If this is your first time charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) drugs or alcohol, make sure you contact a Birmingham first offense DUI lawyer. Being arrested for a DUI can be an overwhelming situation for anyone, but we can help alleviate your circumstances by guiding you through the process.
An attorney could bring the experience and knowledge you need to help your case in court. Call today and schedule a consultation with one of our Birmingham first offender DUI attorneys.
How First-Time DUI Charges are Handled by ProsecutorsIn Birmingham, the prosecutors are a little bit tougher than most. There is a possibility in many cases that there is no offer made and that they expect people to plead to the full charge or face the trial. There is also a possibility, based on negotiation, that charges could be reduced. However, it is unlikely that they are going to want to go below a drunk driving. That continues to expose people to jail.
It is the Birmingham first offense DUI lawyer’s goal, first and foremost, to show them any potential issues with the case, so the prosecution can understand that they would have a difficult time winning at trial. Hopefully, they come to an agreement in an arrangement where somebody pleads to a charge that is not going to expose them to jail or the other possible sanctions that one faces on a drunk driving. Outside of that, the court is very difficult on drunk drivers. It is essential they understand what they are going into from day one, that they have reasonable expectations, and this is where cases are supposed to end up normally and yet somehow in Bloomfield, they end up a completely different direction so they are prepared to fight from day one.
Judges and Jurors Leniency with First-OffendersThere is a certain level of leniency within the judges that varies, depending on each judge. Most of the judges are focused on making sure that the law is enforced and people are not hurt. It is important that when lawyers go to court, they understand that leniency is not the rule; it is an exception that is sometimes granted and not the general policy.
There have been some good results and the judges have been considerate in these types of cases thanks to the grasp of the process by the Birmingham DUI first offense lawyers. It is vital that the judge has a good relationship with the attorney and the attorney understands what the judge is looking for, so the lawyer can persuade the judge in an effective manner to be lenient versus just expecting the judge to be lenient.
Penalties for a First-Time DUI in BirminghamThere is no minimum requirement, but the general penalties are maximums. The general penalties are:
In addition to the fines, there are fees and costs added to that amount, which can bring that amount north of $2,000. Probation can also include not committing new crimes and not having the permission to leave the state. The person would be ordered to do a substance abuse evaluation and complete any recommendations that that evaluation has.
There are also driver’s license sanctions, based on the charge. Those driver’s license sanctions for a first offense drunk driving are six points added to the license. There is also a 30-day hard suspension followed by a 180-day restricted license, $125 reinstatement fee, and driving responsibility fees. The other penalties associated with it are that the person could lose their CDL for three years automatically and with the drunk driving, there are always collateral issues as far as their work, employment, and ability to answer questions in regard to prior convictions. These serious penalties and fines are exactly why contacting a Birmingham first offense DUI lawyer for help is so important.