Can you believe that someone dies every 39 minutes in America due to a drunk driving accident?
Driving under the influence is a major concern that can ruin your life and put the rest of the public at harm as well. To deter people from driving under the influence, every state has enacted its own set of laws.
In Alabama, these laws are strict and carry severe penalties. Are you familiar with Alabama DUI laws? Read on so you can understand the rules and take steps to protect yourself.
Alabama DUI Laws
Alabama laws state that it’s illegal to drive once your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher. This limit applies to drivers aged 21 and over. Commercial drivers can get in trouble when the BAC is 0.04%.
Alabama strives to discourage people under the age of 21 from drinking. This is why they have a zero-tolerance policy for underage drivers. If you’re pulled over with a BAC of 0.02%, you’re breaking the law.
It’s also important to note that Alabama has an implied consent law. If you don’t know what this means, drivers must do a breath, blood, or urine test if a police officer requests one.
DUI Offenses
If an individual gets charged with a DUI offense in Alabama, they may face both administrative and criminal penalties. The administrative penalties involve the suspension of the driver’s license. For a first offense, the license suspension period is 90 days.
However, if the driver refuses to take a chemical test, the suspension period is increased to one year. Subsequent offenses carry longer suspension periods and may result in the permanent revocation of the driver’s license. Having the best Alabama DUI Defense is crucial for getting favorable results.
Criminal penalties for a DUI offense in Alabama can include fines, probation, mandatory alcohol education programs, community service, and even imprisonment. The severity of the penalties increases if you have prior offenses or a high BAC level during the arrest.
Other Consequences of Driving While Intoxicated
Apart from the legal consequences, a DUI offense can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s personal and professional life. It can lead to higher insurance premiums, restricted employment opportunities, and even damage to one’s reputation.
To avoid a DUI offense and its consequences, you need to make responsible choices when it comes to drinking and driving. If you plan on consuming alcohol, it is always best to arrange for alternative transportation. Having a DD or using a ride-sharing service will do the trick.
Alabama law enforcement agencies are proactive in combating drunk driving. You should never think that you’ll avoid detection. They use sobriety checkpoints and other strategies to catch offenders.
Alabama DUI Laws
Understanding Alabama DUI laws is vital to avoid the serious repercussions of a DUI charge. Not only will you keep yourself out of trouble, but you can also keep everyone else safe as well.
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