Getting arrested for Driving under the Influence in Alabama is certainly not a welcome event in anyone's life. Often people arrested "felt fine" before driving, had no idea they were over the legal limit, or thought it was safe to drive just the few miles home, never figuring to see blue police lights strike up behind them. However, DUI cases can be won or settled with a pleasant outcome!

Aside from the surreal experience of being arrested, the inconvenience of having one's car towed and the embarrassment that comes with a DUI arrest, a person charged with DUI has to worry about fines, court costs, the implications on one's driving record, the effect on future employment and education, and, in the immediate present, the suspension of one's Driver's License for six months.

Two Separate Proceedings

When your get charged with a DUI, there are TWO separate processes that begin. (1) You are charged with a crime in the jurisdiction in which you were arrested and (2) Your Alabama Driver's License will go into the process of suspension. It is almost equally important to fight both of these legal processes from the beginning, and absolutely imperative that you contact an attorney immediately to prevent the license suspension process from the beginning.

Keeping your Driver's License Suspension at Bay

In addition to fighting the DUI charge itself, there is a legal method that provides immediate relief for the suspension of one's Driver's License: having a hearing with the Department of Public Safety and if the Driver's License is taken away filing an appeal of the suspension in Civil Circuit Court. While the appeal is pending, an attorney can get an Order from a Circuit Court Judge that stays, or temporarily prevents, your license from being suspended.

CDL Drivers - Commercial Driver's Liscense

A significant dilemma involves drivers who possess a CDL or Commercial Driver's License. The suspension or revocation of this type of license can impact one's very livelihood and sometimes only means of income. It becomes imperative that an attorney fight to prevent your CDL from being taken away.

Out of State DUI Defendants

Out of State DUI offenders do not necessarily have to appear in court on their hearing date. It is often possible to resolve these matters with only your attorney present on your behalf. There are legal methods by which an attorney can represent your interests in court with your permission. Out of State defendants do not have to immediately worry about license suspension, but many times Alabama will notify your state Department of Motor Vehicles unless the proper precautions are taken.

Hope for Resolution

Fortunately, many counties and municipalities in Alabama have enacted deferred prosecution programs or "court referral" programs that allow first time DUI offenders to get a second chance. These programs are set up to allow offenders to prove that they can "change their ways." Upon completion of alcohol counseling, driving classes, payment of fees and community service, many DUI charges can be dropped, wiped away as if they never happened. A skilled attorney can often negotiate entry of their client into these programs.

Always remember that each and every case is different and sound legal advice can only be attained by speaking directly to a knowledgeable and experienced attorney! Contact The Malbrough Firm, LLC - (205) 747-8351.