for a second DUI offense. For example, for transporting a minor under the age of 14 when intoxicated, your sentence may be double what it would be if a child had not been in your vehicle.

Did you know that your criminal and driving records can be accessed by third parties? This means that every time you apply for a job, housing, or a loan, your DUI charges can be seen. If your insurance company learns of your DUI conviction, your policy may be dropped or your premiums may be substantially raised.

Don’t let a second Birmingham DUI offense affect the rest of your life. Contact the experienced team at The Whitney Polson DUI Defense Office. They will aggressively defend your rights and build a solid case in order to avoid the consequences of a DUI conviction.