DUI in Alabama: What You Need to Know If You’ve Been Arrested
Being charged with DUI in Alabama is serious—but it doesn’t have to ruin your life. At the Law Offices of Johnathan L. Williams, LLC, we help clients every day protect their license, freedom, and future. If you’ve been arrested for DUI, here’s what you need to know—and why having the right lawyer can make all the difference.
What Is a DUI Under Alabama Law?
Under Alabama Code § 32-5A-191, it is illegal to operate a vehicle in Alabama if:
- Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher,
- You’re under 21 and your BAC is 0.02% or higher,
- You’re a commercial driver and your BAC is 0.04% or higher, or
- You’re under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substance, regardless of BAC.
Even without a breath test result, an officer can charge you based on your behavior, speech, driving pattern, or field sobriety test results.
DUI Penalties in Alabama
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines between $600 and $2,100
- 90-day license suspension
- Mandatory DUI education or treatment
- Ignition interlock if your BAC was 0.15% or higher (see § 32-5A-191.4)
Repeat offenses within 10 years lead to harsher penalties, including longer license revocations, mandatory jail time, and higher fines.
Act Quickly: You Only Have 10 Days to Protect Your License
After a DUI arrest, your license is automatically at risk. You will be issued a temporary permit, but you must request a hearing within 10 days to fight the administrative suspension.
If you miss this window, your license may be suspended even before your first court date.
How We Defend DUI Charges
We take DUI defense seriously. Every case is different—but we routinely find issues that can weaken or dismiss the charges, such as:
- Illegal traffic stops without reasonable suspicion
- Improperly administered breath or field sobriety tests
- Lack of dash cam or body cam footage
- Violations of your constitutional rights
We’ll analyze every detail to build a strong defense and fight for the best possible outcome.
Why Hire a DUI Lawyer?
Prosecutors and police are building a case against you from the moment you’re stopped. You need someone in your corner who understands the law and knows how to protect your rights.
We’ve successfully helped clients in Jefferson County, Shelby County, and across Alabama avoid jail, reduce charges, and keep their licenses.
Contact Us Today for a Consultation
Don’t wait. If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Alabama, call (205) 573-4742 or click here to contact us for a confidential consultation.
We’ll give you straight answers and fight to protect what matters most.