Aggressive DUI Defense Attorneys in Birmingham
In the state of Alabama, the penalties for a DUI conviction can be severe and can have a lasting impact on your driving privileges and other areas of your life. You can be arrested for a DUI if you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08 percent or higher while driving or having "actual physical control" of a vehicle. You may also be arrested if your BAC is below .08 but the police officer determines that you are driving in a manner that is unsafe or impaired. In either case, you could face charges that require an experienced DUI lawyer.
At Burke, Harvey & Frankowski, we can answer your questions about driving under the influence and can ease your fears about the penalties you face. Our lawyers will listen to your story and thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop, the arrest and any field sobriety, breathalyzer and other chemical tests that were administered. The exact penalties and circumstances that you face will differ depending on your record, your BAC and other specific circumstances, but regardless of where the stop occurred, our firm will work hard to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
After a DUI arrest in Alabama, you are given only 10 days to request a hearing with the Alabama Department of Public Safety regarding your driving privileges. Contact us as soon as possible so you do not miss this deadline and your chance to save your driver's license.
Information About Your DUI Arrest
There are many questions to ask and aspects to consider after an arrest for a DUI. Were you stopped legally? Did you refuse the unofficial or official breath test? Was anyone injured as the result?
A police officer must have reasonable suspicions to make a traffic stop. Officers generally cite erratic driving patterns, excessive speed or equipment failures as reasons for a stop but these reasons must be legal and verifiable. After a stop has taken place, the officer must have probable cause to arrest you. The officer must read your Miranda rights before questioning you, if it is clear that are not free to leave.
Alabama follows the law of implied consent, which means that drivers must comply with lawful requests for breathalyzer and other chemical tests or they will face the suspension of their driver's licenses, in addition to other DUI penalties. If anyone was injured or killed as a result of the DUI — whether that person is the other driver, a pedestrian or a passenger — the offense may be charged as a felony DUI, which carries additional and more severe penalties.
At Burke, Harvey & Frankowski, we will examine all aspects of the stop and arrest to determine if they were legal and what steps should be taken in your criminal defense. If you are underage or if you already have a conviction for a past DUI on your record, you have additional things to consider.
Contact Us to Retain a DUI Attorney for Your Charge
The experienced DUI and DWI defense lawyers at Burke, Harvey & Frankowski may be able to help you dismiss your drunk driving charges and prevent you from facing fines, the loss of your driving privileges and enrollment in a mandatory DUI treatment program. Contact us and speak with an attorney about your case as soon as possible. Call for a free consultation at 205-930-9091 or toll free at 888-930-9091.
